Please make an appointment to see a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. In consultation, they will be able to discuss whether it would be reasonable to approach your situation with or without a lift. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is a crude formula that you may apply to your current breast shape as it pertains to surgery. If your nipple is at or above the level of the fold under your breast, you would be best to avoid having your breasts lifted (mastopexy). If, however, your nipples are substantially below the fold, breast augmentation alone may not solve the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It sounds like with your size and your happiness with your shape, an implant is the "potential ticket." Don't forget that an implant does not give a person a different shape but just enlarges the breast!

Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Newport Beach, San Francisco,Miami, Italy, Anguilla
949.640-6324/1.888.234-5080(Ca)
FAX- 949.640-7347
Website: http://www.surgery-plastic.com
Assistant Clinical Professor of SurgeryWOS-Plastic,University of California (Irvine)
Orange County’s Physician of Excellence/America’s Top Physicians/Top Doctors
Plastic Surgery- 2005-2017
President,American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons
www.ASBPS.org
Organoderm Skin care/ScaRxTape

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume and ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive (some want smaller less droopy breasts and others want larger less droopy breasts).

There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.

Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.

A breast augmentation alone may be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure. Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.

If your nipple sits above the fold (along with the majority of your breast) an augmentation alone may be appropriate. It is important to remember that implants do not lift the breast. If you need a lift an augmentation will not suffice.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012