Are you a Redondo Beach woman who is unhappy with the appearance of her breasts? Does the current appearance of your breasts make you feel too self-conscious to walk down the Strand or hit the beach in your bikini or bathing suit? If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you may have been researching the different breast plastic surgery procedures that are available, and come across two terms – “breast augmentation” and “breast lift.” But, what’s the difference between these two surgeries? Which one do you need? Read on as Dr. Granzow of Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery explains the difference between a breast augmentation, a breast lift and why you might need one versus the other (or both).
What is a Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation is when silicone or saline implants are used to add more fullness to a Redondo Beach woman’s breasts. Breast augmentations are very common procedures, and Dr. Granzow performs breast augmentations for his Redondo Beach patients for a variety of reasons, including:
- Increasing breasts to a desired size;
- Restoring breast fullness, especially after pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- Correcting asymmetrical breasts; and
- Providing women with a more curvaceous silhouette.
There are four ways, or incision types in which a breast augmentation may be completed: inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary and TUBA. With the inframammary incision, an incision is made in the breast crease, where the breast meets the rib cage. The breast implant is then inserted through this incision. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Granzow like this incision type because the proximity to the breast makes it easier for him to ensure symmetrical results. Redondo Beach women like this incision type because it allows them to hide their scar with their bikini or bra line.
A periareolar incision takes place along the bottom curve of the areola. Just like with the inframammary incision, this incision makes it easier to symmetrically place breast implants, and the scar is often disguised by the natural change in color of the nipple and the rest of the breast. However, a periareolar incision can interfere with milk ducts, so it may not recommended for women who plan to breastfeed children in the future.
A transaxillary incision is one that is made in the armpit. A channel is then made to insert the breast implant in. Redondo Beach women like that this incision type leaves no scarring on the breast, but its distance from the breast makes it harder for Dr. Granzow or any surgeon to ensure symmetrical results and it may be visible in a bikini or swimsuit.
Finally, a TUBA incision is made through the belly button. A channel is made, and a deflated breast implant is pushed through to the breast, and then inflated. Redondo Beach women are told that a TUBA incision disguises scarring so well, but as with the transaxillary incision, the incision’s distance from the breasts can make symmetrical results more difficult to achieve. With TUBA only saline implants can be used and good breast shape, position and symmetry are the most difficult to achieve.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is when excess skin is removed from sagging breasts, the breast skin is tightened to support the new breast contour and the nipple is repositioned to a more youthful, perky position. Breast lifts are especially popular amongst mothers, including those who have breastfed their children, women who have lost a significant amount of weight, older women who are feeling the effects of gravity on their breasts and those who have hereditary conditions that cause their breasts to sag. While a breast lift will make breasts more youthful in appearance, it will not fill out the volume of the upper breast.
Do I Need a Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift?
Often, Redondo Beach women visit Dr. Granzow and discover that they would benefit from both a breast lift and a breast augmentation surgery. When combined, these surgeries boost sagging breasts, reposition the nipple and fill out the upper breast with increased volume.
I Have Breast Surgery Questions
If you have questions about breast surgery and aren’t sure if you need a breast augmentation, a breast lift or both, the best thing you can do is speak with Dr. Granzow directly. You can schedule a consultation with him by calling (310) 737-8918.
