Do I need a lift?? Todays blog is in response to a question I was asked on Facebook. This is a question I hear almost daily. It's a question many women are scared to ask. The four most common cosmetic breast procedures are:
4. Breast lift with Augmentation.
So how do you decide what you need?? First, reduction. Breast reductions are done cosmetically for women who have breasts that are too large for their frame. They are so big that they interfere with life in general. Clothing doesn't fit, bras are difficult to find, they can be embarassing. They become a medical issue when neck pain, back pain, rashes, strap marks, etc. start to occur. This is when insurances start to kick in and may cover the procedure. They usually require certain criteria to be met and a certain volume must be removed for them to pay. A reduction is done to reduce volume and make the breast smaller. A lift is done to reposition the nipple.
Lift vs. augmentation vs. lift and augmentation.
The choice of procedure is at times a judgement call and also depends on what the patient is looking for. It all depends on the position of the nipple relative to the infra-mammary fold. (the fold below the breast where the breast stops and the chest wall begins) .jpg)
If the nipple is well below this fold then a lift will usually be necessary. If this breast is augmented, the nipple will still hang and the "Snoopy Nose" breast occurs, nice implant with a drooping breast over it. The nipple must be raised and centered either in the breast or placed where it will be in the center of the implant. If the nipple is above the infra-mammary fold then usually only an augmentation is done. When the nipple is at the fold is when good judgement and figuring out what the patient is after, managing expectations, and all the other unmeasureables come into play. For a lift, you will have scars. They usually heal very well and after a little time are fairly inconspicuous, but they are there.
(nipple above the fold-augmentation)
If a lift alone is done, the upper pole of the breast has a slope to it and may lack fullness. Many women don't like that look and for them, an implant gives the breast a fullness that recreates the youthfull breast.
Notice the lateral view where the upper pole is sloped after a lift/reduction only.
Notice the fullness in the upper pole after a lift and augmentation.
I hope this helps clear some things up about what procedure is right for you if one is desired. If you have a question, facebook me and I will address it. Next week I will discuss liposuction. Don't forget to check out our specials!!