BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Saginaw, Midland, Bay City and all of the mid-Michigan area.
Our practice has assisted numerous women in restoring their femininity and
enhancing their self-assurance through a combination of breast implant surgery
and mastopexy, also known as breast lift surgery. Following a breast lift with
implants in Michigan, our patients experience a higher breast position and
fuller, more sculpted breasts.
WHAT IS A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?
A combination of breast lift with implants is a popular method of breast augmentation through mastopexy. While breast augmentation with implants and mastopexy are commonly performed individually, some women find that their desired enhancements necessitate the advantages of both procedures.
- Mastopexy: Breast lift surgery involves reshaping breast tissue, removing excess skin, and elevating the breasts to a more aesthetically pleasing position on the chest wall.
- Breast implant surgery: Breast implants are specialized medical devices tailored to provide lasting cosmetic enhancement. Implants offer a high level of predictability and customization for reshaping and enhancing the breasts.
RIGHT FOR YOU?
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?
In certain cases, minor ptosis or skin laxity may be improved by implant placement alone, as the added volume can fill and subtly lift lax skin. However, if moderate to severe skin laxity, stretched skin, or downward-pointing nipples are present, opting for breast augmentation without a breast lift may not yield optimal results.
Dr. Pittas carefully assesses each patient's individual needs to determine the safest and most beneficial treatment plan. During your initial consultation, we will gather the necessary information to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a breast lift with implants. This assessment will involve a thorough physical examination of the treatment area, a discussion about your expectations for the procedure, and a review of relevant medical history.
For patients who are ideal candidates for a breast lift, desire a subtle increase in breast size, and have sufficient natural breast tissue, breast implant surgery may not be required. In such instances, we can often achieve the appearance of fuller breasts by lifting and reshaping drooping breast tissue. Patients seeking more significant augmentation will be recommended to consider combining mastopexy with breast implant surgery.
Patients seeking mastopexy with breast implant surgery typically wish to achieve a more youthful breast position along with fuller breasts. It is important to note that not all individuals with cosmetic objectives that encompass both breast augmentation and mastopexy will necessarily need both a breast lift and breast implant surgery.
SALINE OR SILICONE IMPLANTS: WHICH IS BEST FOR A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?
Dr. William Pittas discusses the choice between saline and silicone implants in breast lift with implants procedures.
Choosing the right breast implants can be an exciting yet daunting decision for patients, given the array of options available. Dr. Pittas understands the importance of aligning the surgeon's and patient's visions for successful breast surgery outcomes. He dedicates significant time to helping patients clarify and communicate their cosmetic objectives before providing recommendations.
Whether it's saline or silicone implants, mastopexy paired with either type can yield remarkable results. While specific aesthetic goals may dictate the type of implant required, the decision between silicone and saline implants often comes down to patient preference. Dr. Pittas aims to empower patients to make informed choices by addressing their inquiries and providing access to relevant tools and resources.
SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS
Saline implants are crafted to provide the breasts with a full and rounded appearance. These implants are composed of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water, with the volume of saline adjusted to suit each patient's desired breast size. Since the shell is inserted and then filled, saline implants typically require smaller incisions compared to silicone implants.
Some individuals opt for saline implants for health-related reasons, as sterile salt water poses no harm to the body in case of implant rupture or leakage. The detection of saline ruptures is also relatively straightforward.
Historically, saline implants were thought to yield less natural-looking results than silicone implants due to their firmness and concerns about rippling in the implant shell. However, advancements in shell design have enabled saline implants to closely replicate the appearance and feel of natural breasts.
SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
Silicone breast implants consist of dense silicone gel enclosed within a shell, allowing for customization in size and other characteristics such as:
- Projection – The projection of an implant determines its extent of outward projection from the chest. Options range from flatter, low-profile implants to high-profile implants that enhance cleavage. High-profile implants, with small base widths, are ideal for patients with narrow chests, while low-profile implants, with broader bases, suit those with wider chests.
- Texture – Patients can select from various textures, including soft, firm, and stiff silicone implants. Traditional silicone implants are typically soft, while newer "gummy bear" implants, made of cohesive silicone gel, offer a firmer feel.
- Form – Silicone implants come in both round and teardrop shapes. Teardrop implants feature a projection point in the lower breast, creating a natural appearance. This anatomic shape often results in a more realistic outcome than round implants.
