Over the years, breast implants have become increasingly popular. In 2012 alone, there were more than 280,000 women underwent surgery to enhance or restructure their breasts. That number is up 35% from the beginning of the decade. But a recent study released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows an 70% increase in breast lifts since 2000, which is almost double the rate of increase of implants.
So what is a breast lift?
A breast lift, called a mastopexy, is cosmetic surgery that helps to raise sagging breasts, otherwise known as a condition called breast ptosis. The procedure involves making an incision on the underside of the breast. Then, excess sagging tissue is often cut and the remaining tissue, areola, and nipple are lifted to give breasts a reshaped, desirable contour. The surrounding skin is subsequently pulled together, and the incision is closed.
Many women opt for breast lift surgery because having breast implants require the insertion of a silicone or saline shell into the body. With breast lift procedures, patients can opt to have tissue taken from other areas of their own body to aid the lift, nullifying the use of any artificial rising agent. In addition, there are also non-surgical options that render breast lift recovery time virtually obsolete. Women can have Botox injected into their breast tissue, which helps to give the breast a noticeable lift. Another procedure utilizes a platelet-based injection, extracted from a patient’s own blood. Blood is taken from the patient beforehand, and the platelets are separated from the red blood cells using a centrifuge, and then mixed with other synthetic materials before injection. These non-surgical options, however, require additional trips to the doctor for regular injections.
When deciding whether breast implants are the right procedure, women should consult their doctors to discuss the benefits and possible risks of having either a surgical or non-surgical breast lift. They should ask their physician questions such as, “What is a breast lift?,” “What is the difference between breast lift and augmentation?,” and “Which procedure would be best for me?”
The advantages of having a breast lift may seem obvious, but it is important to understand exactly what happens, possible side effects on the body, and the longevity of such a procedure. With this knowledge, women can make more informed decisions about the best way to enhance their breasts.
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