Breast Augmentation with Implants or Breast Lift (Mammoplasty or Mastopexy): Which Is The Right Procedure For Me

05 Nov Breast Augmentation with Implants or Breast Lift (Mammoplasty or Mastopexy): Which Is The Right Procedure For Me

If you are interested in getting breast surgery, you might know that there are different types. Two of the most common types of breast surgery are breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy).

These two breast procedures achieve different purposes and effects; one focuses on breast size, while the other focuses on breast position. But they also share some similarities. Both surgeries can help address concerns such as breast laxity and volume loss, and they both can alter the shape and appearance of the breasts.

So, how do you know which one is right for you? To answer this, it will help to understand what each procedure involves, why they are done, and what to consider with each.

Another way to know which procedure is right for you is to discuss your goals with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon about your desired breast surgery, such as Dr Laniewski in Sydney.

What is breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty)?

A breast augmentation mammoplasty, also known as a breast augmentation with implants, aims to restore or increase breast volume. Patients often seek this surgery after losing weight and volume in the breasts, after pregnancy, or simply due to a desire for larger breasts.

In this procedure, Dr Laniewski makes incisions in the breast and inserts a breast implant. These implants are typically made of silicone or saline material, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and textures. Before inserting the implant, the surgeon must create a pocket in the breast tissue, which allows room for the insertion of the implant.

What is a breast lift (mastopexy)?

Unlike breast surgery with implants, a mastopexy or breast lift surgery doesn’t involve implants and doesn’t aim to change the breast volume. Instead, this procedure removes excess skin and repositions the breast. This helps to address concerns about breast ptosis or the stretching of breast skin after weight loss.

Dr Laniewski carefully adjusts the breast tissue in order to lift their position on the chest wall and sometimes, to readjust the nipples if they were in a low position. Women who are concerned about a loss of firmness and shape in the breasts but who are happy with their breast volume, might choose this surgery.

Which procedure is right for me?

Choosing a procedure is a personal and individual decision. The answer depends on your natural breast size and shape, your aesthetic goals, your circumstances, and the recommendations of Dr Laniewski.

Both procedures can suit women who are concerned about breast laxity or loss of breast volume. But since they achieve different aims, some women may opt for one procedure over the other, or both procedures at once.

Typically, patients who undergo breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) wish to enhance their breast size. The implants add volume and shape to the breasts and can fill the space beneath loose breast skin to combat the appearance of laxity. On the other hand, mastopexy (breast lift) surgery combats skin laxity by removing excess skin rather than enhancing volume. This could be more suitable for patients who want to change their breast shape or position but don’t want implants.

Who is suitable for combined surgery?

In some cases, it may be beneficial to combine both surgeries into one procedure – breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) plus breast lifting (mastopexy).

A combination procedure involves removing excess breast skin in addition to inserting implants. This offers the potential benefits of two surgeries but involves only one procedure and one recovery time. However, it’s more complex, and it’s generally only suitable for women with a large amount of excess breast skin or ptosis. This is common after a significant loss of volume after weight loss or pregnancy.

Consultation with Dr Laniewski

To determine which surgery technique is best for you, you’ll need to speak with an experienced plastic surgeon about your goals. Dr Laniewski can assess your cosmetic concerns and recommend which procedure may suit you. He can also answer any questions you may have and help you decide which techniques are most compatible with your cosmetic desires. This may include a discussion about incision placement, choice of implants, and any personal risk factors.

During the consultation, Dr Laniewski will also need information about your health and any medical issues, as this will help indicate whether you are a candidate. You may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery and quit smoking for at least the recommended period of weeks.

What to consider before surgery

Before deciding which surgery to pursue, here are a few things to consider:

Risks

You should know about the risks and possible complications of your chosen surgery. Although all surgeries come with general risks, such as scarring, infection, and poor healing, surgeries can also have specific risks. For example, risks specific to breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) include implant rupture, implant rotation, and capsular contracture.

Recovery

The healing process is integral to any procedure. During a consultation, speak with Dr Laniewski to ensure that you are prepared for your recovery and aftercare.

Goals

If you want to get breast surgery, you’ll need to think about what it is you wish to achieve. In the case of breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty), you should consider which type, shape, and size of implants you want.

Candidates

In order to get surgery, you must be deemed a good candidate, as some people may not be suitable for breast surgery. For example, if you are planning to become pregnant in the future, it may be beneficial to wait to have surgery.

Choose Dr Laniewski for breast surgery in Sydney

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional about which surgery might be appropriate for your individual needs. Dr Laniewski is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney and the Central Coast with a long history of experience performing breast surgery. During a scheduled consultation, he can answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation with implants (augmentation mammoplasty) or breast lift (mastopexy).