Should I Get A Breast Lift When I Get An Augmentation?

Breast augmentation involves use of silicone or saline-filled implants to increase the size of women’s breast. Implants may also be used for reconstruction for patients who have lost breast(s) due to cancer or injury. A breast lift or mastopexy can also be combined with breast augmentation. You need to tell your surgeon if you want the two breast surgeries; double surgery shortens recovery period compared to having separate procedures.

Board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Bloch can perform the procedures and minimize risks that many patients face from unprofessional services. Implant placement involves making incisions that allow passage of implant shell in inconspicuous areas like under the armpit, under the breast crease or around the nipple. Implants are laid beneath or above your chest wall. A breast lift will be performed by excising extra skin, glandular tissue and fat
before breast is elevated to match your nipple with the chest level. Final incisions are then done after both procedures are complete.

"GETTING READY FOR THE SURGERY

The first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon. When you do, tell the surgeon what your goals are. If you’re also getting breast implants, bring photos showing the size and shape of the breasts you’d like. The surgeon will consider your health and describe your options.

The surgeon should also explain the procedure in detail and go over the risks and what the recovery will be like.

Complications after breast lifts are relatively rare. The main three are bleeding, infection, and scarring. Your surgeon will give you instructions for preparing that will help lower your risk of complications. Those instructions will include such things as not smoking, making sure you are off medications that may make bleeding more likely, and taking antibiotics if necessary.

You should also start planning for the recovery period. For instance, you will have to avoid heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks after your breast lift. If you have young children, you may need to line up help.

BREAST LIFT CANDIDATES

Dr. Bloch or your plastic surgeon will consider you for breast lift if you are in good health and have realistic expectations which can be achieved through surgery. Other factors that determine if you qualify for mastopexy include:

• Pendulous but big breasts
• Areolas and nipples positioned below your breast crease
• Large and heavy breasts
• Relatively small breasts – smaller breasts have lasting results than larger breasts which are compromised by their weight.
• Breasts that differ in shape and location
• If you have retired from breastfeeding and pregnancies.

Changes in pregnancy and breastfeeding stretches out breasts and makes them lose their natural contour. Your surgeon will advise you to postpone your breast lift surgery until you are through with pregnancies and breastfeeding.

"BREAST CANCER DETECTION

If you are of an age in which you get regular mammographic examinations, it will be important for you to select a radiology technician who is experienced in taking x-rays of augmented breasts. Additional views of your breasts are often required.

Your aesthetic plastic surgeon, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your breast augmentation surgery.

BREAST SURGERY RISKS

Both breast augmentation and breast lift come with their own risks and complications just like most cosmetic procedures. Like all board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Bloch will discuss with you about the potential risks of breast surgeries you are about to undergo during the consultation phase. Go here to read more about this procedure.

This will help you make an informed decision before having surgery. Some of these risks include:

• Anesthesia reaction
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Hematoma/seroma (blood accumulation under skin)
• Change in nipple or breast sensation
• Structures damage
• Revisional surgery from undesired results

Other specific breast augmentation risks include implant rapture, capsular contracture and task full mammography from an implants shadow. Having a professional plastic surgeon do your breast surgery and following the instructions given after surgery will minimize most of these complications.

Remember that your new breast contours will be impaired by normal aging, gravity, weight loss or gain and pregnancy.

To book a consultation with Body by Bloch call us at 847-432-0840