Breast Augmentation: Q&A
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Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
At what point do you know if you need a breast lift vs breast implants (or both)?
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63 Doctor Answers |
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SaskGirl
in Saskatchewan Canada
+7
My Breasts Have Fallen and They Can't Get Up - Augmentation or Breast Lift
Patients who I see in consultation for drooping breasts (ptosis) or volume loss after pregnancy (pseudoptosis) almost always have one very important question. "Can my drooping be corrected with just implants or do I need a lift".
Here is the answer based on what I look for and ask each patient in my practice setting in Sarasota, Florida.
Implants alone will correct drooping when:
Breast drooping is mild
The nipple is still near the center breast and does not point...
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+6
Breast lift versus augmentation?
A breast implant is simply a bag of filler material designed to add volume to the breast. It is not designed to do anything else. I tell my patients that their breasts should look just like they do before surgery, only fuller. If you look at your breasts and determine that that will not work for you then perhaps you need a different procedure. Some patients who have lost volume from pregnancy or weight loss simply have loss of volume to their breasts leaving...
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Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation
A general guidline to help patients figure out if they are a candidate for a lift, is to note the position of the nipple and the breast tissue in relation to the fold. If you like where everything is rightnow and you wish you were bigger then the answer is a breast augmentation. That means the nipple is still at most anterior and most projecting part of breast mound. The breast tissue has to be ideally above the fold.
Now if find yourself standing in front of the mirror...
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Loving my New Boobs! - Long Beach, CA
Im 5'2" 130 lbs and have a 5yr old son and an almost 2 yr old daughter. both were...
+3
Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
The best way to determine this is to have someone evaluate you. With that said, a breast lift is generally indicated when you have significant glandular (breast) and/or nipple ptosis (sag). Nipple ptosis is when the nipple sits at the level of the IM crease or lower. Breast ptosis is when the breast hangs over the crease. A lift procedure can range from a simple nipple elevation technique (ellipse lift) to a more aggressive lollipop lift (Vertical Mastopex) with or...
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Breast Lift, Breast Aug, and Implants with a Lift
Do I need a Breast Lift?
This is a question that gets asked so frequently that I have recently written a blog post just about this topic.
The most important question with respect to whether to get a Breast Lift is whether your nipple drops below the inframammary fold. If it does, you definitely need a Breast Lift. Whether or not you need implants is a matter of whether you want upper pole fullness and/or larger breasts.
Please read my blog post below to learn about the...
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+2
Breast lift vs. augmentation
The goals of breast augmentation with implants versus a breast lift are very different even though the procedures are often combined. The breast lift is designed to restore the proper anatomic relationships of the breast. Classically, if the breast appears "droopy" or the nipple is low on the breast, the patient needs a breast lift. The nipple position can be determined to be "low" by looking at its relationship to the fold underneath the breast or the inframammary fold. If the nipple is at...
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+2
Breast lift vs. breast augmentation
There are couple of scenarios that might help answer this question:
1. You have deflation of your breast skin from either weight loss or after pregnancy. You don't want the scars of a breast lift and are hoping that a breast implant alone will give you the results you are hoping for. In this instance, the key factors will be the distance from your nipple to your inframammary fold, the size implant you are considering, and the importance of fullness in the upper aspect of the breast. Many...
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Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation does not lift the breast...it fills out the breast where it is, resulting in a larger breast with more upper pole fullness. If the breast has a certain amount of overhang, it will still have that. If the nipple is low on the breast, it will still be low on the breast, though sometimes some stretching of the lower pole of the breast below the nipple by an implant will give the illusion of a somewhat higher nipple. If a breast is TOO low...too overhanging...
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+2
Depends on volume
Are you happy with the size of your breasts while they are in a bra? then you need a lift. if you want added volume, then an augmentation is needed. if you need both repositioning of the breast volume and added volume, then both a lift and augmentation are needed.
+2
Breast Augmentation with or Without a lift: Mastopexy
The best way to determine if you need a Breast Augmentation or a Mastopexy/ Lift is to look at the size of your breast in a bra. If the breast are the perfect size in the bra but sagging, or the nipples are pointing down, or the areola are too large- You need a lift. If the breast are too small you need an augmentaiton. It is common to combine these two procedures because in order to achieve an aesthetic result, the position of the nipple areolar complex on the breast mound is...