- Rupture – Like saline implants, silicone gel implants can rupture and leak. While saline leakage is harmless, silicone implant leaks require timely removal for the patient's safety. Ruptured silicone implants can be detected through an MRI scan, and the FDA recommends women with cohesive silicone implants undergo biennial MRIs to check the devices' integrity.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?
Pre-operatively, Dr. Pittas will make surgical markings on your breasts to create a visual plan for the procedure. You will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your surgery with Dr. Pittas and address any lingering questions during this time.
The mastopexy with breast implant surgery typically takes one to three hours to complete. While Dr. Pittas performs your surgery, you will be under the effects of anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Dr. Pittas will initiate the surgery by making the necessary incisions for your breast lift with implants, a topic that was likely covered in your consultation. The size and placement of these incisions will determine the visibility of your post-surgery marks.
For a discreet outcome, a periareolar incision along the outer edge of the areola is an option. A periareolar incision combined with a vertical incision from the lowest point of the areola to the breast crease, known as a circumvertical incision, is often chosen for moderate breast lifts. In cases requiring more extensive modifications, a horizontal incision along the breast crease may be added to a circumvertical incision to create an "anchor" or inverted "T" shape.
Next, Dr. Pittas will proceed with the outlined adjustments in your surgical plan. Your breast implant surgery with mastopexy may involve a combination of the following procedures:
- Elevating drooping tissue
- Establishing suitable breast pockets for the implants
- Positioning the implants above or below the pectoral muscle, as previously deliberated with you
- Refining and restructuring breast tissue
- Removing excess skin
- Realigning your nipples
- Decreasing the diameter of the areola
Once he has completed all of the necessary changes, Dr. Pittas will use sutures to secure your enhanced breast contours and close the incisions. A dressing will be applied before you are taken to a recovery area within the surgical facility, where you will be monitored until Dr. Pittas determines that you can safely continue your recovery at home. A breast lift with implants is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Before you are released, we will provide you with vital information on how you can support the healing process and minimize the possibility of complications as you recover.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR RECOVERY FROM A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS
Expect to take about a week off for recovery. Rest is crucial during this time to allow your body to focus on healing. Consuming a balanced diet and staying hydrated will aid in a speedy recovery process.
Following the aftercare instructions for changing dressings and cleaning incision sites is vital to prevent infections and reduce scarring. Antibiotics will be prescribed as an added precaution.
It is essential to limit physical activities as you recuperate. Overexerting yourself too soon can compromise your results and prolong recovery. We will provide a gradual plan to transition from light to more intense activities over approximately six weeks following your surgery.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM A BREAST LIFT WITH BREAST IMPLANTS?
Immediately after your breast lift with implants in Saginaw, you will notice a lifted breast position and enhanced breast size right away. Continued enhancements can be expected as you heal. Your ultimate results will become apparent once any post-operative swelling has completely subsided, typically within three to six months.
HOW LONG WILL MASTOPEXY WITH BREAST IMPLANTS RESULTS LAST?
To maintain long-lasting results, it is essential to maintain a stable weight, avoid unhealthy habits, and take steps to slow down and prevent the signs of aging. Non-invasive treatments like thread lifting and external radiofrequency therapy, which stimulate collagen production, are recommended periodically to help keep your skin firm, elastic, and smooth.
Breast implants typically have a lifespan of 10 years or more, depending on the type of implant. While some implants can last up to 20 years, the risk of ruptures and complications increases with each year beyond the recommended timeframe. We will provide guidance on when to anticipate the need for implant removal, with or without replacement.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO A BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS?
We also offer a combination of breast lift surgery and breast augmentation using fat transfer. This procedure involves performing liposuction to extract fat from a specific area of the body. The harvested fat is then purified and injected into the breasts. Fat transfer for breast augmentation is a suitable choice for patients who:
- Opt for a natural treatment method
- Seek a slight to moderate enhancement in volume
- Have surplus body fat that they wish to remove for a more sculpted appearance
in areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, or upper arms
HOW MUCH WILL MY BREAST LIFT WITH IMPLANTS COST?
Since your surgical plan is specifically designed for your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, an accurate price estimate cannot be provided until you meet with us for your consultation. Considerations that impact the total cost of breast lift with implant surgery include:
- The size and type of breast implants you choose
- The surgical techniques required
- The inclusion or exclusion of nipple repositioning and/or areola reduction