Can liposuction be combined with breast surgery?
It is common practice to combine breast augmentation or lift (mastopexy) however it is a known fact that the revision/complication rates are slightly higher than each procedure done alone. Staging each procedure is also a possibility but patients usually prefer to have it all done at the same time for convenience. Adding liposuction to your surgery is common however safety is the main concern. Ideally the goal is to keep the total operative time below 5-6 hours. Total volume of liposuction is also an important factor. Although large volumes of liposuction can be performed (more than 2L) it is important that it be done in the proper surgical setting with careful attention to fluid balance.
Do areolas enlarge with a breast augmentation?
With a breast augmentation generally nipples can become slightly larger secondary to tissue stretch. Of course the amount of nipple stretch depends on several factors such as implant size and skin elasticity. Nipple reduction can be performed using a peri-aerolar excision technique.
A breast reduction or breast lift after breast feeding?
A breast lift will keep your current breast volume and a small reduction can be done if you feel the overall volume of your breasts needs to be reduced. The mastopexy will leave you with a perkier and fuller look of your breasts by tightening the skin envelope, raising and reducing the NAC, and redistributing your current breast tissue. However, there is a limit to how much upper pole fullness can be achieved with your native breast tissue without an implant. Skin quality and breast volume will determine the type of technique that will give you the best results.
When is a breast lift needed with a breast augment?
Placement of an implant will correct minor degrees of ptosis but may not provide enough of a lift if the sagging of your breasts is your main concern. It is true that a mastopexy (lift) will leave scars on your breasts but these scars tend to fade with time and can become fairly inconspicuous. I believe the scars are an excellent trade off for a youthful shape and form to your breasts. Exploring what you are expecting as far as breast size, shape and different techniques used for this procedure is important. A breast sizing session and/or a 3D Vectra imaging session are excellent tools used to help you envision results.
Will a breast lift alone make my breasts perkier or is an implant always needed?
Lifting your breasts (mastopexy) can restore a more youthful look to your breasts but if a fuller look is what you want, an implant will be needed. If you are trying to avoid an implant then you can always opt for a mastopexy alone and see how you like the look of your breasts. You can always decide later on if you want an implant put in. Staging procedures can be a good alternative if you are against the idea of an implant. The type of result you are looking to have can be explored using different tools such as Vectra 3D imaging or a breast implant sizing session.
Perkier breasts without implants, what are my options?
A breast lift (mastopexy) will definitely give a perkier look to your breasts. If upper pole volume is what you want then this will be hard to achieve without a small implant placement. Exploring your options and expectations of the result you are able to achieve with a mastopexy alone is important. If you do later on decide that you do want an implant, this can always be considered as a second stage.
When should a breast lift be considered?
The degree of breast ptosis (sagging of breasts) is an important factor in determining if a breast lift is needed. If changing the shape and form of your breasts is your concern, a breast augment is recommended to increase the volume of your breasts and expand the lower pole of your breasts.
How do I know if liposuction is needed with my breast reduction?
Axillary liposuction is commonly performed at the time of breast reduction surgery to remove any excess fatty tissue from the lateral chest region. It can also be used to contour and shape the look of your breasts.
Can a local anesthesia be used for a breast augment?
General anaesthesia is usually recommended for this procedure. The general anaesthesia required is short in duration and quite safe. In addition, pre-operative testing is done prior to ensure you are in good health for surgery.
Breast lift without surgery: can I get a breast lift using laser or other non-invasive options?
Unfortunately there are no creams or lasers that can provide for an adequate breast lift. A breast lift (mastopexy) would be needed to lift your present breast volume and tighten the skin. Exploring the various mastopexy patterns will help you determine the best option.
What is the right size implants for my body?
Your breast base width and skin quality are only a few of the many components that should be taken into account when determining the ideal size of implant and technique that is recommended for your body. Having an implant that is too large increases your risk of having complications associated with the implant. A 600cc implant is a large implant and can contribute to stretching of the skin and ptosis in the long term A sizing session is an ideal experience when trying to decide the best fit for you.
Drooping breast post surgery
At this stage it is very normal to see differences in the healing process of your breasts. One side of our body does not heal the exact same as the other and so this is the reason for any inconsistency. Generally you are able to see final results 6 months post surgery. Your breast will drop just as the other did with time. Any hardness at this stage is also very normal. Tissues will harden and then become softer with time.
How long after a breast augment will it take for breasts implants to become soft and have movement?
The time it takes for breast implants to “settle” has a lot to do with the type and size of implant, the pocket of dissection, and your breast skin envelope. It will generally take from 3-6 months before the implant is settled completely and tissues soften.
What type of procedure would be needed to get my breasts back to the size and shape I had while breastfeeding?
After having children and breastfeeding it is not uncommon for breasts to lose their pre-pregnancy shape and to lose their elasticity and drop. Breast implant augmentation alone can minimally lift the breasts however in your case you would require more of a lifting. During a mastopexy procedure, the aereolas are reduced in size as well. There are numerous techniques that can be used.
Can a breast augmentation be used just for fullness
Certainly a breast augmentation will give you the fuller look and will ultimately somewhat change the shape of your breasts. If you simply want a perkier look then perhaps a breast lift (mastopexy) is all that you would need to achieve the look you desire.
Will choosing a smaller implant reduce the visibility of veins after a breast augmentation?
Your skin envelope and current breast size will need to examined. Generally a breast augmentation surgery will not accentuate or diminish the visibility of the veins on the breast skin. Typically this is associated with skin type, particularly the thickness of your skin and your skin tone. An in person consultation will allow me to recommend the ideal implant type and sizing. The recommended implant should always be in proportion to your frame and tissues.
Scarring from brachioplasty
Scarring can vary from person to person however, typically brachioplasty scars are more prominent than breast scars. In addition, due to the location of the scars, they are quite apparent even when wearing a T-shirt.