Breast surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed today. There are several reasons women look to plastic surgery when they want a change to their look. Some may want to increase the size, whereas others may just want to change the shape or improve droopiness. It can be confusing to figure out the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift; both can provide benefits, but which one will give you the best results? When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Roussalis he will listen to your concerns and goals and create the right plan for you. Go into your consultation with a better understanding of the two.
The main purpose of a breast augmentation is to increase the size and enhance shape. During your consultation with Dr. Roussalis, you will discuss your goals and a procedure plan will be put in place. A procedure plan will include incision spot, implant size, type, and placement. All of these decisions are made based off of your goals and what will be healthy and realistic for your body. The surgeon also needs to make sure to have access to the breast tissue, while also minimizing scarring.
There are two types of implants that are offered by Dr. Roussalis: saline and silicone. Saline implants contain a saltwater solution in a silicone shell that all patients over the age of 18 are eligible for. Silicone implants have a silicone shell and are filled with a silicone gel, but only patients over the age of 22 are eligible for them. Allergan’s Natrelle Inspira line of gummy implants are Dr. Roussalis’ number one choice. Due to their gummy-like gel, these implants are designed to create a rounder, fuller look and maintain their shape after placement. The most popular incision spot is made underneath the breast, as it provides the most access to tissue while also hiding the scar. Depending on the size and type of implant, your surgeon may also make an incision in the armpit or around the nipple. Lastly, there is the placement of your implant. It can be made sub glandular, which means over the pectoral muscle but behind the breast tissue; or submuscular, which means under the pectoral muscle.
A breast lift is performed to improve the shape and get rid of drooping. As aging and weight fluctuations occur, the shape of your breasts can be affected. The type of incision that is made depends on the severity of the drooping. For those with a smaller amount, a periareolar incision is chosen which follows the natural areolar shape. For those with moderate drooping, a vertical breast reduction incision or “lollipop incision” is made. This is the same incision approach as the periareolar, but extends down, giving a greater lift. Lastly, for those with a greater amount of drooping, an inverted-T incision (anchor incision) is made to give maximum lift. This is the most popular incision which follows the same type of incisions as the other two but adds a cut in the breast fold. The incision choice is made by your surgeon based on your breast volume, tissue, and degree of droopiness.
There are many times a surgeon will recommend a combination of the two procedures to achieve a fuller, rounder, perkier look. The addition of an implant to a lift helps to add volume to the upper pole or portion of the breast. Whereas the addition of a lift to a breast augmentation will help re-position the nipples so as to not point downward. A breast augmentation and breast lift both have a list of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between them differs from person to person. The choices are discussed between your surgeon and yourself, but ultimately comes down to your goals, and the safest and most effective way to achieve that goal. If these surgeries are something you’ve been considering come see Dr. Roussalis! You can discuss all of your concerns, goals, and questions to find the best option for you!