BREAST LIFT WITH AUGMENTATION

A mastopexy is a procedure used to lift sagging breasts, while an augmentation mammoplasty is a procedure performed to increase the size of a woman's breasts using an implantable prosthesis. These two procedures can be combined to lift the breast and enhance the breast with more volume. The mastopexy augmentation procedure allows the implant to be placed at the time of the mastopexy to make the breasts appear larger and firmer, while rearranging the breast skin and decreasing the areola size to give the breasts a more youthful appearance. This technique is often used after women have lost weight or after breast-feeding when the volume of breast tissue has decreased and the size of the pigmented area around the nipple (the areola) enlarges.

It is important to note that while an implant traditionally makes the breast larger, it can also be used to restore volume in deflated breasts. It is not necessary to make the breasts much larger than they already are, and in some circumstances, Dr. Parson can keep your cup size the same by removing some of your own breast tissue during the lift and replacing it with an implant. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as when the procedure is done on smaller breasts.

Incision
There are a couple of ways to lift the breast - the size and shape of your breasts, size of your areolas, and extent of sagging are factors that will help Dr. Parson determine the best technique for you: Peri-areolar Mastopexy and Standard Mastopexy.

Peri-areolar Mastopexy
Peri-areolar Mastopexy involves a circular incision made around the areola and is reserved for women who have a small amount of sagging. If there is a moderate amount of sagging, a second incision which runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast, similar to a lollipop, may be needed.

PERI-AREOLAR MASTOPEXY PATIENT PHOTOS
To see examples of Dr. Parson's patients and their results, please click here to proceed. Viewer discretion is advised.

PERI-AREOLAR MASTOPEXY PATIENT PHOTOS
Click the photos to view a larger, side-by-side view of the before and after of each procedure.

Standard Mastopexy
For women with a significant amount of sagging and/or a significant amount of breast tissue, a Standard Mastopexy incision is used. This involves a third incision that runs horizontal beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. A common term for this is the anchor scar.

STANDARD MASTOPEXY PATIENT PHOTOS
To see examples of Dr. Parson's patients and their results, please click here to proceed. Viewer discretion is advised.

STANDARD MASTOPEXY PATIENT PHOTOS
Click the photos to view a larger, side-by-side view of the before and after of each procedure.

After Dr. Parson removes excess breast skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in a sagging breast may have been stretched, can be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed.

The Implant
The implant will be placed through one of the incisions made to perform the lift and is usually positioned below the muscle. Determination of whether a silicone (gel) or saline implant is used, as well as the size of the implant will be discussed during your first consultation. Often times, Dr. Parson will ask patients to bring in pictures of their desired size and shape. This helps foster communication between you and Dr. Parson so that we can help you achieve your desired results with reasonable expectations.

Several varieties of implants have been developed for breast augmentation over the last several decades. The implants used today in the United States all have a silicone shell. One type is filled with saline, the other with silicone. Saline implants have the advantage of being able to be adjusted intra-operatively because they are implanted as a flat balloon, and then filled up with saline during surgery. These implants may be better suited for patients who have a significant size difference between breasts. The silicone-filled implants have the advantage of a more natural feel and may be better suited for women are thin and do not have a lot of breast tissue.

In addition, both implants come in various forms. The silicone shell may be smooth or textured. Dr. Parson prefers the smooth kind because of the problem of visible wrinkling and unnatural feel that has been associated with textured implants. Implants also come in two shapes, round or anatomical. The "anatomical" implant has a tear drop shape that theoretically creates a more natural looking breast. In practice, however, the round and anatomical implant has the same appearance when implanted and the anatomic implant carries the risk of an unnatural feel. Dr. Parson uses the round implant. Lastly, there are several profiles of implants. Your chest shape, breast size and desired result will help us determine which implant is right for you.

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