Breast Augmentation: Can You Get Away Without a Breast Lift Procedure?

Breast Augmentation

A common question we get during breast augmentation consultations is whether or not a breast lift is needed in addition to the placement of implants. Sometimes the answer is quite evident from the start, and other times it becomes a judgment call based on a particular patient’s desires and expectations. So, deciding whether “to lift or not to lift” begins with a thorough examination of the patient.

What to Look For

breast lift procedureIf a patient’s breasts appear deflated, drooping or have evidence of moderate to severe stretch marks, chances are some sort of breast lift procedure will be necessary due to excess skin. This process can occur after multiple pregnancies or after extreme weight loss.

Looking at the position of the nipple can help to determine if a breast lift procedure will be necessary. If the nipple is near the bottom of the breast or is pointing downward, a breast lift can reposition the nipple into a more youthful, centered position over the center of the breast.

Also, if there is no visible breast skin beneath the areola when the patient looks straight-forward into a mirror, a breast lift will likely help to achieve the desired cosmetic result.

The “pencil test” is one way to determine whether a breast lift could be beneficial. To perform this simple test, place a pencil below the breast and let it go. If the pencil stays on its own, held in place by the breast fold, you may want to consider adding a breast lift to you breast augmentation procedure.

3D Simulations Can Help Inform Decisions

Breast Lift Procedure Orange CountyThree-dimensional imaging is a developing technology that can help to inform decisions about the appropriateness of a breast lift procedure. At Finesse Plastic Surgery, we use the VECTRA 3D system to simultaneously capture multiple photographs of a patient from different angles.

Special computer software renders these images as a three-dimensional representation of the patient. This is used to simulate different implant shapes, sizes, and styles on the body, as well as the ways three different breast lift procedures would affect the appearance.

For patients whose breasts are not too droopy and whose nipples are not situated too far below the fold of the breast, there are several options. One option is to leave the breast centered lower on the chest wall, where it currently is, and use a somewhat larger implant (at least a cup or 2 larger) to fully fill any excess skin.

This can be a reasonable plan if the patient desires a larger breast size and is aware that a breast lift will very likely be needed in the future. Placing the implant in the subglandular position (above the muscle) may also help achieve a desired result in these cases.

If the patient does not want too large of an implant, then it can be difficult to achieve a desired cosmetic result without additional tailoring of the skin. Adding a breast lift procedure will provide better form and shape of the existing breast tissue over the implant and will give a longer-lasting result, possibly eliminating the need for further lifting at the time of implant exchange a decade or so after the first surgery.

Breast Lift Procedure

There are many factors to consider when deciding if a breast lift procedure is appropriate in addition to augmentation. Our experienced plastic surgeons will help guide you through these decisions. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift procedures from the Finesse Plastic Surgery team.

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