Combining a breast lift with breast implants

Unhappy with your breasts? You're not alone. The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States is breast augmentation. Women want to look and feel younger, particularly after losing a lot of weight or having children. Life events take their toll on your body, but there's a way to reverse that damage by combining a breast lift and a breast augmentation.

Which breast implant is right for you?

Deciding on the right type of breast implants, as well as size, is a big decision. It will affect how you look and feel after the surgery, so it's important to select the correct option. You have three options:

• Saline: These are best for those who want to keep scarring to a minimum. The empty implant is inserted through a tiny incision, then inflated with saline. However, saline implants are more likely to rupture or pop, and they don't feel as natural as the other options available.
• Gummy Bear: Just like gummy bears, these implants are fairly firm. They are the best choice for anyone who is worried about ruptures since the interior gel will stay in place, even if the shell breaks for some reason. While they may not feel as natural as the gel implants, gummy bear breast implants hold their shape indefinitely.
• Gel: Implants that are filled with gel are the top choice for most people. The gel is very realistic-feeling and looks more natural, as well. While the gel can spread in the event of a rupture, it tends to stay in place, reducing risks and making this the best option for the majority of patients.

What type of placement should you choose?

Once you've selected the type of implant you want, you'll need to consider the placement. Implants may be placed behind the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or behind the breast tissue (subglandular).

Submuscular placement takes longer to heal from and requires a longer surgery, but it allows for a more natural look and feel. It also leaves the breast tissue open to scanning and keeps scar tissue to a minimum. Subglandular placement is a faster surgery and is simpler to recover from since no muscles are involved. It means a larger implant may be used, but there is the possibility of scar tissue, more noticeable implants and less support for the implants.

Size matters

Your surgeon can take you up one cup size or multiple cup sizes, but is bigger really better? For those who have always had a low cup size, the idea of being a DD might seem appealing, but it's not always necessary. Take a look at a gallery of before and after photos to get a better idea of what to expect from your implant.

Adding a breast lift to your augmentation

Breast lifts are a basic procedure that moves the nipple and areola, lifts the breast and eliminates excess skin. The end result is a perkier look and is particularly appreciated among those with sagging breasts.

Combining a breast lift with implants is a good way to get the most from your surgery. You don't need to add as much volume to the implant when you also have a breast lift, which will position the breasts correctly and give them shape. When these two procedures are combined, your breasts will increase in cup size but also look better than with just one procedure.

More and more people are realizing that it's not necessary to simply put up with breasts that they don't enjoy. Whether they sag, are uneven in shape or are simply too small, having a breast lift with implant augmentation can give you the look and feel you want. You'll feel and look younger, and it's a great boost in confidence.