Breast lift, reduction or enlargement Cosmetic surgery to correct sagging?

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How do you know if you need a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation to correct sagging and make your breasts look more youthful? Questions and answers about breast lift surgery remain popular search parameters on my website. It is also a leading concern for patient consultations in my practice. Breast surgery consistently ranks in the top 5 procedures for women seeking cosmetic surgery according to The American Society of Cosmetic Surgery.

Sagging or pendulous breasts are common concerns of women who seek consultation from plastic surgeons. There are specific procedures that are more effective in addressing these physical findings. Let’s start with the “pencil testbecause it is a simple and conspicuous way to determine if breast lift surgery may be helpful in correcting this condition. The pencil test helps identify real prolapse. Place a pencil under your breast where it is attached to your chest and if your nipple hangs below the pencil when you sit or stand, you may want to consider a breast lift.

True prolapse or drooping of a woman’s nipples can occur after pregnancy or as a result of dramatic weight gain/loss. True prolapse refers to the location of the nipple position below the crease under your breast. I do not recommend breast lift surgery if the nipples are above or at the level of the fold. Breast augmentation is usually enough to correct the flabby breast shape in most cases, where the nipples are above the fold. However, breast lift surgery is specifically designed to move the nipple and areola (pigmented skin around the nipple) upward to a more natural position. The natural position is about one-half to three-quarters of an inch above the crease. If the nipples are placed higher, this can lead to a strange appearance of the breasts. The size of the areola can also be reduced during the procedure, if desired by the patient.

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Breast augmentation or breast reduction may be considered to change the size, shape and contour of the breasts when a breast lift would not be indicated to achieve the desired improvement. As with all breast surgeries, size is a personal choice and all options should be discussed during your consultation with your surgeon. Breast surgeries are often part of the combined procedures commonly referred to as Mommy Makeovers along with tummy tuck or tummy tuck. Mommy Makeovers are designed to address unwanted physical changes that may persist after pregnancy.