Dr. Lee Steely Answers Breast Questions

Dr. Lee Steely Answers Breast Questions
Real Beauty News on Jun 22, 2008

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - June 17, 2008) Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Steely says patients ask him all the time which is better, a breast augmentation or a breast lift?

According to Dr. Steely, breast augmentation increases only the volume of breasts. It will not move breasts closer together, lift droopy breasts or change the position of nipples. After augmentation, breasts are fuller and firmer with more projection.

Alternatively, a breast lift raises the position of the nipple as well as the breast tissue. Excess skin is removed, or tightened and reshaped, giving the breast a higher, firmer, and perkier contour.

So who is a good candidate for either?

For breast augmentation, Dr. Steely notes, "Women with good skin elasticity, whose breasts do not sag, but who wish to have larger breasts will benefit the most from breast augmentation."

"Breast implants can increase the volume, and improve the shape and firmness of breasts, as well as sharpening cleavage. However, sagging breasts will not be lifted and stretch marks will not be removed, but may be less noticeable."

"Breasts which have stretched or lost their elasticity may droop more after breast augmentation."

"On the other hand, women who are happy with the amount of breast tissue they already have, but desire higher, firmer breasts, will benefit most from a breast lift."

A breast lift will:

  • Correct sagging breasts
  • Reposition breasts to a more desirable location
  • Remove excess skin
  • Bring together breast tissue which has spread out

The result is firmer, more attractive breasts which often appear somewhat larger without adding volume or fullness.

Of course, some women will opt for both procedures to achieve both an increased volume and a higher, perkier breast mound.

R. Lee Steely, MD, FACS is an Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon certified by both The American Board of Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

In his Houston, Texas, practice where he specializes in body contouring, including breast enhancement. He believes that beauty is all about balance and the relationship of each part to the whole. See the press release

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sarah wisniewski
1 post
16 Jan 2009

Before pregnancy, I was very skinny and a small B cup. After pregnancy I got up to a double D. I lost the weight extremely fast and am not back down to a full B but have all the extra skin for a double D so now my once firm breasts are very saggy. I am only 19! It's very embarrassing. My question is two-part. How much does it costs for breast implants and would you suggest them in my case?

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Last modified 2008-Jul-21