Breast lift w/augmentation (anchor incision) 500cc. Is it worth it?

Some surgeons are able to do a lollipop incision opposed to an anchor incision. It also depends on the condition of your breasts and the goal you are attempting to obtain. A nerve block or local anesthetic in the area can help relieve some pain. Also pain meds taken on a schedule helps better manage post operative pain. As for your question as if it is worth it? Most patients are very pleased with their outcomes and happy they followed thru on the surgery and regained breasts that resemble their pre pregnancy breasts and sometimes even look better then their pre pregnancy breasts. It is an investment in yourself. The downfall, cost and time healing. Thank fully those things are temporary and your new and improved breasts if well taken care of will last you many years to come. Warm regards,

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   A breast lift with an implant can result in a very
nice shape if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of
the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  Nerve blocks can be very effective in helping to lessen post-operative pain.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hi tdugans,

Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position.

Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift.

Also, breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. 

When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.

Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.

Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.

You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Whether or not it is worth it, is really up to you if you desire to move forward.  Blocks can help with the pain but so can anesthetic placed in the pocket. Whether or not that implant is right for you depends upon the exam.

Unfortunately there are no pictures. There are three types of breast lifts. A donut lift goes just around the nipple areolar complex. A lollipop lift is also called a vertical lift. The incision goes around your nipple areolar complex and extends to your breast fold. An anchor lift is like a vertical lift with the addition of a transverse incision in your breast fold. I utilize the HALPERN breast marker, which I invented, when performing the above lifts. Post operative pain is not an issue as per my patients. Because there are no pictures I don't know which would be best for you. In regards to breast implant size, we have special breast sizers that you can place in your bra to get an idea of what the different size implants will look like on you. Patients find this very helpful. I hope you find this information useful. For more information please watch the enclosed video.

I can't be specific as there are no photos attached which are VERY helpful for a surgeon in evaluating a patient. You will still have the lumps on your areolas after surgery but your areolas will be smaller. Don't have advice on the numbing medication.
I rarely if ever need the use of the anchor scar pattern. With implants that larger the vertical approach is always useful. Those implants are large. You may actually benefit from a breast tissue reduction especially after you have lost weight. This tissue really can't be "lifted" anywhere and is best removed so it doesn't sag in the future.
I hope this helps!