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Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
Although there is some indication cross-over, a breast augmentation has a different goal than an uplift (mastopexy). Adding an implant to a breast is designed simply to make it larger. Generally it even has the same shape, but it is just larger. If the nipples are too low and there is sagging, an implant will make it larger, but with some minor exceptions, it will be a larger sagging breast with the nipple pointing downward. An abstract rule many plastic surgeons go by is, if the nipple...
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+2
Breast lift or breast augmentation?
Hello,
The two procedures, breast augmentation and breast lift, are designed to accomplish different things.
Breast augmentation is designed to increase or replenish breast volume.
Breast lift is designed to reposition the areola and reshape the breast by correcting breast laxity.
One procedure should not be used to help correct or camouflage the need for the other. This inevitably results in a suboptimal result.
All the best,
Dr Repta
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+2
Breast lift, breast augmentation, or both
In order to determine whether you need a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both, it is best to consult a plastic surgeon. Without a physical examination, it would not be possible to tell you what you need. There are many types of breast lift procedures depending on the amount of drooping you have. To an extent, breast implants can provide a small amount of lift if the drooping is not very bad. If you have small breasts that droop, you may need both a breast lift...
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+2
Breast lift vs. Breast implants
If your only concern is that the breasts are small and you want them larger, usually a breast implant will be enough. However if your breast appear to be droopy, the nipples appear to be low on your chest or are pointing down you probably need a breast lift. Both a breast lift and a breast augmentation will be required if you breasts are small and droopy.
The best way to know what is best for you is to be a evaluated by a plastic surgeon.The physician should be certified by the American...
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+2
Dilemma: Breast Lift or Augment
This is a great question. It really depends on the size and shape of the breast. If the breast is really lax and "saggy", a breast lift or mastopexy may be the right option. If the breast is not as large as you would like or it has lost its upper volume after breast feeding, augmentation may be the best option. There are some patients who could benefit from a combination breast lift and augmentation as well. The downside of a breast lift is...
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+2
Lift or Augmentation
Breast lift will tighten sagging skin, reshape the flattened droopy breast, reposition some of the breast tissue that is below the crease higher on the chest, and put the nipple at the height of the breast crease.
Breast augmentation will make the breast larger, can fill out loose skin of a deflated breast. Breast implants do NOT lift the breast or nipple.
Upper chest fullness can be helped primarily with an implant and variably with breast lift, depending on the amount of...
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+2
Breast augmentation or breast lift
You have to answer whether you want more volume or not. If you are happy with your current breast size but not happy with your shape because they are saggy, then you should get breast lift. If you are not happy with your size, then you can get implants. If you are not happy with both the size and shape, then you will need breast augmentation and lift at the same time. Please talk with your plastic surgeon about your goals and expectation. She or he will give you...
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+2
Breast lifting with or without implants vs implants alone
Basically, if you pad your bra and want more volume than you have, you need an implant regardless of the lift issue. If you want upper pole fullness, you also need an implant because a lift alone won't usually do that.
You need a lift if the nipple areola has descended down from a youthful elevated position. Remember that the best looking breasts have the nipples on the front pointing forward. The farther down they have gone the more lift and scars you need. If they are still above the...
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Choosing between breast augmentation, lift, or both
The decision to do augmentation is based primarily a desire to increase size/volume of the breast. If you feel that your breast is too small then breast augmentation is indicated.
A breast lift is used to elevate or restore nipple and/or breast tissue to a more youthful position. Typically by looking at mirror, if you are unhappy with where the nipple and/or breast tissue is located, then you can benefit from a breast lift procedure. There are several types of breast lift procedures...
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+1
Breasts have sagged after having children. Do I need a lift or an augmentation or both??
This is a common question and the answer is dependent on a number of factors. The primary determinant of whether or not an implant may be necessary is whether or not you feel that your breasts are big enough when you are wearing a bra, especially a non-padded sports bra. If you feel your volume is adequate in a non padded bra, then you dont need breast augmentation.
