Breast Augmentation With Lift in Pittsburgh, PA

Breast augmentation with a lift is a combination of two cosmetic procedures to improve the volume and shape of the breast. It is a surgery that includes both the placement of breast implants as well as a skin tightening technique (the lift) to bring the breast to a higher position on the chest wall. Aging, pregnancy, and weight loss are common factors in which the breasts can lose volume and shape. If a patient has good skin tone and limited sagging, implants alone may suffice. However, sagging that creates a downward breast appearance caused by a loss of skin elasticity must be treated with a lift. Dr. James Fernau can place implants to create the size desired by the patient. Breast augmentation with a lift creates beautiful, youthful, shapelier breasts for our Pittsburgh, PA patients at Dr. James Fernau Plastic Surgery.

Time, losing weight, childbirth, and different factors might alter the aesthetic of the breasts, changing your outward appearance and self-confidence alike. Breast augmentation with lift in Pittsburgh, PA at Dr. James Fernau Plastic Surgery offers a wide variety of benefits to boost and rejuvenate your appearance, such as:

• Provides individualized options for your individual needs
• Raises sagging and shifted breasts
• Boosts breast shape and volume
• Carves out and defines the breasts
• Enhances or reduces breast size
• Relocates and resizes the nipples
• Changes the size of the areolas
• Gives you a lifted, more youthful look

The surgery begins with the breast lift before placing the implant. During the procedure, excess skin is trimmed away, the underlying tissues are tightened with sutures and the breast is reshaped. This completes the lift portion of the procedure. Sometimes the areola is also reduced, and the nipple repositioned. When the lift is complete, the breast implant will be placed either on top of the chest muscle or underneath it based on the patient’s condition.

Breast Lift Incision

All breast lift procedures will require incisions due to the removal of skin. There are several incision patterns that can be considered:

• Incision made along the line surrounding the areola
• Incision made along the line surrounding the areola plus a vertical incision down to the natural crease below the breast
• Incision made along the line surrounding the areola plus a vertical incision down to the natural crease below the breast, then another horizontal line following the direction of the fold under the breast

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a common procedure in plastic surgery. Patients can choose between a silicone implant and one that is filled with saline. The type of implant chosen depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals and the chest form. Some surgeons prefer to do a breast lift and then see how the shape is affected before moving forward with implants. There are cases when patients are content with the results of the breast lift and no longer desire to have the augmentation portion.

This surgery is an outpatient procedure and is performed in an accredited surgical facility. General anesthesia is used. Following the procedure, patients will need to limit movement, especially in the chest area, for approximately 48 hours. Because this surgery represents a combination of procedures, the recovery is a bit longer and can take up to 8 – 10 weeks to recover. Optimal results will be evident within 6 – 12 months. This is the time period it takes for the implants to settle in their new position and for the scars to heal.

Breast augmentation with a lift averages in cost between $8,000 to $12,000. The factors for this price range include what type of implant is used and the complexity of the surgical case. Cosmetic surgeries of this nature are typically not covered by insurance. 

Can breast implants correct breast sag?
Implants will surely help increase breast size, but it is a breast lift that resolves the sagging. Breast sag is caused by overstretched skin that has lost its elasticity due to natural conditions such as pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Placing an implant does not correct the breast projection. In fact, it could make it worse. A lift corrects any sagging to create a tighter breast appearance.

Will I need a second surgery in the future?
Breast lifts can last for years, especially when patients adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Any significant weight gain or additional pregnancies could compromise the results of the surgery. This is why it is recommended to have this type of surgery when the patient is at or near their goal weight and does not plan to become pregnant in the future. As for breast implants, while they may not last a lifetime, they are manufactured to last up to 15 years or longer.

Will I have noticeable scars after a breast augmentation with lift?
Due to the nature of the procedure, scarring is unavoidable. The incisions made during a breast lift are patterned to best meet the aesthetic goals of the patient. Although these incisions can be concealed under clothing, they will still exist. The good news is that over time and with proper scar care, they do fade and become barely noticeable. Most women find that their new shape and beautiful figure outweigh the scarring.

Attain the appearance you dream about by combining breast surgery with an augmentation and lift at our Pittsburgh, PA facility. Dr. Fernau can help you create a personalized plan for treatment that addresses your needs and cosmetic goals so you can have beautiful results. By addressing the shape, size, skin, and position of your breasts, your surgical augmentation and lift can lead to a more youthful appearance. Make your consultation at our state-of-the-art office to find out more information about your breast surgery options.