Breast Augmentation With Breast Lift
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Many women have complicated feelings about their breasts, especially if they have experienced changes due to pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process. These various experiences can leave a woman’s breasts appearing deflated and saggy. If you’re dissatisfied with the shape and positioning of your breasts, a combination procedure of breast augmentation and a breast lift can help.
Why Combine Breast Augmentation With a Lift?
One of the secrets to cohesive, natural-looking cosmetic surgery is to combine procedures—especially if you have multiple coexisting concerns. Breast augmentation with a breast lift is one such procedure that gives women who have lost both the volume and structural integrity of their breasts a complete, cohesive improvement. Breast augmentation with implants restores volume and provides a rounder, more voluptuous shape that can improve asymmetries and balance the patient’s overall frame, while a breast lift targets loose skin to improve breast ptosis after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. A breast augmentation with lift gives women a wide range of options for adjusting the position, size, shape, and projection of their breasts for a custom result.
Some patients believe that large implants will be sufficient for lifting the breast and nipple—this is not true. Large implants can gradually worsen breast ptosis with the added weight of the implants, and the primary cause of breast droopiness is loose skin, which must be treated with a breast lift or breast reduction. Combining breast lift techniques with breast implants is the ideal procedure for achieving both goals of increasing volume and lifting the breasts and nipples to a youthful position.
What Are My Breast Augmentation With Lift Options?
Incision Locations
The incision locations for breast augmentation with lift are as follows:
- Circumareolar or “Donut” Incision: This incision encircles the areola and is ideal for patients with mild sagging. It also leaves minimal scarring compared to other options.
- Lollipop Incision: The lollipop technique involves incisions around the areola that continue vertically down the breast, ending at the breast crease. This option provides more lifting than the donut incision, but it does leave a more evident scar.
- Anchor Incision: Similar to the lollipop incision, the anchor incision starts around the areola’s perimeter, goes vertically down the breast, and then continues horizontally at the bottom crease of the breast. The anchor technique provides the most extensive lifting results.
Breast Implant Types
The materials that your implants are made of will affect the aesthetic of your results and your overall experience.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants are composed of a sterile saltwater solution and can be filled before or after insertion. They typically have a rounder, more uniform shape and feel firm.
- Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. These implants are more tear-drop shaped and are known for looking and feeling very similar to natural breasts.
- Gummy Bear Implants: Also called cohesive implants, gummy bear implants are made of a highly cohesive silicone gel material. This option is known for providing a stable implant shape.
Implant Placement
Depending on your lifestyle and natural breast tissue, one location placement may be more suitable than the other.
- Submuscular Placement: This method places the implants under the pectoral muscle. It is important to note that this placement choice may cause the implants to move when the chest muscles flex.
- Subglandular Placement: The implants can be placed over the pectoral muscles and under the breast tissue. This placement doesn’t tend to affect or shift the implants when the chest muscles move.
Implant Size
Many people don’t know that breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) instead of bra cup sizes. The cubic centimeters reflect the total volume of the implant.
- 150–200cc: These are considered to be smaller implants and can be a great option for patients who want a slight increase in breast volume.
- 300–400cc: This range of sizes tends to offer a noticeable increase in size that complements the patient’s natural frame. These sizes are also some of the most common choices for breast augmentation patients.
- 400cc and Up: Implants that are 400cc or more are considered to be large implants. These implant sizes can be a good option for patients looking for a dramatic size change.
The VECTRA® XT 3D System
Dr. David Stephens uses VECTRA® XT 3D imaging technology during breast augmentation consultations at his Bellevue practice. This technology system uses high-resolution cameras and advanced software to generate three-dimensional visuals of a patient’s body and create mockups of how different breast implant sizes will look on their frame. With the VECTRA® XT 3D system, patients can “try on” different implant sizes and feel affirmed in their size choice after getting an accurate sense of what their results can look like.
What Can I Expect From the Breast Augmentation With Lift Procedure?
Every breast augmentation with lift procedure is tailored to address the concerns and desired results of each unique patient. However, there are some standard steps that you can expect to be a part of your consultation and surgery.
Your Breast Augmentation With Lift Consultation
A consultation is essential to determine your candidacy for the combination procedure and to discuss your medical history, areas of concern, and desired results with Dr. Stephens. During your consultation, Dr. Stephens will evaluate your breasts and let you know what the best options are for achieving your desired outcome.
The Breast Augmentation With Lift Procedure Steps
Our qualified anesthesiologist, Dr. Harold Brandford, will administer anesthesia to ensure a more comfortable experience during surgery. Next, Dr. Stephens will create breast lift incisions in the agreed-upon locations. This will allow him to adjust the underlying breast tissue, lift the nipple-areolar complex, and tighten the skin. The chosen breast implants will then be inserted to increase breast volume and improve the overall shape. After all the desired adjustments have been made, the incisions will be expertly closed.
What Is Breast Augmentation With Lift Recovery Like?
After your procedure, you can expect your chest to be sore and swollen, with limited mobility in your arms. You’ll be instructed to wear a compression bra throughout the recovery period, as this will help your implants adjust to your body and minimize swelling. Many patients are able to return to work after the first week, though this will depend on the nature of your job. You will receive guidelines on activity instructions, incision care, and follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Why Choose Dr. David Stephens for Your Breast Augmentation With a Breast Lift?
Dr. David Stephens is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body and face procedures. Well-known for his breast procedures, Dr. Stephens utilizes small “hidden incisions” and the latest techniques and technologies available to ensure the best outcome for your results. Dr. Stephens is an excellent choice for your breast augmentation with a lift procedure because he prioritizes patient care and provides a comfortable environment so you can feel confident in making an informed decision.
From your very first consultation, you’ll feel welcomed into the practice and comforted by Dr. Stephens’ honest assessment of your concerns and goals. Dr. Stephens has built a reputation for providing compassionate and friendly care to his patients, from the first step of the surgical process to the final days of recovery. Additionally, you can always reach out to Dr. Stephens with questions or concerns throughout every step of your aesthetic journey.
Interested in Breast Augmentation With a Lift in Bellevue, WA?
To learn more about breast augmentation with a lift and your options in Bellevue, WA, contact Dr. Stephens’ office by calling (425) 455-0444 or filling out the online contact form.
