Why Do I Require a Breast Lift with Implants?
Have your heart set on Breast Implants, but you’ve just been told that a Breast Lift or a Breast Lift and Augmentation Combination Procedure would be more appropriate? You’re not alone. Read on to discover why almost 50% of our clients are not eligible for Breast Augmentation surgery as a standalone. We’ll also explain Snoopy Breast Deformity and a Two-Stage Breast Lift and Augmentation.
It’s hard not to be disheartened when you find out that the Breast Surgery you wanted is not necessarily the one you are able to get. In fact, almost 50% of our clients are not eligible for a standalone Breast Augmentation procedure. Instead, these clients find their Surgeon recommends a Breast Lift, or a combined Breast Lift and Augmentation.
For some, receiving this news is disappointing and even unsettling. If this sounds like you, then we encourage you to trust the expertise and experience of your Surgeon. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your Surgical Recommendation further, please phone us on 1300 000 633.
WHY CAN’T I JUST HAVE IMPLANTS?
There are various reasons why your Plastic Surgeon might recommend a Breast Lift with (or instead of) a Breast Augmentation. This includes: your Breast Ptosis (breast sagging), Nipple Position and amount of natural breast tissue.
Like all surgical procedures, a Breast Augmentation has its limitations. Understanding such limitations is the first step in accepting your Plastic Surgeon’s recommendation. Specifically, Breast Implants cannot:
- Lift the breasts for more perky, youthful results; instead in the longer term they create additional weight causing the greater breast sagging (Ptosis).
- Correct Nipple Position; breast implants without a Breast Lift may lead to Snoopy Nose Deformity.
- Pull breast tissue upwards; instead breast implants generally create a fuller upper half of the breast (the upper pole).
In cases where there is ample breast tissue, your Plastic Surgeon may recommend a Breast Lift as a standalone procedure. In this instance, your desired breast enhancement may be possible using your own tissue.
What is a Breast Lift?
As the name suggests, a Breast Lift (or Mastopexy) restores the natural ‘perkiness’ of the breasts by reshaping and tightening the breast contour. During a Breast Lift surgery:
- Sagging after weight loss, ageing, pregnancy, genetics, or general skin elasticity issues, can be reversed by removing excess skin and tissue.
- Nipples can be raised to a higher position on the chest wall.
- If enlarged, your areola can be reduced to an appropriate size.
- Remaining tissue is reshaped to reveal a more youthful, tighter, higher breast contour.
How Do I Find Out If I Require A Breast Lift?
If you haven’t already done so, the most accurate way to confirm if a Breast Lift is required is to complete your free Online Assessment. In addition to checking your eligibility for surgery, your Ptosis and Nipple Position will be assessed and you will be provided with an obligation-free Surgical Recommendation.
Degree of Breast Sagging (Ptosis) & Nipple Position
As mentioned, Breast Implants may make your Ptosis (breast sagging) worse as your breasts will be heavier with the Breast Implants. So, before making their final Surgical Recommendation, your Plastic Surgeon will measure your current level of Ptosis against the scale below.
In rare cases, breasts with Grade 1 Ptosis may be corrected with implants alone. In such instances, Plastic Surgeons use a Teardrop Breast Implant. These Breast Implants are bottom-heavy, so instead of surgically lifting the breasts, the implants push the natural breast tissue upwards to help centralise the nipple position.
For Grade 2 or Grade 3 Ptosis, undergoing a Breast Augmentation without a Breast Lift will make the sagging worse.
Your Plastic Surgeon may also recommend a Breast Lift to reposition the nipple if:
- Your nipples point downwards.
- Your nipples sit below the level of your breast crease.
- You have Pseudoptosis (shown below), where your nipples are at the same level as your breast crease; however, your breast tissue has drooped lower.
What is Snoopy Breast Deformity or Waterfall Breast Deformity?
‘What if I don’t have a Breast Lift with my Breast Augmentation?’ This is something we’re often asked.
The greatest risk to clients who choose to have Breast Implants without a Breast Lift (where its required) is ‘Snoopy Breast Deformity’ or ‘Waterfall Breast Deformity’. This occurs when the breast tissue and the nipple, sags below the bottom of the breast implant leading to breasts looking droopy and out of proportion. The diagram below shows how this condition evolves.
Is Snoopy Breast Deformity the Same As Capsular Contracture?
No. Although Snoopy Breast Deformity is often confused with Capsular Contracture, they are different Breast Implant complications. It’s worth noting though that Capsular Contracture (where scar tissue forms around the Breast Implant) can lead to Snoopy Breast Deformity.
What is a Two-Stage Breast Lift and Augmentation?
A Two-Stage Breast Lift and Augmentation refers to when a client undergoes a Breast Lift first. Once recovered from their Breast Lift, the client then has their Breast Augmentation done.
While your results won’t be as immediate, there are a number of significant advantages to this approach. One such benefit is that clients can see the results of their Breast Lift first, and assess whether a second procedure is actually needed.
WILL I HAVE MORE SCARRING WITH A BREAST LIFT?
One of the biggest concerns for clients who require a Breast Lift is the scars left post-surgery. It’s important to remember that scars fade and that combining the procedures will deliver a far more superior result.
CAN I Get a Second Opinion?
Yes, its important you feel confident in all decisions relating to your body. So we encourage all clients to seek a second opinion from an equally qualified and skilled Plastic Surgeon, rather than a Cosmetic Surgeon.
We have utmost trust in our CosMediTour Plastic Surgeons and will uphold their decisions. They are highly skilled and trained specifically in Breast Surgery and have spent years perfecting the techniques required to get the best surgical outcome possible. If you feel your Surgical Recommendation is misaligned with your expectations, please understand that this decision balances:
- Your safety and wellbeing – Our Plastic Surgeons make decisions to reduce your risk of post-surgery complications and the need for corrective surgery.
- Your desired outcomes – Our Plastic Surgeons strive for the best possible results and enduring outcomes for our clients.
Further Information
For further clarification on your Surgical Recommendation or to learn more about your Breast Surgery options, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.