If you are unhappy with the shape, size, or look of your breasts in general, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it. Breast augmentations and similar procedures are one of the most popular procedures the world over. However, it is an expensive choice to make, and you need to make sure you’re going to be happy with the results and that you have realistic expectations for the procedure if you decide to go ahead.
Understanding the various options you have is a must. Here, we’re going to talk more about breast augmentations, as well as the breast lift procedure and discuss the differences between them both. By the end of this article, you should have a very good idea of which one is best for you and whether you are a suitable candidate for either of them.
The Definition Of a Breast Lift
A breast lift is defined as a surgical procedure designed to lift and change the shape of the breasts. During a breast lift, any excess tissue is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to lift the breasts and give them an improved appearance. A candidate for a breast lift may be somebody who has sagging breasts, or nipples that point downward. This procedure could potentially boost your self image and confidence if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Your breasts can change for a number of reasons over the years. They can sag as they grow, with age, due to weight fluctuations, and even because of pregnancy. Some women also notice that one of their breasts sags lower than the other, and they can also be suitable candidates for surgery.
Women who have smaller breasts have the chance of a longer lasting result, while women with larger breasts tend to trouble with sagging again after a time. It’s also important to consider the risks of this type of surgical procedure. An idea of them is as follows:
- Scarring
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry
- Partial or total loss of nipples
- Difficulty breastfeeding
In general, many experts recommend waiting until you are done having children before having a breast lift. This is because breasts that change shape/size due to weight gain and pregnancy are at risk of sagging again.
The Definition Of a Breast Augmentation
A breast augmentation is also a surgical procedure, but in this procedure the breasts are augmented by using an implant. The implant is inserted via an incision. The incision is usually made under the breast, but in some cases it may be made under the armpit. In newer procedures, a technique may be used where the implant is inserted via an incision in the belly button. Various sizes and shaped implants can be chosen to reshape and enhance the breasts, depending on the look you would like to go for.
You may want a breast augmentation if you feel your breasts are not properly developed in adulthood, or you are simply unhappy with their size. Many people feel that their breasts are out of proportion with their bodies and this is why they choose to go ahead with the surgery.
It’s also important to be aware of the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. Some of them are as follows:
- Poor scarring
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Wrong position of the implant
- Larger/smaller breasts than expected
Providing you choose the right surgeon and you follow all of the instructions to the letter before any surgery, as well as the after care advice, the surgery should go well and you should recover well. For example, you will need to avoid alcohol and smoking before the surgery and during your recovery. Just one cigarette really could make a huge difference to the outcome, so you will want to make sure you’re willing to make these changes before going ahead.
The Main Differences Between A Breast Lift and A Breast Augmentation: Explained
There are many differences between a breast lift and a breast augmentation. They are both surgical procedures, although the lift focuses more on the position of the breasts, while the augmentation focuses on the shape and size. The lift can also reshape the breasts, although the results may not be as dramatic as inserting an implant.
Are You A Good Candidate For Breast Surgery?
Now you might be wondering whether you are a good candidate for breast surgery. This can depend on a number of factors, including your physical state and state of mind. Having a consultation with a professional will give you a better idea of whether you are a suitable candidate.
If you think you would like to go through with a breast surgery, you should be close to your ideal weight. Weight loss and gain can have a huge impact on breast appearance, so if you are constantly fluctuating, you may want to hold off on the surgery. It’s usually best to be at the same weight for around a year prior to the surgery.
Many professionals advise that women wait until they are finished having children and done with breastfeeding before having a breast surgery. This is because the breasts can change during and after pregnancy, and surgeries can potentially affect breastfeeding. You wouldn’t want to have a breast lift before pregnancy, only to have a baby and have them go back to the way they were before. As they are both expensive procedures and it’s unlikely you will want to go back for more of them, you will want to wait until you are absolutely sure it’s the right time. When you are done having children could potentially be the perfect time to do it, if you plan on having them. Of course, unplanned pregnancies do happen. If this does happen after a surgery, you will still be able to have another once the baby is born if you need to – it just isn’t optimal if you can help it.
Which Of These Procedures Should You Consider?
Now, which one of these procedures should you consider? Visiting a professional for a consultation is the only real way you can be 100% sure of what surgery you should get. They will be able to look at your anatomy and listen to your concerns and recommend the right surgery for you.
You can have one of the surgeries, or if your anatomy calls for it, you can even have both together. A breast lift is for women who may have sagging breasts and excess skin, while an augmentation is for those who are unhappy with shape and size. If you have sagging breasts and would like to alter the shape/size, then a lift and augmentation may be right for you. Again, you can only be sure by having a consultation.
There are some questions you can ask yourself to figure out whether a breast lift or augmentation is right for you:
- Am I happy with the size of my breasts?
- Am I happy with the shape of my breasts?
- Am I happy with the positioning of my breasts?
- Do I have excess skin?
- Do I feel that my breasts are in proportion with my body?
- Am I in a healthy state of mind?
- Do I feel good about the procedure?
- Am I doing this procedure for me and nobody else?
- Can I afford the procedure?
- Do I have realistic expectations?
Make your own list of questions and weigh up the pros and cons. This is an important decision!
Why You Need A Consultation
If we haven’t already made it clear: a thorough consultation with a professional is a must if you want to make the right decision. You need to listen carefully and ask questions so that you are both on the same page. It’s also wise to book consultations with a handful of surgeons so you can choose the one you like the most. Of course you’ll also want to ask for recommendations, look at portfolios, and read reviews, but you need to go with your gut. A likeable personality doesn’t guarantee a satisfactory result, but providing everything else is in order too, you will have peace of mind before your surgery. This is essential, as it can be a daunting time with a lot to remember.
A consultation with a pro will not only recommend the right procedure for you; you’ll learn more about what can and can’t be done for your individual anatomy, as well as what kind of results to expect. If you’re going for an augmentation, then you may be able to try on implants for size to get a feel for what is right for you. Bear in mind that different implants will settle differently, so just because you have the same size as a friend, for example, doesn’t mean they will end up the same size or looking the same. There’s no 100% guarantee, so your breasts may end up a little smaller or bigger than you thought they would. This is why making sure this is what you really want and thinking about it carefully before hand is a must.