Cosmetic Surgery Can Improve Sagging Breasts And Restore A Youthful Silhouette, Says Denver Plastic Surgeon
DENVER, Feb. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Many women are distressed when their breasts succumb to the forces of gravity and begin to droop related to changes from aging, pregnancy, or fluctuations in weight. The good news is there are proven surgical techniques to lift and reshape the breasts, restoring a pleasing, more youthful silhouette.
"A breast lift can provide a big confidence boost to women whose breasts no longer look as they did when they were young or before they had children," says Dr. Gregory Buford, a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast procedures. "In many cases, an augmentation performed at the same time provides a comprehensive improvement in breast appearance."
Why Breasts Droop and Ways to Fight Sagging
While aging, gravity, heredity, pregnancy, and weight loss all contribute to a loss of breast shape, the stretching of the Cooper's ligaments is the main reason that breasts droop. These ligaments support the breasts, and when they stretch and weaken, breast profile and shape are compromised. While these ligaments cannot be repaired, several different approaches can be used to rejuvenate the breasts.
While most of the following techniques involve removing excess skin, it's important to note that internal shaping of the breast tissue should also be part of any procedure to improve their appearance. The extent of shaping varies according to patient anatomy and surgeon technique. Dr. Buford refers to his shaping technique as the "invisible bra."
- Crescent lift. If a small degree of lift is desired, this approach—also called a doughnut or periareolar lift—can be effective. It requires an incision around the areola that becomes fairly unnoticeable after healing; this approach can also be used to correct mild asymmetry in some patients.
- Vertical lift. Commonly called a lollipop lift, this technique lifts the breasts through incisions that resemble a lollipop, with a vertical incision below the areolar complex and a circular one around it. The vertical approach is used when a moderate amount of sagging (ptosis) and excess skin are seen.
- Extended vertical lift. When the breasts are large with a great degree of droop, this comprehensive approach may be required. In addition to the incisions used in the vertical lift, a third incision is made in the crease of the breast; due to this incision pattern, this technique is also referred to as an anchor lift.
Breast Lift + Breast Augmentation = Complete Approach to Breast Rejuvenation
While a breast lift procedure can elevate the breasts, this procedure cannot address significant lost volume from aging, pregnancy, or weight loss—nor can it add size if a woman feels her natural breasts were too small. If a woman desires a total breast rejuvenation, a breast augmentation procedure can be combined with a breast lift. When performed at the same time, these procedures can produce a dramatic change in breast contour and enhance the overall silhouette.
Because women are often unsure about whether they need a lift, an augmentation, or both, to reach their aesthetic goals, Dr. Buford recommends a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss the benefits of breast lift surgery. A breast specialist can help develop a surgical plan to address each individual patient's concerns.
About BEAUTY by BUFORD: One of Denver's top plastic surgeons, Gregory Buford, MD, FACS, is the founder and medical director of BEAUTY by BUFORD. The Official Plastic Surgeon to the Miss Colorado Pageant, he was named one of "America's Top Surgeons" and is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant for many non-surgical products and techniques. He can be reached at 303-747-6719 or on his website.