A Breast Lift: Do you need one?

Breast lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to firm up and lift the breasts to a more youthful position. Many women seek breast implant consultation when they may actually require a breast lift procedure. It is important for a woman to understand whether her aesthetic needs can be met with a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure, or a combination of the two.

The plastic surgeon will primarily determine whether a candidate needs breast lift or not by taking into consideration her breast anatomy, degree of skin elasticity in the breasts, size of breasts, and the patient’s personal aesthetic goals. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify is a leading provider of breast lift and other procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities.

Consultation Process

During the initial consultation process for breast augmentation or breast lift plastic surgery, the surgeon will encourage the candidate to ask questions and clarify all her doubts and concerns. At the same time, the surgeon will also ask questions to ascertain the patient’s innate aesthetic needs and expectations. Some of the key questions that the surgeon may ask will include the following:

• Are you satisfied with the size of breasts in proportion to your body?
• Are you satisfied with the current level of firmness of breasts and the position of nipples?
• Are you keen to achieve greater fullness in the upper half of the breasts?

If the answers to the queries indicate that the candidate would prefer to increase the size of breasts and enhance upper half fullness but is reasonably satisfied with the existing firmness of breasts and position of nipples, then a breast implant surgery may be recommended. On the other hand, if size is not much of a concern, but the candidate is unhappy due to heavily sagging breasts and downward pointing nipples, a breast lift procedure may be recommended.

If the concerns pertain to size as well as firmness, a combination of breast lift and breast augmentation may be the best option. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Seify will carefully examine the patient’s overall condition, and assess her intrinsic aesthetic needs before recommending the most appropriate treatment approach. Dr. Seify provides breast procedures to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations.

Determining the need for a Breast Lift

Many women are initially surprised when the surgeon suggests breast lift as the right procedure for them instead of breast implants or suggests breast lift with implants. The surgeon will determine the patient’s need for breast lift after as careful examination and detailed consultation.

If the nipples are located below the inframammary fold (IMF) level, it indicates that the patient needs to have a repositioning of the nipples and gland to a higher level. The surgeon will usually make the candidate stand up with her arms at her sides. A woman may also perform a check by standing in front of a mirror, turn sideways, and observe her breasts from the side.

In this position, if it is seen that the nipples are falling below the breast crease or IMF level, then it indicates that the woman requires a breast lift surgery. If the nipples are position at or above this level, then she may only be a candidate for breast implant surgery.