Breast augmentation and breast lift are two popular breast procedures performed by a cosmetic surgeon to enhance the appearance of breasts. In some cases, the two procedures may be combined to achieve more effective results. However, many new patients may not have a clear idea of how different the two procedures are, and which of the two may be more suited to meet their aesthetic needs.
A typical question that a patient may ask is whether the sagging breast condition can be corrected with breast implants, or whether it requires a lift. Dr. Eugene Kim is a well-known plastic surgeon providing both these surgeries to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations. During the initial consultation, he will explain various aspects of the procedure to help the patient make an informed decision.
Correction of Sagging Breasts
Breast implant procedure is designed to increase the size of breasts, but not to raise their position or make them tighter and firmer. However, if the sagging is very minor, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend breast augmentation alone, and not breast lift. This can serve both the goals of enhancing the size and raising the breasts to a better position. In such case, the pre-requisites are that the position of nipples should be still close to the breast center, and not pointing downwards. Some amount of skin should be visible below the nipple when looking straight on at the breasts.
Breast lift will become necessary in the following conditions:
- Sagging of breasts is moderate or severe.
- Nipples point downwards or at the bottom of the breast.
- When looking straight on at the breasts, no skin is visible under the nipple.
- The patient is not keen to increase the breast size any further.
- Areola size is large, and the patient is keen to have it reduced.
As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim will also perform certain measurements to corroborate the observational findings. Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities seeking breast lift or breast augmentation have an opportunity to receive these procedures from Dr. Kim.
Combination of Implants and Lift
The surgeon may recommend breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation in the following circumstances:
- The sagging of breasts is moderate or severe.
- The patient seeks to raise breast position while also desiring to increase their size.
- The patient is keen to maintain roundness and projection of the breast mound.
One of the limitations when breast lift is performed alone is that significant fullness in the upper aspect of the breasts above the nipple area cannot be achieved. If it is important for the patient to gain fullness of breasts in the upper part, the surgeon may recommend breast augmentation and lift as a combined procedure.
Sometimes the patient is keen to increase breast size, but suffers from significant skin laxity in the breasts, which can make the appearance of breast implants unappealing. Such patients may also benefit most from a combination of breast augmentation and breast lift.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