Breast lift is associated with new scars on the breast around the nipple and often on the undersurface...
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Lift vs. Implant
Thank you for your question. The need for a lift, implant, or both can sometimes be difficult to determine. As others have pointed out, if your nipple is above the level of your breast crease (under the breast along the chest) and you have some visible skin beneath your nipple, then a breast implant alone can be beneficial to increase the size and upper pole fullness. The more loose skin you have, the larger an implant you will typically need to fill out the skin envelope....
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Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation
Oftentimes this is not a case of either/or but rather a situation where both procedures can be advantageous. Combining a breast lift with breast augmentation can give you great results. Many practices these days, including mine, combine breast procedures with a tummy tuck, which has the added benefit of only having one surgery appointment, and a single recovery period.
It’s important to choose a surgeon who has experience combining multiple procedures like this to ensure the best...
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+1
Breast Lift Helps Correct Breast Sag; Often Times, a Breast Lift Makes the Breasts Look Fuller
It’s not unusual for women who have breast hypoplasia to also have breast sag. In many patients, both problems have developed following pregnancy and breast feeding.
For many women, this creates a dilemma. They want larger breasts, but don’t want the scarring associated with a breast lift. In these situations, it’s important to evaluate each patient individually, because they have unique anatomic considerations and specific aesthetic goals
In many patients, extreme sag can make the...
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When do you need a lift
Although the answer will vary with each individual, there are a couple of quick tests. If your nipple- areloa are actually below the level of your breast fold, or your nipple is 21 cm or more from the hollow at the top of your breastbone, you will probably need a lift for your breast to look ideal again. Be cautious of surgeons who recommend large implants to solve this alone. It is a temporary solution in most cases.
+1
Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
If there is no breast tissue at all or very little breast tissue then an augmentation is what is usually indicated. If there is droopy tissue with redundant breast skin envelope and loss of breast tissue such that the nipple is positioned much lower than the inframammary fold then a breast lift is usually indicated (with or without an implant).
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Lift Vs. Augment
Dear SaskGirl,
A lift is performed if your nipple falls below the level of your inframammary fold. This is the fold or groove underneath your breast. If your nipple is at or below this level, you likely need a lift.
An augment is performed if you want more volume in your breast. It is possible to re-arrange breast tissue during a lift to give the appearance of an augment.
It is important that you know that if you have a combined augment and lift that the two surgeries...
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+1
In my experience, many patients need both.
In my experience, many patients need both. I see a lot of women
postpartum for these procedures. Childbirth and nursing result in both
breast tissue volume loss and breast drooping. And with every pregnancy,
this situation increases. So, as part of a "mommy makeover" for example,
patients have both a breast lift and augmentation. Of course, there are
situations where only one of these procedures is needed. However, be
aware that breast augmentation, which means...
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Dr. S 5 tips for deciding between breast augmentation and a breast lift or both
1. Augmentation in a patient who has had children or weight loss is a terrific way to restore volume and lift with a small incision.
2. Do not fear the implant. I t is your friend that gives you the size and shape you once had with a much smaller incision than a lift. Speak with your surgeon about implant options.
3. Patients who...
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+1
Lift vs Augmentation
A Breast Lift is best when you are happy with your breast size but you want them lifted and have excess skin that can be removed but lifting areola up and reshape.
A Breast Augmentation is to enhance your breast size using an implant, in some cases an implant can give you a lift and enchace your cleavage and give a perky look.
Most patients that get both procdures would like to enhance breast size while getting rid of excess skin usually post pregnancy.
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Breast Lift and Breast Implants
Hi SaskGirl
Breast lifts and breast implants perform different functions. Breast implants provide volume and can either enhance or restore the size of the breasts. Breast implants alone do not provide substantial lift to the breasts. If the primary concern is sagging or ptosis to the breast, the better operation is to formally lift he breasts through a mastopexy. Sometimes patients desire both, i.e. increased volume and lift to the breasts. In this situation both operations are performed...
