If you are interested in breast enhancement surgery, you may be wondering which technique is right for you: breast lift surgery or breast implants. While it’s true that both can enhance the overall appearance of the breasts, the two options have different goals and, therefore, are indicated accordingly.
The main goal of a breast lift (or mastopexy) is to correct breast drooping or sagging. This is achieved through the removal of excess skin and reshaping/elevation of the remaining breast tissue, ultimately resulting in firmer, perkier, more naturally positioned breasts. The procedure does not add any volume to the breasts. In fact, a patient’s breast size is often slightly diminished due to the elimination of extra skin and compaction of the recontoured tissues.
In contrast, the goal of breast implants is to increase the volume and/or improve the shape of the breasts. This can be done with traditional silicone implants, highly-cohesive silicone implants or saline implants, depending on the unique needs and desires of the patient. Although breast implants are sometimes capable of providing a slight lift, they are not usually able to correct anything more than the mildest cases of breast sagging by themselves. Attempting to do so typically leads to an abnormal breast appearance created by excess skin and tissue hanging off the implants.
So which option is right for you?
Generally speaking, if you are satisfied with your current breast size and solely wish to resolve breast drooping without adding or restoring volume, a breast lift by itself will likely be the best option. Similarly, if you are simply seeking to enhance the size or shape of your breasts and do not have any notable breast drooping, breast implants alone may be appropriate. If, however, your goal is to increase your breast size or restore lost volume and you have any degree of breast sagging present, a breast lift with implants will usually be the ideal solution.
As always, this information is meant to educate you on your plastic surgery options so that you can make informed choices regarding your care—the ultimate decision as to which breast enhancement technique is right for you should be made by both you and your board-certified plastic surgeon during an in-person consultation.
To learn more about breast lift surgery and breast implants, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub, please contact us online or by telephone today.