As the forces of age and gravity begin to take their toll, many women think about ways to improve the appearance of their breasts, often by enhancing them with surgery. Additionally, some women report feeling that their breast shape or size has changed as a result of breastfeeding. Of course, there are cases where women are dissatisfied with their breasts, and it has nothing to do with age or motherhood. In these cases, women report having underdeveloped breasts or breasts that are disproportionate. Needless to say, women who find themselves in any one of these categories often report not being able to find clothes that fit properly and have low self-confidence as a result. Fortunately, modern-day medicine has provided a way for women to improve the appearance of their breasts and also boost their self-confidence in the process. Two of the most popular breast rejuvenation procedures are the breast lift and breast implant surgery. Here are some ways to know which one is right for you.
Choosing Between a Breast Lift and Breast Implants
Despite sounding very similar, breast implants and breast lifts are very different procedures. That said, choosing what is right for you ultimately comes down to the results you’re hoping to achieve. In many cases, women who elect to undergo breast augmentation surgery already have a preconceived notion of what they want their breasts to look like following their surgery. During the initial consultation, most cosmetic surgeons will guide their patients towards the procedure that aligns with the patient’s desired appearance.
What Are Breast Implants?
If you’re not already familiar with them, breast implants are comprised of silicone rubber shells. These shells are filled with a cohesive gel or a sterile salt water solution and are used to facilitate one of two tasks; increase the patient’s breast size and shape of the breasts. It should be noted that breast enhancement surgery is a relatively safe procedure. In fact, regardless of the type of implant the patient chooses, they are all FDA-approved. As such, prospective patients are encouraged to focus on the type of implants that best complements their body as opposed to obsessing over safety concerns. Of course, this doesn’t mean that there are no risks associated with the surgical procedure. During your initial consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will detail those risks and also go over what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implant surgery is an outpatient surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours from start to completion. Before surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia, which minimizes the chances of them experiencing any pain once the procedure gets underway. As far as the surgery is concerned, the plastic surgeon will need to make a few incisions and also decide on implant placement, which is determined based on the patient’s preference as well as the type of implant chosen for the breast enhancement procedure. Common incision sites for breast implant surgery include
- The navel
- Around the nipple
- Below the breast tissue
- Around the armpit
During a consultation, you’ll discuss these options at length so that you know what to expect during surgery and recovery.
Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lifts are typically performed as outpatient surgical procedures, often taking 1 to 2 hours from start to completion. The surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. However, in some cases, intravenous sedation may be required. While a breast lift is an alternative to a breast implant surgery, it doesn’t necessarily result in larger breast. However, the procedure does involve repositioning the breast, which, in turn, increases cleavage and creates the illusion of larger breasts. Similar to breast implants, the surgeon will need to make small incisions and also determine the breasts’ placement. Common incision sites include
- In the crease of the breast
- The space between the nipple and breast crease
- Around the nipple
Which One is Right For Me?
When looking at your options, it can be helpful to keep in mind what results you want and which factors are most important to you. If you’re looking to increase the size and projection of your breasts, then implants may be a good option. If you simply want to lift and reshape your breasts without adding volume, then a breast lift can help. In many cases, these procedures can be performed at the same time for additional rejuvenation. During a consultation with Dr. Bohley, you can discuss which options will be best for you and your goals. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
