Breast size has a significant impact on the allure and balance of your figure. For some women, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging, can cause the breasts to lose volume, become saggy, or appear flat and deflated. Breast augmentation with lift performed by board-certified Greater Boston Area plastic surgeon, Dr. Montilla, enhances the size, shape, and projection of the breasts while placing the breasts higher on the chest wall. These combined procedures produce an exquisitely natural look. When your breasts look round, plump, and youthful, it can do wonders for your self-esteem!
How do I know if I need a breast augmentation with a lift?
The desire for more breast volume is very personal, and Dr. Montilla is dedicated to helping you have the figure you envision. During your consultation, Dr. Montilla can advise you if you need a breast lift in conjunction with your augmentation.
A simple test
Breast sagging, called ptosis, affects women of all ages. The “’pencil test” will reveal whether you have ptosis:
- Lift your breast and place a pencil horizontally in the crease at the base.
- Let the breast go. Let the pencil go.
- If the pencil falls, you do not need a breast lift.
- If the pencil is held in place by your breast, note the position of the nipple in relation to the pencil.
- If the nipple is above the pencil, the sagging is related to volume loss, and you may only need an augmentation.
- If the nipple is at the same level as the pencil, you have a grade I ptosis, and may not need a lift with your augmentation.
- If the nipple is below the pencil, you are grade II, and a lift should be performed with your augmentation.
- If the nipple is at the lowest position of the breast, the ptosis is grade III, and a breast augmentation with lift is needed.
Breast augmentation adds only volume to your breasts; if they are sitting lower on your chest wall, the addition of implants could increase the sagging, due to the added weight. Adding a lift to your procedure may be the best way to create youthful, round, plump breasts.
What is the procedure like?
Although breast augmentation and a breast lift are often performed together, they are different procedures. Breast augmentation may take only about one hour, while a breast lift may add one to two hours to your surgery.
The two surgeries can be staged or combined. Staged means doing two separate operations about three months apart. In these cases, the lift is done first, followed by the augmentation. Most patients opt for the combined approach which has the benefits of lower cost and one recovery.
The procedure for a breast lift (mastopexy) will vary, based on the condition of your breasts. Generally, these steps are as follows:
- Your new nipple location will be marked by Dr. Montilla while you are in a standing position.
- You will be placed under anesthesia.
- Using precise incisions, your breasts will be lifted and reshaped, and the nipples will be repositioned on the front and center of the newly reshaped breast mound.
- Any extra skin will be removed to increase the firmness of your breasts.
- Incisions are closed.
The procedure for breast augmentation involves fewer steps and three different types of incisions:
- The doctor makes an incision in the breast crease, where the scar will be less visible. The implant is placed, and the incision closed.
- The implant is placed through an incision in your underarm. This incision location is only appropriate with saline implants, as they are filled after placement.
- The implant is placed through an incision made around the areola.
Recovery time
Breast augmentation recovery can be as short as one to two weeks. You should be able to resume exercise or vigorous physical activities in about six weeks. Your breasts will be swollen for a few days after surgery, and you will need to wear a compression garment to aid healing. You will need to sleep on your back and avoid stretching or other motions that could put stress on your incisions.
Breast lift surgery recovery varies from person to person, but for the first two weeks, your breasts will be swollen and bruised. Any stitches will be removed in one to two weeks after surgery. The result, with your breasts lifted, round, and at a youthful location on the chest wall, will be achieved in about six weeks.
