Is a breast lift necessary when you get breast implants? The answer depends on the results you are seeking to achieve. Are you hoping to have perkier breasts that don’t droop or sag? If so, you should consider a breast lift. Or are you looking to have fuller breasts? In this case, you should consider breast implants. What if you want fuller breasts that are also firm and perky? Then you should a combination of the two procedures – a breast lift and breast implants. Before deciding which procedure is right for you and whether you need both – let’s take a closer look at both of the procedures.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift makes breasts perkier by reshaping them to sit higher on the chest. A breast lift (the medical term is mastopexy) involves lifting the breast up to prevent droopiness, also known as ptosis. To get rid of ptosis, a plastic surgeon makes multiple incisions and removes excess skin to lift the breasts up; the number of incisions depends on the level of ptosis. A breast lift does not increase the size of the breasts. In fact, it’s common for women to have a smaller cup size after a breast lift because of the reduction in breast skin.

What are breast implants?

Breast implants (used in breast augmentation procedures) are synthetic shells inserted in the breasts to increase the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation procedures are less complicated than breast lift procedures. Typically, the procedure requires one incision under the breast or in the armpit to insert the implant. The most common breast implants are made of saline or silicone. Saline implants are shells filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants are shells filled with gel. There is some risk of implants rupturing or leaking and in these situations, revision surgery is required to remedy the issue. Breast augmentation procedures usually are revisited after 10 to 15 years, depending on the warranty of the implants. Women can choose to increase the size during their second procedure, change the type of implants they have, or get the same implants if they were happy with the previous ones.

Do I need both?

Breast implant procedures are specific to increasing the size of the breasts by inserting implants. This procedure does not reduce ptosis. If a woman with ptosis gets breast implants, it will not reduce the drooping of her breasts – it will simply make the breasts larger in size.

So then do you need both? That depends on what results you are seeking.  If you have ptosis and want your breasts to be perkier, then you need a breast lift. If you feel your breasts are small and want a larger bust line, then breast implants are the way to go. However, it’s common for women to want perkier and larger breasts. If you have ptosis and small breasts, you may want to get both procedures done. Depending on your individual case, it may be possible to get both procedures done at the same time.

If you are interested in getting breast surgery done, talk to a plastic surgeon. A qualified plastic surgeon will be able to tell you what type of procedure is right for you. Talk to a plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedures and about your specific needs. If you are searching for a plastic surgeon for your breast surgery, MAXiM Breast Surgery is the right place for you. Their experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are experts in the field. Call (646) 475-2099 today to make an appointment.