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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference
My Houston Surgeons (MHS) knows that every woman has different body shapes and goals, with unique desires for aesthetically desirable results. The MHS body plastic surgeons possess excellent training in cosmetic breast surgery and provide various procedures to meet the needs of a patient’s dissatisfaction with their breast to body proportions.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
The natural tendency for the breast to droop or sag is a result of time, aging, and gravity. Patients may experience tubular breasts, stretched nipples, or nipples that point downward. With a breast lift, surgeons are able to reverse those effects and provide the patient with more symmetrical, shapely breasts. The fundamental of the procedure involves tightening of the skin of the upper breast, and removal of excess skin and fat. The results are a more youthful, and perkier shape to their breast, without adding volume.
The incisions for a breast lift will vary depending on the condition of the patient’s breast. If a patient has mild sagging, the surgeon may opt for a “donut” lift technique with an incision that extends the perimeter of the areola. The surgeon may also opt for a “crescent” technique which involves a crescent-shaped incision around the upper half of the nipple. If the patient is experiencing severe sagging, the surgeon may choose a “lollipop” technique which involves encircling the areola with a vertical line going down toward the breast crease. For severe cases of sagging, the incision called an “anchor” may be used, involving an incision similar to the lollipop incision, with an added circular and vertical incision.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular breast surgeries sought out by women in the U.S. The ideal candidates for this procedure are patients who are in good health and have realistic expectations. Surgeons will work with you to develop a treatment plan that involves choosing the appropriate type of implant, placement, and the type of incisions needed to meet your ideal breast aesthetic. The different types of implants include: round saline which has a silicone shell and filled with saline, round silicone which are prefilled and have a silicone shell filled with thick silicone material, and shape silicone are also prefilled but have a teardrop and filled with a denser silicone. The placement of the implants can be submuscular (below the pectoral muscles), or subglandular (directly below the breast gland). The incision can range from incisions in the axilla, to around the skin of the areola, to the most common site hidden under the breast in the naturally occurring fold
Whichever procedure is right for you, My Houston Surgeons provides quality patient care from the initial consultation through your recovery. Contact us today.