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Breast augmentation vs. breast lift
Please don't think that breast augmentation will do any lifting to the breast, it will only fill out the breast shape by adding volume to the breast. Whatever your breast looked before the surgery it will only look fuller after the augmentation. A lift, on the other hand, will add volume if performed with the augmentation but will also give you a more elevated and balanced breast look if performed properly, provided the correct breast lift is performed. These types of...
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+1
To lift? or only an augmentation?
A breast lift is a procedure to raise the nipple-areolar complex. It does not increase the volume of the breast like an augmentation. Some patients are candidates for both procedures. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will determine what procedure is best for you.
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Lift or Larger?
Ask yourself if are happy with the size of your bra or would you prefer a larger cup size. If you want a larger cup size then you will need an implant or augmentation. If you are ok with the size but would prefer to be a bit more perky, then a lift might be just right for you. A lift is going to do a lot for drooping or sagging of the breast and an implant is going to add fullness and volume to the breast.
+1
Breast Augmentation vs. Mastopexy. Natrelle STYLE 510 prostheses.
The purpose of each surgical procedure is different:
BREAST AUGMENTATION: Improve the size of your breasts.
BREAST LIFT (Mastopexy): Improve the downward position of your nipples, and the breast sagging / laxity.
But there are same clinical situations, where a breast augmentation, when your (and your surgeon) choice is an ANATOMICAL (SHAPED) PROSTHESE, can correct a mild / moderate drop. If "STYLE 510" (Natrelle-Allergan) implant is chosen, we can solve a...
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Breast implants are designed to enhance the size of a woman's breasts, and
They work extremely well when chosen wisely and placed skillfully. They are not really designed to change the shape of a woman's breasts, specifically issues like uneven areolar size, or position. Implants, particularly placed above the muscle, can have a small effect on droopy (ptotic) breasts, but if there is significant ptosis of the breasts, than a breast lift is the correct operation. If the problem is one of both size and shape of the breasts, than a combination...
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+1
Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation
Perhaps the most simple thing in determining whether one needs an augmentation and/or a lift is to assess the position of your breast tissue and nipple in comparison to your inframammary fold. It is really not beneficial to do an augmentation alone if the nipple and breast tissue are below the inframammary fold as this causes a long term breast deformity. If you have drooping of your nipples and your breast tissue is below your inframammary fold you really should consider doing a breast lift...
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+1
Breast Implants or Breast Lift or Both?
While it is impossible to tell if you will need breast implants, a breast lift, or both without a thorough discussion and evaluation, here are a few guidelines:
Breast Implant Candidates:
- Have a small amount of drooping (i.e. ptosis)
- Have a nipple that is no more than about 2 cm beneath the breast fold
- Desire an increase in size
- Are concerned about scars on the...
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+1
Breast Implants - With or Without a Breast Lift
Hi MaddiesMom in Canada,
Excellent question - and probably one that should be asked more often.
Here's what I would say are the general guidelines.
If you are basically happy with the shape and position of the breasts, then you will do well with just implants. The position refers to where the nipples are (height, do they point forward or down) relative to the breast mound. If you have just a little bit of sagging (or none), even with a loss of superior fullness...
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+1
Breast lift v breast augmentation
This is a simple enough question with a complex answer. Your goals will have to be sorted out in a consultation as well as your tolerance for incision lines and scars. Get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon.
Wishing you all the best,
Talmage J. Raine MD FACS
+1
Breast lift vs. Breast implants
The easiest way to answer this question is to ask yourself if you are happy with your breast size in a non-padded bra. If you are happy with your breast size in a non-padded bra, then a breast lift alone is the procedure of choice. If you wish your breasts were fuller with a non-padded bra, then you will require a breast implant, which may also require a lift at the same time if there is also sagging.
+1
Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift
If you want larger breasts or more volume, a breast augmentation may be what you are looking for. If you have excessive skin, lack of breast tissue, and your breasts are sagging (the nipples are pointing down) you may be a candidate for a Mastopexy or breast lift. Upon consultation your ASPS board certified plastic surgeon will examine you and determine the best treatment plan to address your concerns.
