The medical term used to define sagging breasts is mammary ptosis. Many women would like to get a breast augmentation, but have reservations if they suffer from breast ptosis. For patients desiring to enhance the appearance of their breasts, as well as getting rid of the sagging, it is recommended to opt for a breast lift with implants. If the patient has ptosis and requests for only the implants, her breasts will become smaller than if she requests for the breast lift as well. Consequently, plastic surgeons often advise patients with breast ptosis of this outcome if they wish to undergo a breast augmentation procedure.
Mastopexy with implants
A mastopexy performed with a breast implant surgery can lift and augment the size of the breasts at the same time. Keep in mind that breast implants are not subject to gravity as natural breasts; they keep their shape and elevated position longer than natural breasts.
An experienced plastic surgeon will perform the mastopexy with implants in a similar manner to a standard lifting procedure. The difference lies in the placement of the breast implants. The surgeon will first perform an incision to eliminate the excess skin. The type and length of incision will be discussed with you during the initial consultation and it needs to be done accordingly with the shape and the size of the breasts. After this, the implant is positioned behind or in front of the mammary gland before the incisions are sutured by the plastic surgeon.
Why get a breast lift with implants?
A mastopexy with implants efficiently improves the size and position of the breasts. It also erases the effects of gravity, pregnancy or weight fluctuations. A breast lift also maintains the results longer as new breasts will stay elevated and perky longer than natural breasts.
Risks and complications
No matter how rarely they occur, it is still crucial to discuss complications that might result from a breast lift procedure with implants. Some common side effects include the following:
Scarring: A breast lift will leave visible marks on the patient’s skin. In many cases, a permanent scar will be visible on the areola, inframammary fold, and from the nipple to the base of the breasts. While the scars are permanent, they will diminish and improve within the first year after surgery.
Infection: The plastic surgeon is responsible to take all the necessary precautions to prevent infection as it is one of the most common complications that can occur after surgery. In the case of mastopexy with implants, the implant may need to be removed and the area cleaned properly to treat the infection. Antibiotic treatment will also be prescribed after surgery to prevent infection.
Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is defined as the hardening of the scar tissue around the implant. The area might feel unnatural to the touch and, in some cases, cause pain and discomfort. Capsular contracture is more often encountered in silicone implants versus saline implants. If the capsular contracture is severe and the patient is confronted with pain, the removal of the implant might be necessary to treat the condition. Keep in mind that positioning the implant behind the mammary gland can reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
Numbness in the nipple area: The patient might feel a numbing sensation in the area around the nipple after surgery. This side effect is usually temporary and disappears without treatment after a while.
Implant rupture or deflation: If the implants are under or over filled with saline or have a fabrication defect (silicone), there is a higher risk of rupture or deflation. When implants deflate, the breasts will reduce in size considerably, returning to its natural size in a matter of hours or days. Deflated saline implants are visible, as compared to silicone implants. The rupture of silicone implants is more difficult to diagnose as the cohesive silicone gel won’t diffuse in the body. The only treatment for implant rupture or deflation is a revision surgery.
Conclusion
A breast lift with implants is a good surgical option to correct breast ptosis or sagging breasts. Breast ptosis is a problem that affects many women, especially after a certain age. The causes of sagging breasts are multiple and varied. The only effective method to treat and correct breast ptosis is with the help of plastic surgery.
Breast implants can be implemented together with a mastopexy if the patient is also interested in getting a breast augmentation at the same time. The result not only corrects the sagging, it also makes the breasts perkier, elevated, and fuller.