From Playboy’s Swimsuit edition to the “Save Second Base” campaign, it’s pretty clear: we love breasts. With the amazing technology plastic surgery has brought to the table, women no longer have to be content with their natural breasts, either. The popularity of the breast implant is no secret, but another procedure may be usurping its popularity.
The Implant versus the Lift: Which One and Why?
Breast implantation surgery was the most popular cosmetic procedure in 2012, with 286,000 performed in the United States alone. With statistics that high, it may be hard to believe that something as simple as a breast lift could be a contender for popular procedures. We’re here to help you learn the difference between the two, and, more importantly, which one is right for you.
The Implant
- Breast implants serve to change the size, form, and texture of breasts. The surgery is performed for: post-mastectomy reconstruction, to correct genital defects or deformities, for gender reassignment surgeries, and also for purely aesthetic reasons.
- There are three main types, named for their filling material: saline solution, silicone gel, and composite filler. The type of implant used depends upon your individual needs and preferences, and your doctor may help you determine which one is the best fit.
- Recently, there have been a lot of questions over the impact implants could have on breastfeeding, mammography, and complications. Fortunately, there have not been any negative effects discovered.
The Lift
- Breast lifts are primarily employed to take the existing breast tissue that may have sagged due to age or weight loss and raise it into its original location. It can be combined with a breast implant surgery to create larger, fuller breasts that are raised and combined with existing breast tissue.
- Breast lifts are relatively simple procedures that depend on the tissue viability and the nipple-areola complex (NAC) to ensure that the breasts remain sensitive and functional for breastfeeding and lactation.
So, what’s the difference?
Ultimately, a breast lift will not change the size of the breast, but will use the existing tissue and create a natural repositioning. Breast implants are for increasing the size of the breasts in addition to re-positioning. Surprisingly, breast lifts have been on the rise in plastic surgery.
Although breast implants are still one of the most popular procedures, more and more women are asking to use their existing breast tissue. If you’re not sure which procedure is right for you, talk to us! We’d love to help you explore your options and get back to feeling your b(r)ea(a)st! (See what we did there?)