Plastic surgery to enhance or lift the breasts remains a popular option. In 2012 and in 2011, breast augmentation was the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the US, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Depending on the size and shape of your breasts, you might want a breast lift procedure, an augmentation procedure, or both. An individual consultation with Miami plastic surgeon Ary Krau, MD can help you make the decision that is best for you.
What's the Difference?
Breast augmentation surgery increases the size of your breast while a breast lift procedure will reduce any sagginess. Augmentation is ideal if you have naturally small breasts or if your breasts have lost size due to weight loss or pregnancy. A breast lift removes extra skin around the breasts, restoring their original shape and leaving them firmer.
What Type of Implants Do You Want?
If you decide to undergo an augmentation surgery, you will have two options for implants. Both types of implant have a silicone exterior. The interior is what differs. One type is filled with saline, or salt water. The other type of implant is filled with silicone. Silicone has a feel that more closely resembles fat than saline does. Both have shown to be absolutely safe.
Understand the Recovery Time
At Dr. Krau's office, both breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are performed as outpatient procedures. You can go home within a few hours of the surgery. Any stitches from a breast augmentation are typically taken out about a week after the procedure. After about a week, you can begin any light activities again, but should wait a few weeks before you start exercising or take part in more vigorous activity.
Be Aware of Potential Risks
All types of surgery has risks. The risks vary from patient to patient based on lifestyle choices and other factors. A consultation with a plastic surgeon before any procedure is an absolute must to determine if you are a high-risk patient or not.
A study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that undergoing a breast lift and augmentation at the same time was not more risky than undergoing separate procedures. In fact, it might be less risky, since the patient is only undergoing a single surgery.