Sagging breasts can negatively affect the overall proportions of one’s body, as can breasts with minimal volume. They can also affect a woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Surgeries are available to lift sagging breasts and to add more volume. Often, the best option is a combination of these procedures.
 

Breast-Enhancement Procedures
 

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure used to increase the size and projection of the breasts. This technique involves placing breast implants under the chest muscle or glandular breast tissue.
 

The breast implants may be saline or silicone:
• Saline implants are a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution.
• Silicone implants are a silicone shell filled with silicone gel.
 

A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a procedure used to improve the shape of the breasts and increase perkiness and firmness. This procedure removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissues. The breast lift not only raises sagging breasts, it also reduces the size of enlarged areolae and addresses symmetry issues.
 

Augmentation Mastopexy
 

When a breast augmentation and a breast lift are combined in a single surgical session, it is called an augmentation mastopexy. The breast implants increase the size and projection of the breasts, and the breast lift raises the breasts and adds perkiness. Both surgeries combined create an overall enhanced appearance for the breasts.
 

The augmentation mastopexy starts with a consultation with Dr. Wallace, who reviews the patient’s medical history, including current medical conditions, medications, and allergies. This will help determine whether the patient is suitable for the procedure.
 

Based on the patient’s expectations, Dr. Wallace creates a treatment plan that includes:
• The type of incision
• The incision location
• The type of implant to be used
• The size of the implant
 

General anesthesia is used during the procedure to ensure that the patient is comfortable and free of pain throughout it. Dr. Wallace cleans the surgical area and marks the sites where the incisions will be made.
 

The incisions used will vary depending on the type of implant used and the amount of excess skin to be removed. Donut incisions allow for the least amount of removal, lollipop incisions allow for a moderate amount, and anchor incisions allow for the most tissue removal.
 

The implants are placed in tissue pockets behind the glandular breast tissue or the pectoral muscle using the incisions made. Excess skin is removed, making the breasts firmer and perkier. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures.
 

Augmentation-Mastopexy Recovery
 

One major benefit of the augmentation-mastopexy procedure is that only a single recovery period is needed. Getting both procedures individually would require two recovery periods, requiring the patient to experience more downtime and discomfort.
 

During recovery, bruising and swelling will be present. These can be addressed with the help of a supportive post-surgical bra without underwire. They will fade over time.
 

It may be necessary to miss work for a time in order to rest and heal. Avoid any physically taxing activities like heavy exercise for at least four weeks.
 

Finding Out More
 

Would you like to learn more about augmentation mastopexy? Dr. Charles Wallace, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, will be happy to answer any questions you may have, so contact our office today for a consultation.