Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for several years. Breast enlargement surgery can increase the size of the breasts, balance out breasts that are different sizes, and change the shape of breasts. However, breast augmentation patients should have proper expectations about treatment and be aware that the procedure does not correct all types of breast flaws. One problem that breast augmentation alone will not correct is breast ptosis. Women that have low, sagging breasts will need to undergo breasts lift surgery in combination with breast augmentation surgery to obtain desired results. In this blog post, Fresno plastic surgeon Thomas F. Mitts reviews the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Our Fresno breast augmentation patients have the option of choosing saline or silicone implants, which can be placed in the breast area through an incision that is created in the crease of the breast, in the armpit, in the belly button, or around the nipple. Dr. Mitts will make every effort to guide you in selecting the surgical techniques that are best for your body type, and in choosing the appropriately sized and shaped implants that will help you achieve your cosmetic goals. The breast augmentation procedure safely and effectively increases the size of the breasts in women that have naturally small breasts and those that have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or age.

Breast Lift Surgery

As women age or their weight fluctuates, the skin on the breasts becomes more lax and the nipples droop down toward the crease of the breasts. Many women assume that the breast augmentation procedure will not only add volume to the breasts, but also lift them up and improve their appearance. However, when implants are placed in women with sagging breasts, the implants hang low and do produce the youthful appearance that patients are seeking. In these cases, the breast lift procedure must be performed to tighten loose skin and reposition the nipple in our Fresno breast augmentation patients.

Dr. Mitts is trained to perform various breast lift techniques; the method that is performed depends on the extent of skin laxity and the location of the nipple.

Concentric (doughnut) breast lift: The concentric technique involves the creation of two circular incisions, one larger than the other, around the areola. The excess skin between the two circles is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened and re-reattached to the areola. The concentric technique results in less scarring than the standard breast lift method and is ideal for women who have loose breast skin, but the nipple is still positioned above the fold of the breast.

Standard (anchor) breast lift: The standard technique involves the creation of a circular incision around the nipple, a vertical incision down the fold of the breast, and curved incision along the crease of the breast. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon re-positions the nipple, tightens loose skin, and removes extra skin. The standard technique is performed in women that have lax breast skin and women whose nipples are located below the fold of the breast.

Fresno and Visalia Breast Augmentation and Lift Consultations

Contact the practice of Thomas F. Mitts, MD, in Fresno to set up your breast augmentation and lift consultation.