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Lift vs Augmentation
Breast augmentation only makes your breast larger. In some cases using a larger implant can give the illusion of a better shape or better nipple position however I don't ever encourage this as it just leaves you unhappy and in 5 years needing even more of a lift than was probably warranted in the first place. Determining if you need a lift is based on a few things, where your nipples are on your breast, volume differences and the look you are going for post-operatively. If you desire...
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Breast augmentation or breast augmentation plus lift Augmentation mammoplasty
Some patients I see in consultation are primarily interested in a breast lift procedure. For those with a significant amount of existing breast tissue, a breast lift alone may produce an aesthetically ideal breast appearance. However, it can difficult to achieve significant fullness in the upper poles of the breasts (the upper aspect of the breasts, above the nipple-areola area) in many patients by means of a breast lift alone. I ask patients who are considering a breast lift procedure...
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Breast Lift with an Augmentation
A Breast Lift is indicated if your nipple falls below your crease. A Breast Augmentation is indicated for those women who wish to have more volume in addition to perkier breasts. If you are happy with the amount of volume in your breasts then just doing a lift may be sufficient.
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Is a breast lift necessary with a breast augmentation.
The simplest question to answer is wether an implant is necessary. If you want larger breasts you need an implant. The lift question is more difficult and requires some thought. The location of your nipple as it relates to the fold beneath your breast is typically the deciding factor. If you have loose skin but the nipple hasn't descended too much just an implant will do. If your nipple is low or at the bottom of the breast a lift is typically needed...
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Breast implants vs breast lift vs both
If you are happy with your nipple/areolar position and just want larger breasts then implants alone should accomplish your goals. If you are happy with your volume and don't like the location of your nipple/areola then you would benefit from just a lift. If you want increased size and elevation of the nipple/areola, then you need augmentation and a lift. Make sure that you listen to your surgeons recommendations so you get the right procedure for the right problem.
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Breast Lift vs Augmentation vs both?
If you are unhappy with your volume - then breast augmentation.
If you have sagging of your breasts but are OK with the volume you have, but the volume is in the wrong place - then breast lift without implants
If you are concerned regarding sagging and volume - then breast augmentation and lift. These procedures can be performed simultaneously or can be staged.
Hope this helps.
+1
Breast lift vs. breast augmentation
Hi!
Here's a summary for you:
1) If your nipples are lower than the fold under your breasts, then you need a breast lift to get a good result, with or without breast implants.
2) If your nipples are higher than the fold, then breast augmentation alone is probably fine.
3) We often use a combination breast augmentation and lift. Sagging breasts are often "empty" and need implants. Also using implants often allows us to use a shorter scar breast lift.
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Breast implants with or without a breast lift
Many women are concerned about the incisions associated with a breast lift, and for this reason really try to avoid it, which is certainly understandable. In most cases, however, these incisions heal very well and are difficult to see. Whether or not you need a lift really depends on your specific anatomy and the judgement of your surgeon. The goal if the lift is to give you a better shape of your breast and position of the nipple (lifting it into a more youthful place on the breast). If...
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Breast lift - Augmentation - Both?
You yourself may not be able to conclude what is best for you. Seek out an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who should do several things in the consultation. First, he/she should listen to your concerns, your goals and your expectations. Secondly, he should take a thorough medical and family history (especially of breasts). He should then do an examination, to include breast measurements (location of the nipples, location of inframammary folds, asymmetries) , breast exam for...
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Breast lift or breast augmentation?
The answer to this question depends on whether or not you want added volume to your breasts or just a "lift" of the nipple/areola. If you do want to be larger, you may want to cosider a breast implant. If not, a lift only can be very effective at lifting the nipple/areola in an aesthetically pleasing way. If you want both a lift and added volume, consider a lift and an implant. Both can be done safely and at the same time for a fantastic result. Good luck!
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How to choose between breast lift (mastopexy) or enlargment (augmentation with implants) or both
I am enclosing the information you are requesting about a breast lift (mastopexy) or enlargement (augmentation mammoplasty) .
It is important to understand that a breast lift will lift the nipple to give it a more firm appearance. However, it does not make your breast feel more firm (usually achieved with an implant).
BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)An office visit/consultation is mandatory prior to scheduling the procedure. The following information is based on a breast lift procedure only. During...
