A number of cosmetic treatments are available for women who are interested in enhancing and accentuating their bust line and body contour. These include the popular breast augmentation, (otherwise known as a “boob job”) Mastopexy, (breast lift) procedure, and breast reduction. The technique you choose will depend on the specific aesthetic goals that you have.
All three procedures are offered in the Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, located in both Manhattan and New Jersey, New York. These specialized procedures can help patients deal with separate concerns. We have briefly outlined the three procedures below.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that serves the purpose of increasing breast size with the use of implants or autologous fat tissue. Implants can either be saline or silicone cohesive gel, with saline carrying a slightly lower cost, however, saline implants have a higher risk of leaking and therefore, more women choose the use of silicone gels. There are a number of benefits for a breast augmentation, including:
- A wide variety of implants and augmentation techniques that can help women achieve the final body contour that they desire
- Scarring is minimal and often placed in an inconspicuous area
- Breast sizes increase after the procedure, either dramatically or subtly dependent on the patient’s goals
If a patient seeking a breast augmentation procedure also has an issue with breast ptosis or sagging, the augmentation itself will not correct this problem because it does not reposition the nipples. Rather, in such circumstances, it will be necessary to perform both a breast augmentation and a breast lift. This can be in conjunction during a single operation or in separated surgeries.
BREAST LIFT
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape the breasts and nipples for a completely new body contour. It differs from a breast augmentation because a mastopexy alone does not add volume to increase breast size. Instead, a breast lift reshapes, tightens and lifts sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipples. Due to the repositioning of breasts, the breast lift procedure can provide additional cleavage but has not actually enlarged the breasts in any way. There are some clear benefits associated with having a breast lift:
- Breasts that sag or droop will be corrected to look perkier and firmer
- Repositioning of nipples can give a more youthful look
- Firmer breasts will lead to the illusion of a younger body contour
Unfortunately, the increased necessity of incisions and scars associated with mastopexy can be a drawback.
As mentioned above, a breast lift can be done in conjunction with a breast augmentation as a treatment strategy for rejuvenated breasts. However, breast lifts can also go hand-in-hand with breast reduction procedures. This is because a breast lift typically requires the removal of breast skin as seen in breast reduction. The two procedures require the same techniques and incisions.
BREAST REDUCTION
Another breast enhancing cosmetic procedure is a breast reduction. This is a surgery that decreases the size and weight of one’s breasts, lifts and reshapes the breasts, elevates the nipples and reduces the areola size. It is often done for women who experience physical discomfort caused by large breasts. The contour of the body can be improved after a breast reduction because the breasts are brought into better proportion and balance with the body, leading to increased confidence and comfort.
The surgical procedure uses the same techniques and incisions as a breast lift procedure. Breast tissue, fat and excessive skin are removed. Liposuction may or may not be employed in the area, as well as under the arm to further add definition to the breasts. Then the nipple and areola are placed at a higher position on the breast to create a perkier, yet natural look.
If you are interested in enhancing your body contour by correcting your breasts, we would love to schedule a consultation for you to meet with Dr. Gartner. Together, we can discuss your concerns, answer questions and determine the best plan to achieve your aesthetic goals.
