03 Oct Why Combine Breast Augmentation with Liposuction
Breast augmentation, the improvement of breast aesthetics via implants, has long been the most popular cosmetic surgery—both at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center and around the globe. Many patients are pleasantly surprised at the relatively small incisions necessary for most implants and, in turn, the quick healing time. Most patients feel good enough to go about sedentary tasks, including desk jobs, after about 7 – 10 days and can even begin some light exercising (such as walking) in less than one month. Every person’s healing timeline is different and will be determined by your surgeon, but why not take this brief recovery period to add another quick-heal surgery to your procedure: liposuction.
Combining liposuction with breast augmentation is not for everyone. However, if you struggle with “side boob,” bra bulge, or back fat that is exacerbated when wearing a bra, liposuction can help you make your breast augmentation results even better. Keep in mind that each cosmetic surgery explicitly addresses singular issues in most cases. A breast augmentation will improve the size, shape, and profile of the breasts but will do nothing for excess fat causing unsightly appearances on the sides of the breast.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation-Liposuction Combination?
Liposuction is the only way to immediately and permanently remove fat. The incisions necessary for liposuction are very small, typically the width of a fingernail. In some cases, the same incisions for breast augmentation may be used for liposuction, but if that is not possible then liposuction incisions are so small they are virtually invisible after healing. Additionally, since general anesthesia is required for breast augmentation anyway, many patients take the opportunity to get lipo on other areas of the body (such as the stomach, thighs, and even below the chin).
Most people have some pockets of unwanted fat that just won’t budge. When this excess fat is around your breasts, such as with side boob, it will make the results of your breast augmentation subpar compared to adding the removal of fat with liposuction. You can’t spot reduce with diet and exercise, but liposuction is the ultimate option for spot reduction.
What to Expect After a Breast Augmentation-Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction tends to cause much more bruising than other cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation. In fact, you might not notice much bruising at all from the breast augmentation surgery. Bruising can of course be uncomfortable, but compression garments and massages specifically for surgery recovery (and recommended by your surgeon) can help with this initial period. Compression garments aren’t just necessary for your own comfort, but also help reduce swelling and encourage your skin to adapt to its new shape.
Most people wear compression garments for both breast augmentation and liposuction for around six weeks. Your doctor will tell you how long you should wear these garments, and it’s always a good idea to purchase at least two of each garment so you always have one to wear (while the other one is being washed). Garments should be worn 24/7 except when showering.
Mixing and Matching Surgeries
Getting more than one surgery at a time is the right option for many patients to optimize results and make the most of both anesthesia and recovery. In fact, breast augmentation and liposuction are two very common surgeries in a “mommy makeover” (you don’t need to be a mommy to combine these or any surgeries). If you’re struggling with breasts that aren’t as perky as they once were, don’t like the size or shape of your breasts, and can’t seem to get stubborn fat to budge, a combination surgery of breast augmentation and lipo might be for you.
Another option is pairing surgeries with non-surgical interventions such as lasers. For example, women who opt for breast augmentation in order to regain youthful breasts might also want to address crepe-like skin or sun damage on their decollatage. This can be achieved with lasers or chemical peels, and deeper peels might even be applied during breast augmentation surgery to take advantage of the general anesthesia (again, this is up to your doctor).
For more information on breast augmentation and the many complementary surgical and non-surgical procedures that often go with it, schedule a consultation with Dr. Parson today. Contact Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center by giving us a call or completing the online contact form today.