Cosmetic Surgery Updates and New Procedures

Patients who I see in consultation for drooping breasts (ptosis) or volume loss after pregnancy (pseudoptosis) almost always have one very important question: “Can my drooping be corrected with just implants or do I need a lift?”

Here is the answer based on what I look for and ask each patient in my practice setting in Winter Park, Florida.

Implants alone will correct drooping when:

1. Breast drooping is mild 
2. The nipple is still near the center breast and does not point downward
3. There is some visible skin beneath the nipple/areola when looking at the breasts straight on.
4. The patient is OK with being at least a cup size larger

A breast lift (with or without an implant) is better when:

1. Breast drooping is moderate or severe
2. The nipple is at the bottom of the breast or points downward
3. There is no visible skin under the nipple/areola when looking at the breasts straight on.
4. The patient is already a C or D cup breast size and doesn’t want to be larger
5. The areola is too large and the patient wants it reduced 

I also do a series of breast measurements to make sure they confirm what I believe from my observations and questions.

1. If there is a long distance from the nipple and areola to the crease beneath the chest (more than 7 cm stretched skin, about 2 and 1/2 inches) a breast lift is often needed.
2. If the patient’s breasts are large and pendulous, a lift or reduction may be needed.

I also show the patient photographs of a spectrum of breast scars present after a breast lifting to check their tolerance for this scar. Most patients are surprised how little the scar shows and are comfortable with proceeding. If the patient really needs a breast lift but is concerned about the scars, I will suggest they wait on surgery. In time, the breast appearance problems will outweigh their concern about the scars.

I use implants in combination with a lift when:

1. The patient wants to be larger in addition to being less droopy
2. The patient desires to maintain projection and roundness of the breast mound
3. The drooping is severe

Please contact my staff to schedule your complimentary consultation so we can determine if an augmentation or lift is what would give you the best result.