Breast Augmentation With Lift
in Scottsdale, AZ
Our patients in Scottsdale can improve their appearance through breast augmentation with lift. This dual procedure enlarges breasts with implants and raises them to a perkier position. It is designed for women with sagging, asymmetrical, or tuberous breasts who want fuller, rounded contours. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaBarbera, customizes the surgery to match each patient’s aesthetic goals. With his exceptional talents and care, women can rejuvenate their figures and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
What Is Breast Augmentation With Lift?
Types of Breast Implants
Saline Implants
These implants hold their form due to a saltwater (saline) solution inside. They have a silicone outer shell and are filled with saline after being placed... in the breasts, which is very convenient because it requires a smaller incision. Saline implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women who are 18 or older. They have a lower risk of capsular contracture than their silicone alternatives. Furthermore, the body naturally absorbs the saltwater after implant rupture, which makes them safer. However, saline implants feel less natural than silicone and have more rippling/wrinkling.
Read moreSilicone Implants
These implants are pre-filled with a thick silicone gel. They are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women who are22 and older... The gel feels more like natural breast tissue than saline. However, silicone implants have a higher risk of capsular contracture, and it is harder to detect leakage if an implant ruptures.
Read moreGummy Bear Implants
This is a new type of silicone implant with a more cohesive gel. It is called a "gummy bear" because the implants retain their shape even when... the shell is broken. The thick gel in these devices is designed to prevent leakages. Gummy bear implants create a more natural shape and have less chance of rippling than traditional silicone. These benefits make them the most popular option for breast augmentation today.
Read morePreparation for Breast
Lift Surgery With Implants
Preparation for surgery involves several essential steps. The first is an initial consultation with Dr. LaBarbera. During this appointment, we discuss the patient’s goals, medical history, and options for implant type, size, placement, and incision location. Dr. LaBarbera also explains what to expect during recovery. The patient may undergo lab testing or a physical examination to ensure that they are healthy enough for the procedure.
Augmentation and Breast Lift Procedure: Step-by-Step
General Anesthesia
Incisions
There are several incision techniques Dr. LaBarbera may use, depending on the degree of enhancements needed. The most common approaches are:
Vertical – Also called a lollipop incision, this technique goes around the areola and straight down to the breast crease. It is used for a moderate lift.
Anchor – This is the most invasive approach that extends the vertical incision with a horizontal cut along the breast crease. It is appropriate for patients who need a dramatic lift.
Dissecting the Breast Tissue
After making the incisions, Dr. LaBarbera dissects and separates the breast tissue from the overlying skin and the underlying chest muscles. This allows the surgeon to create an implant pocket.
Implant Pocket Formation
Dr. LaBarbera makes a pocket behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the pectoral chest muscle (submuscular). This is done using surgical instruments to dissect the space.
Inserting and Positioning the Implants
Once the pockets are created, Dr. LaBarbera inserts saline or silicone implants. The surgeon ensures that each breast implant is correctly positioned to achieve the desired look.
Reshaping the Breast Tissue
In addition to the lift provided by the incisions, Dr. LaBarbera may stitch some breast tissue to reshape and support the elevated breast. Dissolvable sutures are typically used for this procedure.
Closing the Incisions
Once the implants are in place, Dr. LaBarbera closes the incisions using stitches and surgical tape. Over time, the scar lines mature and become less visible.
General Anesthesia
Incisions
There are several incision techniques Dr. LaBarbera may use, depending on the degree of enhancements needed. The most common approaches are:
Vertical – Also called a lollipop incision, this technique goes around the areola and straight down to the breast crease. It is used for a moderate lift.
Anchor – This is the most invasive approach that extends the vertical incision with a horizontal cut along the breast crease. It is appropriate for patients who need a dramatic lift.
Dissecting the Breast Tissue
After making the incisions, Dr. LaBarbera dissects and separates the breast tissue from the overlying skin and the underlying chest muscles. This allows the surgeon to create an implant pocket.
Implant Pocket Formation
Dr. LaBarbera makes a pocket behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the pectoral chest muscle (submuscular). This is done using surgical instruments to dissect the space.
Inserting and Positioning the Implants
Once the pockets are created, Dr. LaBarbera inserts saline or silicone implants. The surgeon ensures that each breast implant is correctly positioned to achieve the desired look.
Reshaping the Breast Tissue
In addition to the lift provided by the incisions, Dr. LaBarbera may stitch some breast tissue to reshape and support the elevated breast. Dissolvable sutures are typically used for this procedure.
Closing the Incisions
Once the implants are in place, Dr. LaBarbera closes the incisions using stitches and surgical tape. Over time, the scar lines mature and become less visible.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation With Lift
Immediately After Surgery
Patients should be careful and get enough rest in the first 24 hours after surgery. They may experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. LaBarbera. Patients need to have someone drive them home from the surgical center and help with daily activities for a few days. We also recommend walking short distances to promote blood circulation.
First Week of Recovery
Swelling and bruising are the most noticeable during the first week after surgery. Patients should refrain from any strenuous activity and continue resting. Dr. LaBarbera recommends wearing a support bra to reduce swelling and other symptoms. Patients return to our office after 5-7 days for a follow-up appointment to check the recovery progress.
Second Week and Beyond
In the second week after surgery, women can resume light activities, such as walking longer distances and driving. The swelling continues to go down, and stitches are removed around this time. Patients usually return to work after 7-10 days, depending on the nature of their jobs. More strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for 4-6 weeks, as recommended by Dr. LaBarbera. Over time, the breasts settle into their new shape and position. The final results of this procedure can be seen after 6-12 months of recovery.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation With Lift
Women With
Sagging Breasts
Women with drooping breasts are good candidates for breast augmentation and lift. Adding an implant can help restore fullness in breasts that have lost... volume and elasticity due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. The implant increases breast size, while a lift reshapes and raises the breasts to a more youthful position.
Read moreWomen With Tuberous Breast Deformity
Tuberous breast deformity is a congenital condition, which means that it is present from birth. It is characterized by the underdevelopment... of breast tissue, large areolas, a lack of volume, and a big gap between breasts. Women with this condition may benefit from augmentation and tightening. An implant can enlarge the underdeveloped breast tissue, while a lift will help create a more rounded appearance. Plastic surgery is an effective way to improve the size and shape of tuberous breasts.
Read moreWomen With Asymmetric Breasts
Breast asymmetry, where the two breasts differ in size or shape, can often be corrected by combining lift techniques with implants. This dual... approach helps achieve better symmetry and proportion.
Read moreIdeal
Candidate
Patients considering breast lift with implants must be in good health and have sufficient skin elasticity. They should also have realistic goals... and a desire to feel more confident and happy with their bodies. Thorough consultations with Dr. LaBarbera help ensure that patients meet these requirements and understand all aspects of surgery. It is also important to note that additional pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations may impact the results. Therefore, Dr. LaBarbera recommends this procedure for women who are near their target weight and do not plan to have more children.
Read moreBenefits of Breast Augmentation With Lift
- Enhances breast size and volume
- Eliminates excess skin and tissue to address sagging
- Repositions the breasts higher on the chest
- Improves breast symmetry and overall contour
- Adjusts the size and position of areolas
- Improves self-esteem and body image
- Provides long-lasting results (up to 15 years and more)