Combination Breast Augmentation

Overview

Breast augmentation, commonly known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to enhance the size of the breasts. It entails inserting breast implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles.

Breast augmentation might help some people feel more confident. For others, it is part of the process of rebuilding the breast in order to treat different problems.

Combination breast augmentation may be beneficial to you. Enhance your look if you believe your breasts are tiny or that one is smaller than the other, which influences how you dress or the type of bra required to cope with the asymmetry, correct for a drop in the size of your breasts following pregnancy or major weight loss, After breast surgery for various reasons, correct unequal breasts. Increase your self-esteem.

For women who want both lift and volume, the breasts are elevated and firmer in this surgery, and saline implants are inserted unfilled in the breast pockets. Two weeks later, the implants are filled with saline in a fast office procedure requiring just local anaesthesia.

Combined Breast augmentation can alter your breasts' size and shape. Your body image and self-esteem may improve as a result of the operation. However, keep your expectations in check and don't expect perfection.

Furthermore, following augmentation, your breasts will continue to age. Weight increase or decrease may alter the appearance of your breasts. If you are unhappy with the look of your breasts, you may require further surgery to fix these issues. 

 

What is Breast Sagging (Breast Ptosis)?

Breasts sag due to a variety of factors. The most typical explanation is that gravity and the normal aging process begin to drag the breasts downward. Weight increase and decrease also have an impact on skin elasticity and can cause sagging breasts. Furthermore, many women notice that their breasts have grown floppy and drooping following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

There are various degrees of breast sagging. Given that looks is largely subjective, it can be difficult for women to determine which group they fit under. What one woman considers to be an excessively sagging breast may appear absolutely normal to another. These are typical criteria to follow when determining your level of breast ptosis.

• Level One:

The mildest form of ptosis is level one. The nipple lies above the inframammary fold in level one patients, as is the majority of the breast tissue. Some breast tissue, although not the majority, may be lower than the fold.

• Level Two:

Level two ptosis is a mild variant of the condition. The nipple is placed in the inframammary fold in this level, with a considerable amount of breast tissue below the fold as well.

• Level Three:

Level three ptosis is considered the most advanced kind. The nipple is below the inframammary fold and may even tip downward at this time. 

 

Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery treats breast ptosis, which is the sagging of tissue and skin in the chest that can give it an old and unpleasant appearance. Three breast lift incisions are available, allowing for the correction of all levels of ptosis and the creation of an exquisitely shaped, precisely elevated breast mound. During your initial appointment, you will be presented with all breast lift choices to help you decide which one is best for you.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have:

• Sagging breast tissue
• Excess or loose skin around the breasts
• Unappealing nipple location

 

Breast Augmentation Candidate

Breast augmentation is the use of implants to increase the size and form of the breasts. Asymmetrical breast tissue, small breast size, and poor breast projection can all be addressed with augmentation to provide a fuller and more appealing bust.

We provide several implant placement choices, as well as a variety of breast implant alternatives, to assist our patients get the most natural-looking outcomes possible. We will discuss all of these possibilities at your initial appointment to make guarantee that your preferences are met.

You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you have:

• Insufficient volume in the breasts as a result of breast cancer or breast cyst surgery.
• Asymmetrical breast tissue like in those who undergone mastectomy.
• Poor breast projection.
• Inadequate cleavage.

 

Types of Breast Implants

Choosing the proper type and size of breast implants is a huge choice. It will have an impact on how you look and feel after the procedure, so choose wisely. You have three choices:

1. Saline: These are ideal for individuals who wish to minimize scarring. The empty implant is put through a small incision and then filled with saline. Saline implants, on the other hand, are more prone to burst or explode, and they don't feel as natural as the other alternatives.
2. Gummy Bear: These implants are fairly firm, just like gummy bears. They are the greatest option for anyone concerned about ruptures since the inside gel will remain in place even if the shell cracks for any reason. While not as natural as gel implants, gummy bear breast implants retain their form eternally.
3. Gel: Gel implants are the most popular choice for the majority of people. The gel feels more lifelike and appears more natural. While the gel can spread in the case of a rupture, it usually stays in place, lowering risks and making this the best option for the majority of patients.

 

Why Combined Breast Augmentation?

If you have discovered that you have breast ptosis before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, you should consider combining a breast lift with your augmentation. Combining these two techniques will have a two-fold impact.

• Aesthetic Effects:

One advantage of combining a breast lift with augmentation is that the results will be more cosmetically attractive. When large, round breasts sag too low, they appear unpleasant. When breast size increases, the surrounding tissue isn't always ready to sustain the extra weight. Implants might weaken the tissue and create even greater droop.

