Two of my most commonly requested procedures are breast augmentation and breast lift (or mastopexy) surgery.
I have found that patients often have a difficult time determining on their own what type of surgery they might need. Internet research is helpful, as is discussion with friends, but the final decisions should really wait until a proper surgical consultation. When I meet patients for the first time, we discuss their goals and determine what kind of change would be most appropriate for their body type.
I suggest that after scheduling the initial consultation, think about the following questions. Your answers to some of these questions will help guide us to the most appropriate surgical plan.
A breast augmentation procedure is designed to:
If the problem with breast shape is mostly a lack of volume, then breast enlargement surgery is the most appropriate procedure. By placing an implant to increase overall breast volume, a fuller, firmer shape can be achieved.
A breast lift or mastopexy - which is a different procedure than an augmentation or enlargement - raises drooping breasts and returns them to a more youthful, perkier position. It is an effective procedure for women who want to reduce sagging caused by pregnancy, gravity, or aging.
A breast lift is most effective for women whose main concern is a droopy shape but the position of their nipples is also an important factor as to whether or not a breast lift is needed. If the nipple is below the inframammary fold (the fold beneath the breast) or if the nipple is pointed downward, a breast lift is the most efficient way to achieve a perkier look. Nipple position as well as overall breast shape is part of the evaluation process during the initial breast surgery consultation at my Toronto clinic.
In some cases, a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation may be needed to provide the best result. Women who have lost volume but also have a significant overhang causing a droopy look need to restore volume with an implant and also tighten the shape to create a perkier shape. An implant alone would only create a larger droopy shape. A breast lift without an implant would result in a nice shape but disproportionately small size. These procedures complement each other and for the right patient give the best final result.