There are many different reasons why women consider breast enhancement surgery—whether due to weight loss or gain, pregnancy or aging, or they’ve simply always been unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. Although breast implants are one of the most common types of breast enhancement, this isn’t your only option and is not necessarily right for everyone.
To help you decide if breast implants or a breast lift without implants could be right for you, take a look at these common questions and their answers.
What Does a Breast Lift without Implants Do?
Many women don’t realize that it’s possible to improve the shape, position or symmetry of their breasts without changing the size. A breast lift without implants can remove excess skin and reposition your nipples higher on your chest wall, resulting in a perkier and more youthful shape and appearance.
In some cases, a breast lift alone can help to even out asymmetrical breasts. For others, a breast lift may be combined with either breast augmentation or breast reduction to achieve the best outcome.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Breast Lift?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no right or wrong age to get a breast lift. If you’re bothered by excess skin and sagging for any reason, be it after breastfeeding or due to the natural aging process, you could be a good candidate for a breast lift without implants.
Some women are already familiar with the “pencil test” as a starting off point to help them decide if they could benefit from a breast lift.
To perform the pencil test, you simply place a pencil in your breast crease—directly under your breasts—while not wearing a bra or other support garment. If the pencil falls to the floor, you likely have little to no sagging and are probably not the best candidate for this procedure. If the pencil is held in place, a breast lift may be able to help.
Should I Consider Adding Implants?
An in-person consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon will be the best way to determine if a breast lift without implants is right for you.
Even if you’ve already decided that you’d like to talk to a cosmetic surgeon about getting a breast lift, the natural next question is, “Should I add implants?” There are two primary reasons why you might want to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation:
- If you would like to add volume to your breasts to make them fuller and larger than they currently are
- If you would like to correct asymmetry and your cosmetic surgeon believes that adding a breast implant would be the most suitable technique
When Will I See Results?
Immediately after your breast lift without implants, you may notice a change in the shape or position of your breasts. However, for the first several weeks, you’ll likely experience some swelling, bruising and some mild discomfort as your body begins to heal.Most women are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeksafter mastopexy, depending on the physical demands of their job.
As swelling gradually diminishes over the next few months, your breast lift results will begin to reveal themselves. It can take up to six months to see your final breast shape, but many women notice a considerable change around the two-month mark.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!