• Preventing Implants From Bottoming Out:

Bottoming out is a possible side effect of breast implant surgery (augmentation). The implants are positioned behind the natural breast fold, where the lower breast meets the chest. This makes an indentation on the bottom of the breast (s). Bottoming out is common when the supportive tissue underneath the implant is poor. A breast lift creates a supporting pocket by tightening the surrounding skin and tissue, which helps prevent the implants from bottoming out.

In conclusion, while considering breast augmentation surgery, stage three sagging, or severe stage two sagging, you should constantly think ahead. Keep in mind that the size of the implant will impact tissue strength. Breast augmentation alone may help a little degree of laxity; but, if your breasts are already drooping, the increased implant weight will simply aggravate the situation. Get your perfect figure the first time by combining breast augmentation with a breast lift and providing your new breasts with the support they require. 

 

The Benefits of Combining Plastic Surgery Procedures

The following are some of the advantages of a combination procedure:

1. More comprehensive outcomes: Combining some treatments, like as liposuction and stomach tuck or breast lift with implants, might result in more dramatic and apparent results.
2. One period of recovery: When you have cosmetic surgical surgery, you must prepare for a recovery period. When various treatments are performed at the same time, you will just have to go through one recovery period and take time off from work and other activities.
3. Cost-effective: When you combine operations, you only have to pay for some expenditures, such as anesthesia and facility fees, once.
4. Faster results: If operations are staged into consecutive surgeries, you will have to wait until you are fully healed from the first surgery before proceeding to the next. Having various treatments performed at the same time allows you to see and enjoy your benefits sooner.

 

Preparation for Breast Surgery

You will be asked to:

• To aid faster recovery, quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
• Schedule a preoperative physical with your primary care physician for the following tests necessary for your surgery:

1. A recent comprehensive history and physical, as well as a medical clearance for surgery and general anesthesia.
2. Labs, including CBC, PT, and PTT.
3. For individuals over the age of 50 or those with a cardiac history, a current EKG and report of the reading are required.
4. A mammogram report from the previous year (for patients over 40).
5. Any further checkup that you or your doctor believe is necessary.

• Aspirin and some anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can cause excessive bleeding.
• Fill any medicines given to you prior to surgery (even if you won't need them until afterward).
• Hydrate well before and after surgery to ensure a healthy recovery.
• Purchase a sports bra with a front closure.
• Make arrangements for a transport home following surgery.
• Make arrangements for someone to accompany you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
• If you have children, arrange for help around the house for one week.
• Make your rehabilitation area as comfortable as possible by minimizing lifting, twisting, and stretching.

 

Combined Breast Augmentation Options

There are several cosmetic procedures available for augmenting the breasts. Many ladies choose to get both a breast lift and breast augmentation. A breast lift elevates sagging breasts higher on the chest wall for a perkier appearance. Breast augmentation is the use of saline or silicone gel implants to increase the volume and fullness of the breasts.

1. Having Breast Lift Done First

• Advantages:

Breast lift re-sculpts the breast tissue to provide fullness to the upper pole of the breasts in addition to eliminating superfluous skin. For some women, this enlargement is sufficient, and breast implants are unnecessary. If this is the case for you, having a solitary breast lift allows you to avoid more invasive surgery and perhaps further scars required to fit an implant. It also assists you in avoiding the hazards associated with breast implants.

• Disadvantages:

If you are dissatisfied with the outcomes of your breast lift, you may choose to explore further surgery for breast implants. There are a few drawbacks to staging processes. First, you must have surgery twice, each time exposing yourself to the hazards connected with surgery. Second, you will need to take time off work after each surgery to recover. It will also take longer to view the final findings. Finally, staging out operations are more expensive. You will have to pay different expenses for the facility, anesthetic, and other goods each time you undergo surgery.

 

2. Having Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation Together

• Advantages:

While breast lift can enhance fullness to the breast's upper pole, it cannot increase volume. A breast lift combined with an implant treatment is an excellent technique to improve the form, volume, and position of the breasts all in one procedure. If you are thinking about having breast lift and augmentation surgery, combining them in a single procedure can help you avoid the risks, delays, and expenses associated with staging the operations.

• Disadvantages:

So because combination surgery must tighten loose skin while also providing space for an implant, a breast lift with implants is less predictable than a breast lift alone. This procedure increases the likelihood of modest asymmetry in the form, size, and position of the areolas. Due to the simultaneous tightening and stretching of the skin, breast lift with implant treatments have a higher risk of minor wound healing difficulties and infection.

Combining a breast lift with augmentation may result in greater scarring than if a breast lift is performed alone to fit implants. Furthermore, there are always hazards associated with the installation of a foreign item in the body.

 

Surgical Techniques for Combined Breast Augmentation

There are a variety of techniques recognised for augmentation mastopexy, these include:

1. The Crescent Breast Lift:

This is a basic breast lift operation that corrects just mild ptosis. It is not typically suggested for breast lifts with implants since the surgeon just removes a little crescent of tissue above the areola before lifting the nipple into a higher position.

