Do I Need a Breast Lift or Implants?

Many women undergo major physical changes after pregnancy, specifically with their breasts. Hormonal changes, breast feeding, and changing breast size before pregnancy and after can lead to deflation of the breasts and possibly a loss of volume. When considering surgical rejuvenation, the question then becomes: do you need a breast lift, implants or a combination of both? Dr. Kevin Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina discusses the signs that can tell you the answer to that question, and how modern breast surgery can take your breasts back to where they once were.

By: Kevin L. Smith, MD
and Adam McMillon
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

How to tell what you need… at Home!

When contemplating whether or not you should look into breast surgery, there are a few ways for you to tell, at home, what it is you might need. “It really depends on whether or not you like your volume,” says Dr. Smith. “If your breasts are large enough, just not in the right place, then that means you may need a lift. If your breasts are not in the right place and you want to be bigger, that means you may need an augment and a lift. Finally, if your breasts have a nice shape but just have insufficient volume, and your nipple areola complex is in the right position, then all you need is an implant.”

The Nipple Areola Complex: Position Matters

While it’s easy to tell if you’re lacking volume or not, the lift question may be a bit trickier to answer. An attractive looking breast has a distinct location where the nipple and areola complex resides. “An attractive breast should have the nipple on the apex of the breast mound, just as the breast peaks,” says Smith. “As far as where the nipple areola complex belongs, it really depends on where it is in relation to the fold underneath the breast. If the nipple is above the fold, rarely do you need a lift. If the nipple is below the fold, more often than not you’ll need a lift.”

The Consultation is IMPORTANT!

While you can guess at what you need to restore your breasts, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will give you the most reliable information to help plan your surgery. “So many moms come in and say, ‘You know, my kids sucked the life out of these! I just want my old breasts back,'” says Smith.

“Using our Vectra imaging device, it gives us a good idea of where they were, where they are and where you’d like your breasts to be.” By utilizing 3-D imaging, Vectra can morph your breasts into a 3-D image for you and your physician to discuss. The software can also add volume and give you an accurate view of what your results may be.

In addition, a board certified plastic surgeon has your best interests in mind when discussing possible breast surgery, best interests being not only what you want, but what would be appropriate for your unique body type. “Breast surgery is all about elegance and subtlety,” says Smith. “That perfect size to me is when a woman feels a little bit big in a bikini top, and small when she’s dressed up. Ultimately, it all depends on if you like your volume, and whether you feel that your breasts are droopy or not. That’s how we always begin the process to restore your breasts back to where they used to be, which usually corresponds with a restoration of confidence.”