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Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation
This is something a qualified board certified plastic surgeon can help you decide on. If you have drooping skin with the nipple and areola hanging down, perhaps pointing downwards then you need a lift. Now if there is lack of breast tissue and volume, for example if you feel that you dont fill out your bra enough, then you also need implants as well.
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Lift or implants
Dear Maddie's Mom,
There are many factors that determine whether you need breast implants, a breast lift or both. Your current breast size, skin elasticity and amount of ptosis (sagging) are just a few. You should consult with a plastic surgeon for an opinion about what would be the best option to provide you with the result that you desire. Good luck!
+1
Not either or situation
A breast lift is usually needed if the nipple position drops down below the crease where the underwire of the bra sits.
The breast lift will raise the nipple, improve symmetry, shape the breast, but will usually result in a slightly smaller breast. Upper pole fullness is usually not greatly improved.
The augmentation on the other hand, will give some uplift, shape the breasts, improves symmetry, improves upper pole fullness. If the breast tissue is too low, it will flagg off of the...
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Depends on what you're looking for
Most women who come to me seeking a breast lift know why they are there. The sagging is usually quite noticeable and bothersome. Normally the nipple lies on an imaginary with the inframammary fold. Once the nipple falls below that line this is considered ptosis or sagging. This occurs after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging etc.
An augmentation is used to enhance volume. In addition it can elevate the nipple giving a slight breast lift.
An augmentation mastopexy (breast lift) is performed...
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Breast lift and implant
When do you need both or one? That is the key to the physical exam while be examined by a plastic surgeon. Options for treatment should be discussed with you during your consultation and realistic results with each technique should be discussed.
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To Lift or to do an augmentation?
There are many reasons why women seek a consultation regarding their breasts with a plastic surgeon. Some simply want a larger bust line while others are only looking for more fullness or a perkier shape. Not everyone is a candidate for breast implants nor does everyone want them. Some women can achieve these goals without a breast lift (mastopexy), while others need a mastopexy alone or combined with an implant. How does your surgeon determine what is right for you? There are three...
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Sagging breasts with nipples below the crease require a lift
A breast augmentation is done to increase the size of the normally shaped breast. If the breast sags--called mammary ptosis-- then placing an implant under the sagging breast can look abnormal (snoopy deformity).Ptosis is defined by the position of the nipple-if the nipple is below a line at the level of the inframammary crease (the fold beneath your breast), then you have ptosis.Depending on the severity of the ptosis, you may need a breast lift. In many cases a breast augmentation and lift...
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Breast lift versus breast implant
Breast implants are indicated to increase the size of your breast. You do get a small amount of lift as the volume of the breast increases do to filling the empty space / replacing the lost volume. A breast lift is indicated if the level of the areola has shifted downward due to time and/or gravity or just your natural anatomy. In general, if your areola is lower than your breast fold, then you likely would benefit from a lift. Also, many people choose to have an implant and a lift at...
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Position of breast/nipple related to breast fold is key in breast lift
The best way to determine whether or not you need a lift is to have a comprehensive consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine your specific options. The decision is made based on your physical exam - if you breast/nipple position is at or above the level of your breast fold (the crease of your breast under the chest) you will not need a breast lift usually. If your breast/nipple is below the fold, then you will likley need a breast lift. The types of lift differ...
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Breast lift vs Augmentation
The choice for a breast lift vs breast augmentation depends mostly on your anatomy, and then is a mix between desired final look / breast volume, and level of aversion to the lift scars. In regards to your anatomy, look at yourself in a mirror and see where your nipple is in relation to the inframammary fold (the breast crease below the breast where it attaches to the chest wall.) If the nipple is above the fold, implants work well. If the nipple is at the same level as the fold, you can...
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Breast Lift vs. Breast Implants
How do you know if you are a candidate for implants or a lift? First, ask yourself whether your problem is volume or shape. If you want to go bigger, the only way to do that is with implants. If you're sagging or asymmetrical, and are looking for perkiness, you'll need a lift--or, if you also want more volume, a lift and implants. The great thing about these techniques is that they can now be down with minimal scarring and performed as an outpatient procedure without the need for general...
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