Posted June 26, 2019 in Breast Lift
While most women understand the difference between augmentation and reduction, the idea of breast lift surgery tends to confuse women. A breast lift tightens glandular tissue and removes excess skin to lift and firm breasts that have lost their youthful quality.
This breast procedure often flies under the radar, but when it is performed on the right candidate, it can restore perkiness to aging and sagging breasts in a way that no other procedure can. Here are some of the reasons to consider a breast lift.
Pregnancy
Many women experience the most significant change in their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding when the breasts swell due to milk production.
Even after the breasts have stopped producing milk, the fluctuation in size and the stress of breastfeeding leave them elongated and stretched.
Weight Loss
Women can gain weight in their breasts just as they can in any other area of their body. Breast skin, like any other piece of tissue, can get to a point of being stretched so far by weight gain that it can no longer contract to surround the breast tissue tightly once the weight is lost. This creates a void between the skin and the breast itself, causing the breast to sag and develop a deflated appearance.
Age
As we age, our tissues begin to lose collagen and elastin, the proteins found in the skin and muscles that provide strength and structure. This loss affects every part of the body, including the breasts.
Age and heredity allow gravity to take its toll. Even without pregnancy or weight fluctuation, the breasts will eventually begin to sag on their own.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises, creams, or other methods of preventing gravity from running its course and affecting the appearance of your breasts.
Removal of Implants
Some women choose to augment their breasts with implants early on in life to enhance their confidence. While many women remain happy with this decision, there is a select group that chooses to remove their implants when they get older.
This decision may stem from lifestyle changes, physical comfort levels, or a change in aesthetic desire. During augmentation, the breast pocket must be stretched to accommodate the implant; therefore, when the implant is removed, the pocket must be tightened to prevent any sagging or looseness.
This is best accomplished with a breast lift.
What Are Your Breast Lift Options?
Breast sagging, or ptosis, is separated into different grades of severity. The level of ptosis will affect the techniques used during a breast lift. All lifts include the removal of skin and the tightening of the underlying tissues; however, some incisions are more invasive than others.
The more significant the ptosis, the more invasive the incision needs to be to create a pleasing aesthetic. The most common types of incisions are the crescent, Benelli, lollipop, and anchor.
The Crescent Lift
The crescent lift is ideal for patients with a minor amount of ptosis. Candidates for this technique need no alterations to the elevation or projection of the nipples. This incision is made along the top half of the areola (the darker region surrounding the nipple). Through this incision, minimal adjustments are made.
The Benelli Lift
Candidates for the Benelli lift have slightly more sagging than candidates for the crescent lift; however, their ptosis is still relatively minor. These candidates may have asymmetrical nipples that need repositioning. This incision runs around the areola.
The Lollipop Lift
The lollipop lift goes one step beyond the Benelli. This incision also runs around the areola; however, there is an additional incision made vertically from the areola to the breast crease. This additional incision allows for a more significant amount of tissue tightening and skin removal.
The Anchor Lift
Most women who require a breast lift show moderate to significant ptosis. Here, breasts are noticeably elongated and the nipples point downward. These women need an anchor lift—the most comprehensive technique available.
This incision includes the same incisions as a lollipop lift with one additional incision made horizontally along the breast crease. After the tissues are tightened and the skin is removed, the resulting scar will resemble an anchor or an inverted-T.
If you are experiencing dissatisfaction from sagging breasts, a breast lift may be ideal for you. Contact Dr. Rey by calling (310) 205-3107 or by filling out our online contact form.