There are lots of reasons why women consider breast enhancement procedures, including correcting asymmetry, following a pregnancy or massive weight loss and to counteract the natural aging process. But how do you know if you need a breast lift with your breast implants to achieve the final outcome you want? These four factors can help you decide.
The Pencil Test
Generally speaking, think of a breast lift as a procedure that can help to get rid of breast sagging, called ptosis, and achieve a lifted, perkier appearance. With this in mind, one way to tell whether or not you might be able to benefit from pairing a breast lift with your augmentation is to do the pencil test.
You simply lift each breast and place a pencil horizontally in the crease. When you remove your hand and let your breast naturally fall, does the pencil stay there or fall to the floor? If it stays, you might need a breast lift. If it falls, you could do well with just a breast augmentation for added volume.
Nipple Position
Another factor to consider is the natural position of your nipples. This is something that both you and your cosmetic surgeon can take a look at to determine if you could be a good candidate for a breast lift.
If your nipples are located beneath the crease of your breasts, a lift or combination lift and implants might be your best bet. Otherwise, you may be better suited for just implants.
Your cosmetic surgeon can also measure the distance between the middle of your neck and your nipples to determine the level of ptosis that you have and if a breast lift is needed.
There are there phases of breast ptosis: 1, 2 and 3. Women in phases 2 and 3 can typically benefit from adding a breast lift to their breast enhancement procedure.
Asymmetry
While no woman’s breasts are exactly symmetrical, some women experience much more asymmetry than others. This can refer to the size, position or both of your breasts. So if one breast seems to sit much lower than the other, you may want to talk to your cosmetic surgeon about performing a breast lift on just one side to help create a more balanced, even look.
Similarly, if the size of your breasts is noticeably different, your cosmetic surgeon can use two different sizes of implants for a more uniform final outcome.
Skin Elasticity
After a pregnancy, breastfeeding, losing a large amount of weight or even due to natural aging, you might notice that your skin just doesn’t seem to snap back into place. Loose skin in the breast area is a common cosmetic concern for many women and can be addressed through a breast lift.
Although breast implants might help to minimize slight skin sagging, it may be worth it in the long run to combine a breast lift with your augmentation now to prevent the need for a revision procedure in the near future.
If you’re having trouble deciding if you need a breast lift with your implants, your best bet is to schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Based on your natural anatomy and your desired breast implant results, your cosmetic surgeon should be able to design a breast enhancement procedure that is completely customized to fit your unique needs.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
