There is a good chance that, if you have considered cosmetic breast surgery, you have also pondered whether you need a breast augmentation and/or breast lift.

Throughout her lifetime, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The breasts can lose their youthful perkiness and even begin to sag. These changes are not exclusive to women with large, heavy breasts; small-chested women may also experience deflation or sagging.

How can you determine whether breast augmentation, breast lift, or both are necessary to restore a youthful chest? Several factors will be considered when making this decision. The three most important factors are nipple position, your desire for increased breast volume, and the desired overall breast size. The correct path should be determined by a combination of these patient-specific goals.

What you must take into account
Nipple position
If your nipples point downward or rest below your breast crease, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift. Tissue sagging or volume loss can cause the nipple/areola to change position, enlarge, or stretch. The nipple will droop when the breasts lose volume and become heavier in the lower pole. A breast lift will reposition the nipple/areola to a more proportionate position while simultaneously lifting the breast tissue. Your surgeon can also reshape your nipple/areola during the mastopexy.

Volume
Breast volume refers to the roundness or fullness of the breasts. Losing weight can cause the breasts to appear deflated or too small. Age, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can also cause breast enlargement and deflation. A breast implant can be used to restore volume to the chest and improve the shape of the breasts in this situation. Additionally, a breast lift may be required to address any excess tissue.

Breast size
As the most common form of cosmetic plastic surgery performed annually, there are numerous reasons why women are unhappy with their breast size. You may have always desired larger breasts or wish to correct breast asymmetry. Your plastic surgeon will explain all of your implant options during your consultation. You will also have the opportunity to try on different implant sizes, which will give you a better idea of how you will look following the procedure.

Combining breast augmentation and breast lift procedures.
A breast lift and breast augmentation may be performed separately or in conjunction with one another. Combing procedures can save you both money and recovery time. However, a breast lift performed years after breast augmentation is typically not a problem.

Everything begins with a consultation for breast augmentation.
Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience to begin your journey. He or she will guide you through this life-altering cosmetic procedure as a crucial member of your team. Request to view a board-certified plastic surgeon’s before-and-after photographs when making your selection. These will provide a good indication of their style and level of skill. The greater the number of images they provide, the more likely their patients are satisfied and the greater their level of experience.

Your consultation should consist of a thorough, patient-centered evaluation during which your surgeon will answer your initial questions, review your medical history, and inquire about your desired outcomes. Next, the surgeon will evaluate the shape, position, and size of the breasts. Together, you will determine the appropriate method(s) for achieving your desired outcomes.