It’s natural for each of us to take great price in our appearance, so when we begin to notice signs of aging or other unwanted issues in highly visible body areas, it can quickly affect our mood and lifestyle. A woman’s breasts are particularly susceptible to numerous cosmetic concerns. Factors like pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a significant toll on the appearance of a woman’s breasts — stretching the skin and muscles and leading to sagging and drooping. Women’s breasts also change for other reasons. Dramatic weight loss, for example, can significantly boost a woman’s health but leave her breasts looking and feeling deflated from the natural loss of fat. Still other women may have ongoing concerns about their breasts which have more to do with genetics than with physical changes.
A breast lift is a surgical procedure which can address many of these concerns, making the surgery one to consider for women who are dissatisfied with the look and feel of their breasts. The procedure can restore a woman’s breasts to a more youthful position and appearance through the skillful application of several specific techniques, including skin excision, muscle tightening and fat repositioning. Post-surgery results can also improve the position of the nipples and provide better symmetry between the two breasts.
However, many women will wonder whether they need surgery to resolve their concerns and if a breast lift is right for them. Further, once a breast lift has been selected, a woman will have additional choices to make about her procedure, most importantly, about the location of her incisions. The process can feel quite daunting if you are not fully informed about the nature of your procedure. Yet armed with information about the procedure and the many benefits it can provide can help women move forward with their surgery, restore their appearance and regain their confidence.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation surgery and a breast lift surgery are different procedures with separate goals; however, both surgeries are often performed together. A breast augmentation will improve the size and shape of a woman’s breasts, often including an implant; a breast lift, on the other hand, will improve the breast position without the use of an implant. The latter procedure is intended to address breast ptosis or sagging. If a pencil is placed underneath a woman’s breast, and it stays in place, she will directly benefit from a breast lift procedure. Choosing one of these procedures never prevents a woman from having the other, and in fact, there are benefits to having both surgeries together if she also wishes to augment her breast size.
The Kinds of Breast Lift Procedures
Once you have determined that you are a good candidate for a breast lift, in consultation with your surgeon, you can begin to think about the type of breast lift that will most benefit you. Breasts lifts are highly-customizable procedures that can give you personalized results that best express your vision of yourself and your personality.
During your surgery, you may have one of several different incisions which target and improve specific breast concerns safely and effectively. There are three primary incision techniques which your surgeon will discuss with you in detail because of the relief they can provide you from common problems. The three most common incision types include:
- Peri-areolar technique: This technique, also known as the ‘donut’ technique, can visibly improve mild sagging. Dr. Andrews will make an incision around the areola which will help to minimize the appearance of later scarring. This breast lift technique is most common in conjunction with a breast augmentation surgery and also allows your surgeon to reduce the size of areola when this outcome is desired.
- The ‘lollipop’ technique: In this technique, Dr. Andrews will make two incisions — one around the areola and a second to the inframammary fold from the areola. This technique allows for more extensive shaping of breast tissue when that is the goal of your surgery.
- The anchor lift: This technique gives Dr. Andrews the ability to correct breast tissue where considerable sagging is an issue. The anchor or ‘inverted T’ technique allows for the removal of the most breast tissue and excess skin, relieving sagging and providing women with substantial relief. The technique consists of three incisions: around the areola edge; from areola to breast crease; and along the breast crease, underneath the breast. For these reasons, this technique is most common among women who desire a breast reduction along with a breast lift. Visible scars are associated with this technique, but they will fade over time.
The correct incision type for your breast lift will depend on the goals you’ve outlined with Dr. Andrews during your consultation, and you can trust his expert guidance in relation to all aspects of your procedure. Further, regardless of which incision type is selected, Dr. Andrews will always work towards the goal of concealing your incisions as much as possible to reduce the appearance of scar tissue which is a natural result of the healing process. Over time, you will see scar tissue continue to fade, leaving behind only your attractive results.
Choosing the Right Surgeon Can Have a Major Impact on the Outcome of Your Breast Lift Surgery
If you live in Coralville, Cedar Rapids or surrounding areas, you have a wonderful breast lift resource available to you in double-board certified surgeon Dr. Kahlil Andrews. Dr. Andrews has honed his craft at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country, including the University of California at Berkeley and Johns Hopkins University, where he completed his general surgery residency. However, credentials alone do not make a competent surgeon; it is the personal interest that Dr. Andrews takes in his patients that continually drive the surgeon to deliver the outcomes they deserve.
If you have more questions, or if you’re ready to schedule your breast lift consultation, you can call Dr. Andrews’ practice today at (319)800-6877 to schedule your appointment. Issues with the appearance of your breasts don’t have to define you or hold you back. You can have the satisfying appearance you’ve longed for and a newfound joy in life now with a breast lift performed by Dr. Andrews.
