Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift or Both

Whether you need a breast augmentation, a breast lift or both depends on a couple of issues. First, the measurements determined at your consultation will infuence what will be recommended, but also your desires and expectations can alter the decisions of the procedure.

At your consultation, part of the exam will include a breast exam, measurements of the width of the breast and other measurement to determine the amount of excess skin and the thickness of your tissues. In addition, we will take pre-operative photographs. One important measurement is how far the breast droops beneath the level that is even with the crease beneath the breast. Once the breast droops 2 cm (about 1 inch) below the crease or fold, a breast lift is usually recommended.
If the breast droops less than 2 cm then an augmentation only will usually achieve the desired result.

Next we need to consider each patients desired look. When a patient tells me she wants her breasts lifted back up, or to look more youthful, then a breast lift is usually needed despite what the measurements may be.

If a breast lift is chosen and she wants a larger size, a breast augmentation should best be performed at a second procedure once the lift incisions have healed sufficiently, usually by 3-4 months. There are several reasons why the two surgeries should be separated and in this order. First the goal for a breast lift is to "lift" the breast tissue and tighten the skin of the breast. More skin may be removed without an implant in place, thus a better lift obtained. Also, if the implant is there at the time of the lift, the new incision beneath the nipple to the crease has to support the added weight. This can lead to a wider scar than desired or even separation of the incision which will require wound care. The desired long term result is more likely to be achieved with a lift first, then an implant to enlarge the breast and get fullness to the upper portion of the breasts.