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Ask Dr. Elliott: What is the Difference Between a Breast Reduction and Breast Lift?

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Choosing the right plastic surgery procedure can be more complicated than it sounds, especially for a patient who is trying to decide with little to no guidance. The right choice depends not only on your cosmetic goals but also on the underlying cause of the problem in some cases (e.g., excess skin vs. excess fat). Only the knowledge and experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon offers a comprehensive enough understanding of your options and your anatomy to determine what procedure is the ideal one for you. Still, I believe in educating my patients as much as possible, so to help you narrow down your choices, I’m taking a closer look at one of the more common questions I hear: what is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?

Ask Dr. Elliott What is the Difference Between a Breast Reduction and Breast LiftAs their names indicate, both of these cosmetic surgeries have distinct goals: breast reduction aims to reduce the size of the breast, while breast lift focuses on lifting the breasts to a higher and more youthful position. The breast reduction procedure involves removing breast tissue and fat in order to give the patient breasts that are more comfortable and proportionate to the body. A breast lift, on the other hand, generally removes only excess skin (rather than breast tissue and fat) while also repositioning the nipple.

Here’s the important distinction: a breast reduction typically involves a lift as well, because it’s generally necessary in order to create results the patient will be happy with. A breast lift, on the other hand, can either be performed by itself (with no change to the breast size) or alongside a breast augmentation (so that breast implants are used to make the breasts both larger and more youthful). Deciding which of these options is ideal for you will require a combination of your own self-reflection to determine what your goals are, as well as a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon who can explain what results you can expect from each option.

Having successful plastic surgery begins long before the operating room. It’s crucial to choose a qualified, experienced, and specialized board-certified plastic surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and who can not only perform your surgery well but can also guide you throughout the process. If you’re ready to get started, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more health tips and plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Tips for Breast Augmentation Patients

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It’s intriguing how unique each person’s aesthetic sense is, and how many of us place more emphasis on one or two of our physical features, whether it’s our waistline, our skin, or our hair. But one common priority among women is having breasts that help them feel feminine and well-proportioned. If you’re one of the millions of women in the US who will undergo breast augmentation this year, below are a few tips to help you along each stage of the process.

Procedures for Common Signs of AgingLook specifically for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.

While any physician can call themselves a “plastic surgeon” or “cosmetic surgeon,” look specifically for the words, “board-certified plastic surgeon,” because this designation requires extensive education, specialized experience, and rigorous testing. It’s also important to ensure your surgeon has significant experience in breast augmentation, as different physicians may specialize in treating different areas of the body.

Be clear about your expected results from your first consultation.

It’s important to be specific about your expectations from the beginning, as this can affect your surgical plan. For instance, if you want your breasts to be not only larger but also raised to a higher, more youthful position, you may be able to combine your implants with a breast lift. Or, if you’re concerned about scarring, we can discuss techniques that will minimize your scars or limit them to more discrete locations on your body.

Choose your implant size carefully.

Opting for an overly small or overly large implant may leave you unsatisfied with your results. As a plastic surgeon who has specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery for over 30 years, I can help to recommend a fitting size for your natural body structure, as well as help you gauge how you will look with various implant sizes.

Know your implant options.

Breast implants vary based on the material they use. The two primary options are saline (a silicone shell filled with a saline liquid) or silicone (a silicone shell filled with a thick silicone gel). Each have their pros and cons (for instance, a saline implant typically allows for a smaller incision while most patients feel that silicone offers a more natural look and feel), so you can evaluate your priorities and select the best breast implants for your needs.

Don’t rush your recovery.

One of the most crucial factors in your final breast augmentation results is the healing process. Follow all your post-surgical instructions (including follow-up appointments, incision care, and more) closely and allow your body plenty of time to heal. Rushing to get back to work or back to the gym too soon can strain your body and prolong the recovery process or even cause dangerous complications.

Having a smooth breast augmentation process with a result that makes you feel more confident for decades to come starts with the first steps you take. To schedule a pre-surgical consultation or ask additional questions about plastic surgery, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more health tips and plastic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

How Soon Can I Return to Normal After a Breast Augmentation?

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One of the first questions patients ask when we’re discussing a possible cosmetic or reconstructive surgery is, “How long will it take for me to recover?”  Of course, there’s no solid answer. Recovery depends on the details of your procedure (including the specific surgery you’re having and how extensive it will be), as well as your body’s natural healing process, because some people simply heal more quickly or more slowly than others. There are, however, general time frames I can offer to help you know what to expect. Because breast augmentation has long been among the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the US (and because breast surgery is one of my specialties), my video below provides some insight into what you can expect after your breast augmentation surgery.

Many patients are surprised to learn about the rather quick recovery time involved in a breast augmentation. However, keep in mind that your healing process will take longer under some circumstances, such as combining your breast implants with a breast lift, tummy tuck or liposuction.  Before your surgery, take the time to do your research, look for an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon you’re comfortable with, and make sure you understand all their post-surgical instructions and know what to expect during your recovery. Schedule your plastic surgery consultation to take the first step. Or, for more helpful plastic surgery information and tips, follow me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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