2. The Benelli Breast Lift:

The Benelli breast lift, often known as a "Doughnut Lift" or "Doughnut Mastopexy," is best utilized for mild to moderate ptosis. This corresponds to a ptosis grade of I-II on the ptosis scale. Your surgeon will take a doughnut-shaped portion of tissue from surrounding your areola and reconnect it to the remaining tissue on your areola.

3. The Anchor Breast Lift (Robbins Method):

The incision pattern resembles an anchor, with a wide horizontal scar beneath the breast. This is the traditional incision procedure utilized by many Australian surgeons. There is a more modern option.

4. The LeJour Lift or Lollipop Lift:

For patients with severe ptosis, the LeJour Lift or Lollipop Lift gives greater lift than the Benelli. In addition, a straight incision is performed down to the breast crease to generate more lift. The scar is formed like a lollipop in this more recent approach for simultaneous breast augmentation and does not have the broad horizontal scar under the breast.

 

 What Happens After a Breast Lift with Augmentation?

For the first two to five days following a breast lift with augmentation, most patients feel fatigued and uncomfortable. Some discoloration and swelling may occur, although this normally resolves after two weeks. Some people have increased tightness and sensitivity in the breasts, as well as skin that is warm or itching. A typical recovery period entails:

• During the initial healing phase, sleep on your back in an inclined posture, using extra pillows for elevation if necessary.
• Return to work within one week following breast augmentation surgery.
• For at least a week, no washing or housework.
• No driving for at least two weeks.
• For one month, no heavy lifting, pulling, or pushing.
• Possibility of riding a stationary bike 2-3 weeks following surgery.
• For the next six weeks, no high-impact aerobic training or upper-body workouts.

The contour of your breasts will continue to improve after surgery as swelling goes down, settling occurs, and scars fade. Most patients have a decent idea of how the breast lift with implants accomplished their desired look after about a month. It usually takes many weeks or months for the breasts to totally settle, feeling to return to normal, and scarring to decrease dramatically.

Most patients who have realistic expectations and properly discuss their goals prior to surgery are really pleased with the appearance of their more youthful, uplifted breasts.

 

Considerations & Limitations of Combined Breast Augmentation

Breast lift surgery combined with augmentation surgery is a long-term solution for achieving a desirable, youthful shape. Issues that may arise as a result of this sort of surgery are infrequent and typically minor, although they may include:

• Capsular contracture.
• Swelling and pain.
• Infection.
• Changes in nipple sensation.
• Milk production.
• Change to the implant as a result of injury, activity, or the normal passage of time.

Of course, it is not feasible to stop time and gravity indefinitely. Some ladies decide to get their breast lift revision after a few years. Furthermore, implants must be maintained and may ultimately need to be replaced. Breast implants should be monitored on a regular basis following a breast lift with augmentation to ensure continuous breast health.

 

How Long Will a Breast Lift With Implants Last?

Many of patients have heard online that breast implants only last ten years, but there is no need to remove them unless you have a complication like capsular contracture or rupture. A breast lift with implants generally produces long-term effects.

However, I frequently advise women in their twenties and thirties who haven't had children that breast augmentation isn't a "one and done" treatment. At that age, you are more likely to see changes in breast size and form as a result of pregnancy and aging, necessitating some modification later on.

 

Combined Breast Augmentation Cost

Breast augmentation surgery for aesthetic purposes is not covered by health insurance.

As of 2020, the average surgeon's charge for this surgery is $4,866.

Breast augmentation can cost between $6,000 and $12,000. This includes payments for the surgeon and the hospital or facility, as well as anesthesia, medical testing, and prescription drugs.

 

Conclusion

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women choose breast augmentation breast lift surgery to increase their confidence and body. Each woman has different reasons for wanting to modify the appearance of her breasts. They are frequently too tiny or asymmetrical. In certain circumstances, patients desire to fix up their appearance. However, breast augmentation alone may not always produce the desired result, and many women can benefit from a breast lift in addition to their augmentation.

Breasts frequently characterize a woman's femininity, yet with so many variations in shape, size, and look, breasts also assist to identify a woman's individualism.

Breasts fluctuate as a result of genetics, age, pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight increase or loss, and hormonal fluctuations. All of these variables can induce changes in breast size and form. These changes can be unsatisfying and make women feel as though they are losing their femininity and youthful vitality.

Many women benefit from a combined breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy) to obtain larger, perkier, rounder, and more youthful-looking breasts. Surgeons advise ladies who want breast augmentation to undergo a breast lift as well as properly reposition their nipples to keep them from pointing downward. 

Many surgeons do breast augmentation and breast lift at the same time to put the patient's nipples in a more centered, youthful position. A breast implant provides substantial volume to a woman's breasts, particularly in the upper region, when a lift alone is insufficient to achieve her aesthetic goals.