Posted: March 16, 2021
As an internationally known, double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay S. Orringer regularly meets with patients who want to improve the appearance of their breasts, but are uncertain whether breast augmentation or breast lift will make the most pleasing changes to their breasts. For some of these patients, Dr. Orringer may suggest combining both procedures to attain larger, “perkier” breasts. In this blog, he explains why some women choose to have breast augmentation and breast lift simultaneously.
Understanding the Procedures
First, it is critical to understand exactly what each procedure does on its own. The primary goals of breast augmentation are often to enlarge the breasts, while creating improved shape and cleavage, improve symmetry, and obtain a more desirable body proportion. Patients typically provide input as to the desired breast implant size and style (saline-filled, softer silicone or form-stable “gummy bear” silicone) they believe would look and feel the most pleasing to them.
Breast lift creates a more youthful, shapelier appearance by elevating the nipple position, removing hanging lower breast tissues and tightening the skin. It does not typically produce a long-term increase in upper breast fullness without the addition of an implant. A breast lift alone will often reverse some of the changes seen following pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and breastfeeding.
Combining the Procedures
When loss of upper breast volume accompanies sagging of the breasts (often following pregnancy and weight fluctuation), a combination of breast lift and augmentation might provide the most pleasing change in breast appearance. Not all women who desire a breast lift need an augmentation, however. Some have sufficient upper breast volume such that elevating the nipples, removing sagging breast tissues, and tightening the skin provide pleasing change without implants. Women who choose to undergo breast augmentation with their breast lift often find the addition of a small implant provides a significant improvement in overall breast shape.
During your consultation, Dr. Orringer will assess your individual goals and unique situation. If he feels it to be relevant for you, he will discuss both breast lift and breast augmentation and which, individually or in combination, might produce your most pleasing breast appearance improvement.
When appropriate, combining the procedures allows the recovery periods for these procedures to run concurrently. In addition, it may be more cost effective to have combined, rather than separate, procedures.
Ask Dr. Orringer
To schedule a consultation with double board-certified, internationally known Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Orringer, please call (310) 273-1663. Dr. Orringer welcomes patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Newport Beach, Northern California, nationally and internationally.
