Some of the women who visit the cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Ary Krau seeking breast augmentation surgery are also bothered by the look of their sagging breasts. They ask Dr. Krau whether they should undergo breast augmentation with breast implants alone or as part of a combined procedure with breast lift surgery. The answer is not the same for every patient, so the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with Dr. Krau. That way, he can evaluate your breast anatomy and suggest the best course of treatment to address your aesthetic concerns.
Here are some general guidelines about when breast augmentation alone is sufficient to achieve fuller, perkier breasts, and when adjunct breast lift surgery is necessary to lift sagging breasts.
When Breast Augmentation Alone Is Sufficient
Undergoing breast augmentation with implants does provide a subtle lift throughout the breast area. Therefore, women with mild breast ptosis (drooping) might be able to get away with undergoing breast augmentation with implants only and still achieve lifted, perkier-looking breasts.
How can a woman tell whether if she has mild breast ptosis? Women with mild breast sagging have:
- Nipples located in the center or close to the center of the breasts
- Nipples that point straight ahead and not toward the ground
- Some visible breast skin (not areola skin) below the nipples, when looking at the breasts straight on
For women with mild breast ptosis who desire more voluminous breasts, augmentation with implants is probably sufficient to accomplish their aesthetic goals.
When Breast Augmentation Should Be Combined With Breast Lift
Women with moderate to severe breast ptosis who would like more voluminous breasts should probably combine breast augmentation with mastopexy (breast lift). Women with moderate to severe breast ptosis generally have:
- Nipples that have migrated down the front of the breasts and are no longer located in the center of the breasts
- Nipples that point southward instead of straight ahead
- Very little or no visible breast skin below the nipples
Determining Which Procedure Is Right for You
Again, the best way to determine the cosmetic surgery protocol that is right for you is to come in for a consultation. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Krau to learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift, please contact his office by calling (305) 861-6881.