Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift
Many patients who undergo breast augmentation at our practice ask the same question: “Does this surgery also provide a ‘lifted’ effect?” Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Andrew Cohen MD, has the answer. While breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) are both performed with the intention of enhancing the breasts, Dr. Cohen stresses that they are individual procedures that differ in many ways. Depending on your cosmetic goals, you may be better suited for one or the other, or you may benefit from a combination of the two. Dr. Cohen can help you decide the best course of action during an initial consultation.
Breast augmentation, says Dr. Cohen, can increase the volume of your breasts. Candidates for breast augmentation may have lost volume after breastfeeding or weight loss, or they may simply be interested in having fuller breasts that compliment their entire physique. Incisions for breast augmentation can be made in the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, through the underarm, or a variation of these. Dr. Cohen can place the implant under (submuscular) or over (subglandular) the pectoralis muscle to enhance the unique curves of your body.
A breast lift, Dr. Cohen continues, involves adjusting and repositioning breast tissue that may have started to sag due to aging, weight fluctuations, or other concerns. In addition, nipples which are low or drooping can be raised to a higher position. Dr. Cohen identifies three kinds of breast lifts: a Benelli or “donut” lift, which requires a small incision around the nipple areolar complex; the “lollipop” technique, in which a lollipop-shaped incision is made around the areolar complex and reaches down to the inframammary fold; and an “anchor” lift, in which an inverted “T”- shaped incision is made below the breast and along the bottom of the breast fold.
Breast augmentation and mastopexy, performed together on an outpatient basis, can tackle the loss of breast volume/fullness utilizing saline or gel implants placed under the muscle, followed by a lift to raise and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. While some surgeons choose to perform these two procedures separately, Dr. Cohen has found in his extensive research and experience that conducting these surgeries in one stage is generally very safe and effective. Furthermore, Dr. Cohen uses all dissolvable sutures, as well as a special GORE-TEX® suture to leave inconspicuous incisions around the nipple.
To learn more information about breast procedures or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.
