How Is a Breast Lift Different from Breast Implants? & Other Common Breast Lift Questions In Toronto, canada

Posted on April 28, 2023 in Breast Lift

Women who are bothered by the appearance of their breasts due to aging or pregnancy often have questions regarding breast implant or breast lift surgery. One common question is if breast implants alone can help them achieve the look they desire. However, this is not a clear-cut answer, as there are many factors that may affect which breast procedure is right for you. Read on for the answers to commonly asked breast procedure questions.

The Difference Between Breast Implants and a Breast Lift

Breast implants are surgical devices that add volume to increase the size of the breasts. They are placed during a breast augmentation procedure.  There are a few options for incisions during breast augmentation including:

Periareolar incision: A crescent incision created around the lower half of the areola.

Inframammary incision: An incision created horizontally hidden within the breast crease.

Transaxillary incision: An incision created within the underarm region.

A breast lift procedure lifts and reshapes the natural breast tissue.  This procedure involves the creation of incisions to remove loose skin and to reposition breast tissue, raising the nipple and areola.  It may be performed on its own or in combination with breast implants, if additional volume if desired.  Common breast lift incision options include:

Donut incision: A donut-shaped incision is created around the nipple-areola complex.

Lollipop incision: An incision is created around the areola and vertically down to the breast fold.

Anchor incision: An incision is created around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, then extending horizontally along the breast crease.

Is a Breast Lift or Augmentation Right for Me?

There is a method that you can try at home to determine if a breast lift is the right procedure for you. Stand in front of a mirror without a top on to see if your nipples are pointing downward or forward. If your nipples point downward or you can’t see a crease, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift, as breast augmentation itself may not provide desired results. Breasts that are lax, drooping, or disproportionate may also benefit from a breast lift.

It is important to note that a breast lift and implants may be combined. This may be a good option for patients with lax, drooping breasts who wish to lift them to a more youthful position while also adding volume.

Which Breast Lift is Right for Me?

The breast lift incision that is right for you will depend on the degree of breast sagging. Those with more significant laxity may require a more involved incision pattern than those with mild laxity. The most common types of breast lift incision patterns include the lollipop (for mild to moderate laxity) and anchor (for more pronounced laxity) patterns.

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

Overall, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact number of years that results will last as each patient is different. To help ensure that your breast lift results are long-lasting, use sunscreen on your chest to protect against skin damage that affects elasticity, avoid weight fluctuations that stretch the skin, and wear bras that fit well and support the breasts.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about plastic surgery breast procedures, please contact Power Plastic Surgery in Toronto, ON Canada today to schedule a consultation with Stephanie Power, MD.