When searching for breast augmentation in Beverly Hills you may come across many different procedures and techniques. There is breast augmentation with implants or with your own fat. Then there’s breast revision surgery, breast reduction or a breast lift (mastopexy).
It can be confusing at times to know which procedure is best suited to help you achieve your goals. To complicate matters even more, surgeons will often combine one or more techniques to give you the best results possible.
This article will compare breast augmentation vs. breast lift and provide examples for when these two are best performed together.
Breast Implant Vs. Lift
Breast augmentation surgery typically involves placing a silicone or saline implant behind the chest muscles or under breast tissue. Implants are designed to change the size, shape and projection of a woman’s breasts, enhancing their fullness and overall appearance.
A breast lift in Beverly Hills, on the other hand, is a technique to elevate and reposition the breasts by removing excess tissue and skin. Mastopexy does not add size or volume to the breasts. The main goal of this type of surgery is to restore a more youthful and lifted breast shape by tightening surrounding tissues.
In situations where extra volume is desired, breast augmentation using implants is a better alternative. Although a skillfully executed surgical lift can give the impression of fuller breasts by creating a ‘push-up bra’ effect.
Another reason a breast lift is preferred is when a woman has ample volume and too much breast deflation (ptosis). This is very common postpartum, particularly after breastfeeding or fluctuations in weight. An implant may not be necessary or even beneficial in this case.
Instead, a surgeon with an artistic eye can reshape and restore the breasts using a woman’s own tissue, creating a more lifted appearance and natural-looking cleavage. In some cases a breast reduction is performed as a complementary procedure to a breast lift to help achieve the desired shape and size.
Combination Breast Lift / Breast Augmentation with Implants
Breast Augmentation with Periareolar Mastopexy for mild tubular breast. (Areola Incision)
To recap, the objective of mastopexy is to restore breast shape and the position of the areolas and nipples. The end goal of breast augmentation is to increase breast size and fullness as per the patient’s desired aesthetic ideals.
Is this combination right for you? The answer depends on your anatomy and physiology. Your surgeon may recommend doing a breast lift alongside breast augmentation if your breasts are positioned lower than is desired aesthetically.
In this case, the surgeon will lift and reshape the breast tissue first, then address volume and size through the insertion of an implant. Alternatively, Dr. Cat can use your own fat cells (a procedure called autologous fat transfer) instead of an implant to add fullness and volume. For the best possible result, the breast lift and fat transfer are done seperately.
The Consultation Process: Breast Implant Vs. Lift
Your initial consultation with Dr. Cat is very important to the overall success of your breast augmentation process. She will go over all the details very thoroughly to ensure your needs and concerns are addressed. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to be fully informed about what’s involved in the surgery recommended to you.
Below are the topics that will be discussed during your in-person or virtual meeting:
Your anatomy and aesthetic goals
This first step is the most important as it will determine if you’re a good candidate and what type of surgery you will need. Dr. Cat will examine your anatomy carefully then recommend either a breast augmentation, breast lift or some combination of the two (and possibly other techniques).
Breast implant vs. lift before and after photos
Breast Augmentation with 350 cc HP silicone implants and Full Mastopexy (Anchor Incision)
Viewing photos is useful for a number of reasons. Firstly, you’ll be able to visualize what your own results will look like. Having performed hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries in the past, Dr. Cat will share with you before and after cases that are similar to yours.
Additionally, the photos are a great way to get comfortable with your surgeon’s skills and talent. Seeing for yourself the beautiful outcomes will further validate that you’re in very capable hands, and that you will be well cared for every step of the way.
Placement of incisions and scars
Dr. Cat understands the importance of delivering impeccable results for her patients. In fact, she has developed her own gentle and meticulous technique in order to minimize recovery time and more importantly, scars. She pays extra special attention to the final incision closures to make sure they heal in the best possible way.
Breast lift scar placement will depend on the procedure and technique used. A general rule of thumb is the bigger the lift, the more skin and tissue is removed, the more extensive the scar. Here are the three most common scar positions:
- Around the areola only – this is also called the periareolar incision because it goes around the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple.
- Lollipop incision – goes around the areola, extending vertically and culminating at the breast crease.
- Anchor incision – also called the inverted-T. This incision circles the areola, extending vertically and underneath the breast crease.
Timely scar management will ensure that your scars are barely noticeable once they have healed. The best time to begin scar treatment is two weeks after your breast lift surgery. At your two-week follow up visit, you’ll be provided with all the necessary scar products and medications.
What to Expect During and After Surgery
In preparation for your surgery, you’ll be provided with detailed pre and post-op instructions. Follow these very carefully to make sure your surgery goes smoothly, and to minimize any post-surgical complications.
Here’s a recap of what to expect:
Breast Augmentation with 350 cc HP Silicone Implants. (Breast Crease Incision)
Your surgery will take place under general anesthesia and will last approximately 3-6 hours. To minimize the sensation of pain while you’re undergoing surgery, a topical anesthetic will be applied. This will also maximize your comfort as you are waking up from surgery and for the next several hours.
The next day you may experience a tight sensation and tenderness in the breast area. It’s normal for the swelling to last about a month. Most people only require over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol. Notify your surgeon immediately if you experience excessive pain, swelling or signs of infection.
Many patients feel well enough to resume their daily activities after one week. Keep in mind that your recovery has only started and you should continue being very careful. If you want to exercise, you can go for a short walk. You can resume using a stationary bike after two weeks and vigorous exercise after four weeks (or once your surgeon clears you).
As the swelling subsides, your new breasts will slowly settle in and take their shape. The final results will be visible after 4-6 months.
Looking for more on breast augmentation vs. breast lift? Check out this blog to learn 5 Important Things to Know Before Getting Breast Implants.
For more information about our services, breast augmentation vs breast lift before and after pictures or general questions give us a call at 310-858-8808. You can also reach us by email at [email protected]. Use this link to book a pre-consultation phone call.
