Breast Implants With Breast Lift

Breast Implants with Breast Lift: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing Breast Shape and Volume

Most people share the dream of fuller, more young-looking breasts. As time goes by, such factors as aging, pregnancy, fluctuation in weight, and genetics can change the appearance of the breasts to sag and lose their original volume. For individuals who are interested in addressing both these concerns, a combination of breast implants along with a breast lift would be an ideal option. This not only restores the firmness and shape of the breasts but also enhances volume and symmetry. In this article, we go deep into its benefits, techniques, recovery process, and more to understand how combining implants with a breast lift can transform your appearance.

What is a Breast Lift with Implants?

A breast lift with implants, also called mastopexy with augmentation, is a cosmetic surgery that corrects the problems of sagging (ptosis) and volume loss in the breasts. It combines two different methods:

Mastopexy (Breast Lift): It includes the removal of extra skin of the breast, shifting the nipple to a more elevated position, and also tightening the surrounding tissue in order to return a natural, elevated look of the breasts.

Breast Augmentation: This is the process of placing the silicone or saline breast implant in a subglandular or submuscular manner to enhance the size and volume of the breast. Sometimes, implants may help in enhancing breast symmetry.

The combination of these two procedures helps women achieve not only lifted, firm breasts but also enhanced volume and shape, providing a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

Why Consider a Breast Lift with Implants?

There are a few different reasons that cause people to undertake the combination of a breast lift with implants:

The sagging of breasts, due to pregnancies and breastfeeding, is very common. A combination of a breast lift with implants elevates the breasts to a firmer, fuller, and more youthful shape.

Aging: As years go by, skin elasticity diminishes naturally, and these are the causes of sagging breasts. Combining a lift with implants can be a good way to restore a more youthful appearance; it offers both lift and volume.

It leads to loss of weight, especially in the breasts, which can sag. Breast implants, when combined with a lift, will restore volume and create a more contoured shape.

Genetics: Most women are born with genes that predispose them to having smaller or sagging breasts. For such, the combination of implants and a breast lift yields both size increase and shape improvement.

This combination procedure treats both the loss of shape and volume in the breasts, catering to those interested in improving both these aspects.

Types of Breast Implants Used in the Procedure

There are numerous options for patients when considering implants as part of a breast lift. Starting with two of the most common:

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, and as such, are adjustable in size. They usually require a slightly smaller incision, as they are filled after their placement. They feel natural and have a greater propensity for visible rippling.

Silicone Implants: These are filled with a gel that gives the implant the feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are generally felt to look and feel more natural and tend to hold their shape more often without visible rippling.

A choice between saline and silicone implants depends on the personal preferences of the patient, desired outcome, and body type. During a consultation, your surgeon will assist you in choosing the right type, size, and placement of implants.

The Procedure: What to Expect

A breast lift with implants generally takes two to four hours and is commonly performed under general anesthesia. The steps to the procedure generally include:

Incision Placement: The surgeon will make an incision to remove excess skin, translocate the nipple, and insert the implants. The common incision patterns are as follows:

Periareolar: Around the areola.
Vertical: A vertical incision from the areola down to the breast crease.
Anchor: Incision around the areola, down the breast, and along the fold of the breast for more extensive lifting.
Breast Lifting: Excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is firmed and reshaped. The nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher location in order to achieve a youthful contour.

Placing the Implants: The surgeon will create a pocket for the implants, either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, and then insert the implants. The size and placement will depend on your body shape and desired result.

Closing the Incisions: After the implants are placed and the breasts are lifted, the incisions are closed with sutures, and bandages are applied to support the healing process.

Your surgeon will discuss the specific incision approach that best suits your body and goals.

Benefits of Combining Breast Implants and a Breast Lift

Opting for both a breast lift and implants offers a wide range of benefits:

Restoration of Youthful Shape: This procedure helps lift sagging breasts, reposition the nipple, and restore a youthful breast contour.

Improved Volume: This is particularly important in cases of women who have lost volume due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss; the implants add to the volume.

Improved Symmetry: Implants and a lift combined work to improve breast symmetry, particularly for women with uneven or asymmetrical breasts.

Long-Lasting Results: The results of this procedure are long-lasting, though natural aging and weight fluctuations may impact the breasts over time.

Increased Confidence: Many women feel that this procedure significantly raises their self-esteem and body confidence because they are more satisfied with their breasts.

Risks and Considerations

Though a breast lift with implants is a generally safe procedure, it does not come without its risks and considerations:

Scarring: All surgical operations result in scars, whose extent will depend on the type of incision made. However, most scars fade over time and are well-hidden in natural folds of the breasts.

Implant Complications: As with all implants, the risks of complications such as rupture, leakage, or contracture and hardening of the tissue around the implant may be present.

Changes in Nipple Sensitivity: Some women may experience a permanent or temporary change in the sensation of the nipples after the surgery.

Asymmetry: Though rare, there is a chance of asymmetrical healing of the breasts after the procedure, and revision surgery may be necessary.

Recovery Time: Recovery can take several weeks. Generally, patients must avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks. Most patients can resume work and light activities within one or two weeks.

Recovery and Aftercare

There are some stages involved in the recovery process after a breast lift with implants.

Initial Recovery: Patients will experience swelling and bruising, with some discomfort throughout the first week. Medication can be prescribed to control pain, and cold compresses can be used to reduce discomfort.

Support Garments: Patients are usually advised to wear a supportive bra or compression garment for the purpose of reducing swelling and supporting the breasts while healing takes place.

Avoid lifting heavy weights, energetic exercise, or any activity that would tend to traumatize the chest region for the first few weeks following surgery.

Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up is important to check on the healing process and implant positioning. 

Long-term Outcomes; Expectations

A breast lift with implants offers long-lasting results, but one should be prepared for the fact that natural aging processes and various other factors may take their own toll on the appearance of the breasts over time. Pregnancy, weight changes, and natural aging may cause the breasts to droop or revert to their former shape once again. Most individuals enjoy their youthful and enhanced breast appearance for years.

Also, breast implants may be in the need to be replaced or revised at some point, especially when complications occur or the implant is damaged.

Conclusion
A breast lift with implants gives an excellent solution to people desiring to regain the shape, volume, and firmness of the breasts. Caused by aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics, combining a breast lift with implants can help you achieve fuller, youthful-looking breasts that increase confidence and enhance your overall appearance. Understand the procedure, benefits, risks, and recovery to make an informed decision about whether this procedure is appropriate for you. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options and design a treatment plan tailored to your goals.