Can Breast Augmentation Improve Sagging Breasts?
Breast augmentation is one of the first choices for patients looking to enhance the breasts. However, it is important to note that the breast augmentation procedure can’t improve sagging breasts. In fact, in some cases, breast augmentation may actually worsen breast sagging! Below, we’ll explain why breast augmentation doesn’t work for sagging breasts, and what the best solution might be.
Why Breast Augmentation Won’t Work
Many patients assume that by adding volume to the breasts via breast augmentation that the breast implants will fill out the volume in the breasts and eliminate any sagging. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. This is because breast sagging is primarily a result of stretching skin and a loss of skin elasticity – not so much a loss of breast volume. When breast implants are placed in the breast, it may slightly disguise the appearance of sagging breasts, but it will not correct the issues with skin elasticity that cause breast sagging in the first place. In fact, the extra weight of breast implants may actually cause the breasts to sag more as gravity pulls the skin downward.
An Exception: Minor Breast Sagging
For patients with a very minor amount of sagging in the breasts, breast implants may be sufficient in correcting the sagging and restoring a youthful look to the breasts. The key indicator here is the position of the nipple in relation to the breast crease. If, when the breast is resting naturally, the nipple is positioned parallel or above the breast crease, you are experiencing minor breast sagging (ptosis) and it can be corrected with breast implants. If your nipple is positioned below the breast crease, the sagging is too severe to be corrected with breast implants.
An Effective Solution: Breast Lift Surgery
Fortunately, there is an effective solution for patients with any level of breast sagging. The breast lift procedure corrects breast sagging by trimming and tightening excess skin on the breasts, lifting them to a more youthful position and giving them a firmer, shapelier look. This enables patients to correct the issues that are responsible for sagging breasts, without the risk of worsening skin laxity. Additionally, patients who receive a breast lift also enjoy the benefits of perkier breasts, which may give the appearance of a fuller bust without requiring implants.
If you desire enhanced breast size in addition to these benefits, you can also combine your breast lift procedure with a traditional breast augmentation for comprehensive breast enhancement. In these cases, a breast lift can be combined in unison with a breast augmentation to deliver your desired results in a single procedure. If you are considering a breast lift, breast augmentation or a combination of the two, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Pollack and get started with treatment.