Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery performed in the country. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating about breast implants and what they can achieve. Specifically, some women believe that having breast enhancement with implants but without a breast lift, is enough to lift and fill out flat, sagging breasts. Dr. Joseph Michaels, a trusted breast surgeon serving Rockville and nearby Maryland areas, addresses that misconception here.
What Implants Can Accomplish
Saline and silicone implants are designed to add shape and volume to the breasts. They make small or flat breasts look fuller and rounder. If there is a very small amount of loose skin on the breast, implants may fill it up. However, it is not guaranteed in every case.
Implants cannot lift or reposition the breast tissue or skin. In cases of significant skin laxity, implants cannot fill it out; in fact, they may accentuate the sagging. Implants also do not elevate the nipples on the breasts.
Do I Need a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?
It is very difficult for Dr. Michaels to recommend breast augmentation or breast lift to a surgical candidate without a consultation. During your appointment, he will examine your breasts, taking notice of things like the amount of excess skin, amount of native breast tissue and distance between the nipple and breast fold, to assess the areas of concern. Dr. Michaels will also ask you questions to understand what you expect from your breast surgery. Some women are concerned about the shape and size of the breasts, while others are concerned about the position; and some are concerned about all of these issues.
Based on this information, Dr. Michaels can craft a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs. The plan may include the placement of breast implants, breast lift techniques or a combination of both. Combining breast augmentation and breast lift is a good option for women that want bigger, fuller breasts and need to have their nipple position elevated to a more rejuvenated position. Performing both procedures at the same time is advantageous because it requires a single operation, round of anesthesia, facility fees and recovery period.
In some cases, women opt to have breast implants placed, recover from the operation and then, based on the results, determine whether breast lift surgery is also needed to elevate the breasts.
Schedule a Breast Surgery Consultation with Dr. Michaels
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts and would like more information about your surgical treatment options, please contact Dr. Joseph Michaels today. Call our Bethesda office at (301) 468-5991 or our Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.
