Cosmetic breast surgery involves a number of options today, and it can be difficult to know which of those options will provide you with the specific outcome you desire. The two most common types of breast surgery are a breast lift and breast augmentation. Both procedures come with their own benefits and it is important to weigh the differences to determine which procedure is right for you.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift adds a more youthful contour to the breast without changing breast size. The procedure involves excision of skin, which allows the surgeon to reshape the breast and to reposition the nipple. This procedure is particularly beneficial to women who have noticed sagging in their breasts as a result of breastfeeding or the aging process. It does require a fair amount of scarring, which is the major trade off.
Breast Augmentation (Implants)
Breast augmentation is a procedure to increase the size of the breasts through the use of implants. Implants come in different sizes and shapes, allowing the physician to customize the new breast size and shape to the desired outcome of the patient.
A Personal Choice
The choice between a breast lift and breast augmentation is a very personal one. Some reasons to consider a breast lift might include:
- Breasts have lost their youthful contour
- Breasts have begun to sag after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Breasts have changed shape after weight loss
It is important to note there is typically a significant amount of scarring with a breast lift.. Women who choose this procedure are generally happy with the size of their breasts, and simply want to enhance the contour of the breasts.
Possible reasons to consider breast augmentation might include:
- Desire to increase cup size
- Asymmetrical breasts (one is noticeably larger than the other)
- Lack of cleavage
Breast augmentation often involves smaller incisions and can be customized to a patient’s unique desired outcome. However, implants must be monitored for a lifetime. They also may skew mammogram results, making it more difficult to screen for breast cancer and other health issues.
In some cases, the best choice might be a combination of breast augmentation and a breast lift. This procedure increases the size of the breast and enhances the breast shape at the same time. For more information about which breast surgery is best for you, contact the staff at Umansky Plastic Surgery today.