Throughout your life, your breasts will inevitably change size and shape. Weight loss and gain, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the simple process of aging all take their toll on this particularly visible part of your body.
If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, you may have considered a breast lift with implants. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about this procedure and what to expect along the journey.
What Is a Breast Lift With Implants?
Combining a breast lift with implants means undergoing two procedures that are often performed separately.
A breast lift is a procedure that involves lifting the breasts to a higher position. This means relocating the areolas and nipples as well as removing excess skin for a perkier overall look.
Breast augmentation is slightly different. This procedure involves adding volume to the breasts by inserting implants beneath the pectoral or chest tissue. Silicone, saline, or gummy bear implants are available — all with different characteristics.
Another option for breast augmentation is fat transfer breast augmentation. This process first uses liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen or buttocks. The fat is then inserted into the breast area to add volume. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is an excellent option for women who only want to add a little bit of volume and who could benefit from the liposuction fat removal on other areas of their body.
Fortunately, when a breast lift is performed at the same time as breast augmentation (implants or fat transfer), you’ll generally benefit from reduced overall surgery time, reduced recovery time, fewer incisions, and a reduced cost of surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift With Implants?
Most women are good candidates for breast lift with implants surgery. However, here are some specific ways to know if you qualify:
1. You’re unhappy with the way your breasts look now.
Some women have been unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts ever since puberty. However, the majority of breast lift with implants patients end up becoming unhappy with their breasts over time.
No matter how you came to the conclusion that you’d like to improve the appearance of your breasts and overall silhouette, you deserve to feel confident when you look in the mirror.
2. You have uneven breasts.
Just like having one foot or hand slightly bigger than the other, breasts can be unevenly-sized too. This is often noticeable in adolescence and continues through adulthood. Significant unevenness can make women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, but a breast lift and augmentation can generally amend the issue so that it’s completely unnoticeable.
3. Life events have changed the appearance of your breasts.
Many life events can cause breasts to lose their once youthful appearance.
For example, weight loss (especially a significant loss of 50 pounds or more) often reveals breasts that lack of volume and droop or sag. Likewise, pregnancy and breastfeeding can take their toll on breasts as well.
Finally, time and the aging process are probably the biggest culprits for breasts that lack perk and volume. Over time, gravity tends to pull breasts down, and they may lose that bounce and youthful look.
4. You’re in overall good health.
As with any type of major surgery, you need to be in good physical and mental health before moving forward. Significant health conditions such as a history of breast cancer, being obese, or having a bleeding disorder can put you at a higher risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis, poor healing, and more. You need to be healthy so that you can fully recover from your surgery and be able to enjoy your new breasts and life.
5. You don’t smoke.
Those who smoke have a higher rate of complications when it comes to surgery. Blood clots may form, there is a higher risk of infection, and there may even be a loss of skin after the procedure. Scars may also be wider and thicker, and there may be a delay in wound healing altogether.
What Does Breast Lift With Implants Surgery Involve?
Before surgery, you’ll need to be approved for the procedure with Dr. Sieber. This means booking a consultation appointment where you can discuss your options, and Dr. Sieber can carry out a short physical examination.
Once approved, you’ll move forward by deciding on the type of breast implants you want. Dr. Sieber can help you decide between silicone, saline, gummy bear, and fat transfer augmentation.
You’ll then be able to book your surgical appointment and make the necessary arrangements for post-surgical recovery. You’ll need to have someone take you home from surgery and ideally provide you with some initial at-home care. Also make sure to take time off from work or school so that you can focus on healing.
The Day of Surgery and Recovery
Once you arrive at the surgical facility, you’ll be taken to a pre-surgery room and prepped for the procedure. You’ll have a chance to speak with Dr. Sieber, and this is a good time to ask any remaining questions you may have.
You’ll then be taken into surgery where the procedure will last approximately four or more hours. Initial recovery will take place at the surgical facility, but you should be able to go home on the same day as your procedure in most cases. Total recovery will last about six weeks with some pain, discomfort, swelling, and fatigue during the first few weeks. It’s important to rest, not lift heavy things, and avoid exercise and physical exertion until you get the “okay” from your surgeon.
Book a Consultation Appointment With Dr. Sieber
If you’re considering breast lift with implants surgery or have questions about which cosmetic breast procedure might be right for you, call our office to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber today.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/combining-a-breast-lift-with-breast-implants
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/consultation
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-nicotine-sabotages-plastic-surgery
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/mastopexy-breast-lifting-procedures#1
