Restore Youthful Contours With A Breast Augmentation And Lift

The pursuit of cosmetic procedures to affect a physical change is increasing in popularity. Patients have access to more options than ever. These choices allow patients control over the changes they wish to make. With guidance from a surgeon like Dr. Javad Sajan, patients can feel empowered when making the detailed decisions involved in their procedures.

Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to increase the volume and improve the shape of the breasts. Surgeons produce this change by placing implants into the chest tissue. The result is a voluminous and shapely breast.

Breast lift surgery repositions sagging breasts, raising them higher on the chest. The surgeon will correct drooping by removing excess skin and tissue from the breasts before tightening the remaining skin. This surgery lifts the breasts and creates a youthful appearance.

Differences Between Breast Augmentation And Breast Lift

What exactly is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation? How do surgeons perform these procedures? What are the individual benefits and accomplishments of each surgery? Let’s explore more about breast augmentation and breast lifts to understand the surgical process, preparation, and recovery period of these procedures. 

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation Seattle offers many choices based on the patient’s preference, such as implant type, shape, and size. These selections allow patients more variety and options for every figure and body type. Surgeons can modify the incision placement based on a patient’s needs, further customizing the surgery for the individual.

While all breast implants have a silicone shell, the interior filling varies. Silicone gel and saline are the two options for the core of the implants. Surgeons place saline implants into the patient’s chest before filling them with sterile salt water. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled and available in traditional and gummy bear. The gummy bear variety consists of an even thicker, highly cohesive gel.

The plastic surgeon will make the incision using one of three methods. The most frequently chosen incision is the inframammary fold. This incision, made in the natural fold of the chest, allows the surgeon increased visual and physical access to the surgery site. Patients who don’t have a natural chest fold may benefit from the periareolar incision, a cut made at the base of the areola. The transaxillary method is an option for patients who prefer or need to have the surgeon make the incision away from the breasts. This incision is under the arm and leaves no scarring on the patient’s chest. 

After placement, the surgeon will test the implants to ensure they are well-positioned and unlikely to shift before closing the incisions.

Breast Lift

A breast lift adds a youthful contour to the figure by repositioning the breasts on the patient’s chest. A breast may sag or droop due to several factors, including age, gravity, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. These life events can lead to stretched and drooping breast tissue, known as ptosis.

The surgeon begins this procedure by making an incision. The degree of ptosis will determine which incision is best for the patient’s situation. If there is only slight sagging, the surgeon will make the incision around the areola, known as the periareolar incision. Patients with moderate drooping may require a vertical breast reduction incision. This cut follows the periareolar path and continues down the center of the breast. The third incision encompasses the first two, adding a third location along the breast crease. The surgeon will use this inverted-T incision if there is severe breast ptosis. It is the most efficient incision for lifting and correcting breast sagging.

After making the appropriate incision, the surgeon will remove skin and tissue from the breasts. The next step will be to reshape the breasts, tighten the remaining skin, raise them on the patient’s chest, and ensure they are symmetric.

Combining Breast Augmentation And Breast Lift

While each procedure is viable as a solo surgery, patients will often choose a combined breast lift and breast augmentation. The patient may desire to correct sagging breasts and add volume to the upper portion of the chest. In this case, the surgeon may recommend pairing the two operations to help the patient achieve their goals. 

A combination surgery appeals to patients because it can accomplish their results with only one dose of anesthesia and one recovery period. Patients who opt for a combination procedure will see the results of added volume and lift to their breasts.

Preparation For Cosmetic Surgery

Following a few steps before cosmetic surgery can help patients have a smooth and successful operation. 

• Don’t smoke for several weeks before surgery.
• Refrain from taking prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines and supplements that contain blood thinners.
• Fill post-op prescriptions in advance so they are ready when needed.
• Don’t eat or drink after midnight before the procedure.
• Pack comfortable clothing to wear home after the procedure.
• Follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding all pre- and post-operative procedures.

Recovery And Results

Most patients experience the most discomfort during the first three to five days after their procedure. After a week, patients should see an improvement in their pain level, though swelling and bruising may persist. Applying ice packs to the surgical area and taking all prescribed medications for pain will help patients through the initial post-operation period. 

Patients can resume all daily activities in two weeks and light exercise after three to four weeks. The patient will see full recovery and results around four to six weeks after their procedure.

Conclusion

A breast lift can produce a raised profile by removing excess tissue and tightening the skin of the breasts. Breast augmentation uses implants to change the shape of and add volume to the breasts. While each procedure accomplishes different things, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Javad Sajan can pair these procedures to create youthful contours a patient desires.