Breast surgery remains one of the top requested plastic surgeries performed in this country, and each woman has her own valid reasons for wanting changes made to her breasts.
Those who have small breasts want them to be larger. Women with very large breasts often wish they were smaller, and some women are pleased with their breast size, but long for that youthful perkiness to be restored.
Thanks to ever-advancing technology, there are cosmetic surgeries available that address all those issues, allowing most women to have their wishes come true. The only problem is, many women aren’t sure which procedure they really need.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure designed to enlarge or enhance the size of the breasts using implants. The focus of this procedure is on the breast size and shape, not on whether they’re drooping or not.
Breast augmentation will provide a small amount of lift, but if your breasts are sagging badly, it’s likely a breast augmentation will not be the right procedure for you.
What is a Breast Lift?
The primary focus of a breast lift is on the position of the breast. It does not enlarge the size of the breast. Typically, breasts are defined as sagging based on the location of the nipple in relation to the mammary fold, the skin fold beneath the breast. When the nipple is lower than the mammary fold, it signifies sagging breasts.
If you’re wondering if a breast lift is the right option for you, there’s a simple test you can use. Place a pen or pencil beneath your breast…if it stays in place, you’re likely a good candidate for a breast lift. Another classic sign of sagging breasts is when your nipples are pointing downward.
Sometimes You Don’t Have to Choose
Many women discover they have significantly sagging breasts as well as considerable volume loss. In these cases, breast augmentation is done at the same time as a breast lift. This combination of procedures has been performed enough times that it has its own name, augmentation/plexy.
This combined treatment gives you the best of both worlds. Not only are your breasts restored to their youthful, perky position on your chest, they also get an increase in volume with the insertion of implants.
Some Final Thoughts about Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation
The decision to undergo breast surgery is a very personal one, and you must be able to feel safe and secure in your decision. For your own peace of mind, take your time locating a well-qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon who has plenty of experience or even better, one whose specialty is breast surgery.
They should have plenty of before and after pictures of previous clients’ successful transformations and should be happy to show them to you.
The most important thing is to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and one whose skills you have faith in. A board-certified, highly experienced plastic surgeon will be able to help you determine if your unique situation calls for breast augmentation, just a lift, or a combination of the two.
