The decision to undergo breast enhancement is a deeply personal one in and of itself. Add to that the many things to consider when it comes to breast volume, size and amount of droop. Breast enhancement surgery is not one-size-fits-all, and here we’ll explain the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift to help you understand what may be best for your needs.
Breast augmentation
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations and aging do a number on women’s bodies, including affecting the volume of the breasts. Or you may be bothered by the appearance of abnormally small breasts or breasts that didn’t fully develop. Some women even have breasts that are different sizes, which makes clothes shopping a nightmare.
Breast augmentation helps increase the size and improve the shape of a woman’s breasts using either saline or silicone gel breast implants, both of which are FDA-approved for healthy women of certain ages. Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for women age 18 and older, while silicone – the most popular implant type – are approved for women age 22 or older.
During your consultation with Dr. Dawes, you will discuss the various incision types and techniques, implant types and sizes. He’ll recommend the best approach to help you achieve your optimal results.
Breast lift
Sometimes implants alone won’t help you achieve more youthful-looking breasts. Or you may have enough existing natural breast tissue, but you find your breasts are sagging. That’s when a breast lift comes into play. This surgery helps “lift” and reposition the breasts into a more youthful contour. The surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the breast tissue and reduces the size of enlarged areolae – the darkened skin around the nipples – if necessary.
There are different incision patterns and techniques for breast lifts compared to breast augmentation, and your surgeon will help you determine the best technique depending on your situation.
If you’re looking getting breast augmentation, a breast lift or a combination of the two, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dawes by calling 403.571.3141 today.
