Would breast implants or a breast lift be better for me?
As far as the female demographic is concerned, breast enhancement surgery is the most sought-after cosmetic surgery type by far. Michael Horn Plastic Surgery and Med Spa helps hundreds of women achieve the enhanced look they are wanting with breast augmentation / breast implant surgery and breast lift procedures each year and will be more than happy to help you with this process.
When it comes to breast augmentation one main thing you must consider is whether breast implants or a breast lift would be the most suitable solution. Here is some information to help you decide which procedure may be best for you.
Why choose to have breast enhancement surgery?
Breast enhancement surgery is popular for a whole host of reasons and shouldn’t be attributed solely to the idea of wanting to look like a super model. Breast augmentation / breast implants, and breast lift surgery can help in all the following areas:
- To enlarge small breasts
- To restore symmetry
- To remove sagging after pregnancy
- To undo the impacts of ageing
- To reshape breasts after other surgeries
Breast enhancement procedures can lift a woman’s self-confidence to extraordinary levels, by just providing better symmetry and shape to their breasts. A breast lift procedure may also aid in daily comfort and relieve uncomfortableness from the weight of sagging breasts. So, as well as being a cosmetic process, it is very possible that physical benefits will be felt too.
Still, the full benefits are only unlocked when the right type of treatment is selected.
What you need to know about breast implants / breast augmentation
When considering a breast enhancement procedure, breast implants are usually the first option that will be considered. While millions of women jump straight into the idea of having breast implants placed, it’s important to consider some important factors:
When are breast implants used?
The most common reason for breast implants is to make the breast look bigger while also gaining a fuller shape. If you are looking to gain a bigger bust overall, breast implants are the solution.
Breast implants are suitable for adult women of all ages, unless there are medical reasons to avoid the procedure. However, the vast majority of breast implant procedures are performed on women under the age of 50.
Choosing between Saline and Silicone Implants?
When looking at the different type of breast implants on the market, you will need to choose between saline and silicone implants. At our Chicago plastic surgery clinic, Michael Horn Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we can help you decide which option would be best for you.
Saline implants are typically more affordable while the smaller incisions generally take less time to heal. However, they are best suited to patients with more natural breast tissue. Women with much smaller breasts and a thin frame may not get the best results with saline implants.
Silicone implants look very natural but are typically more expensive. Silicone implants need slightly more attention to placement and larger incisions, which may make recovery times a little longer too.
The decision to go with one type over the other can be based on personal preference, body type, or cost.
Implant placement and incision options?
Breast implants can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or under the breast tissue in front of the pectoral muscle (submammary, or subglandular placement). The former takes longer to recover from, but it gives a more natural look.
Incisions are commonly made in one of three places. The options are under the armpit (trans-axillary), the bottom of the areola (periareolar), or under the breast fold (inframammary).
How big should I go?
While there is no one right or wrong answer, it’s important to remember that breast implants will change the shape and dimensions of your chest, altering your entire physical dynamic. As such, increasing the breast size by more than two cup sizes could cause comfort issues.
It is important to take your lifestyle and physical health into account when deciding on breast implant surgery. It is also very important to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with a breast implant.
What you need to know about breast lifts
While breast implants are the type of procedure that most women naturally think about, it isn’t the only solution. Breast lifts are an alternative that can provide a great solution depending on the situation.
How do breast lifts differ from breast implants?
Rather than focusing on the size of the breast, breast lift procedures primarily deal with volume and shape. Breast lifts are designed to combat sagging breasts, also known as breast ptosis, and will lift the breast from the nipple to give it a more youthful shape and appearance.
Saggy breasts are very common as women get older while it is also heavily linked to breastfeeding. If you can hold a pencil under the breast fold, a breast lift could be the ideal solution.
What is involved in a breast lift surgery?
A breast lift can be achieved by a few incision patterns and techniques. The contributing factors will be the size and shape of your breast, your skin elasticity, the position of your areolas, and the degree of breast sagging.
After the proper incision is made:
- The breast tissue is lifted and reshaped
- The nipple is repositioned to a more youthful height
- Excess skin is removed, and
- The remaining skin is tightened
Will the results of a breast lift be long lasting?
The results should last indefinitely but may be affected by extreme weight gain or pregnancy. Gravity will still affect your breasts a bit over time, but only weight fluctuation will cause major changes in the breast appearance following the procedure.
In Conclusion
Breast augmentation procedures are extremely popular among women of varying ages and backgrounds, but it’s important to remember that no two women are the same. Ultimately, there are several factors that will influence your decision as to whether to choose breast implants or a breast lift.
Those contributing issues include the reason for wanting a breast procedure, the desired results, other physical health issues, and your budget. There are many options at your disposal and Dr. Michael Horn, MD would be very happy to discuss them in detail to uncover the best option for you.
Take the first steps to finding the right breast surgery procedure by calling our Chicago plastic surgery center, Michael Horn Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, to schedule a consultation at (312) 202-9000.
