Will Breast Implants work if my Breasts are Sagging?

Spring is in the air! And that means that summer is just around the corner, and with it hopefully at least a few vacation days to relax and unwind at the beach. While summertime brings poolside lounging, tropical drinks, and beautiful sunsets, it unfortunately is also a time when many people feel a little insecure about their bodies. For many women in particular, it can be a challenge to find a bikini top that makes them feel confident hitting the seashore. In fact, lots of women are unhappy with breasts that don’t quite fill out their bathing suit top, leaving them wishing they had just a little extra volume. For many others, the effects of aging bring unwanted sagging into play as women struggle to find a top with enough support. Whether an issue of wanting increased volume or a little pick-me-up, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that the appearance of the breasts can be a source of embarrassment for many women, and is happy to offer safe and effective surgical solutions for those wishing to make a change. This blog post will discuss the basics of breast augmentation and breast lift, as well as answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?”

First, let’s go over the basics of breast augmentation with breast implants. When it comes to implants, there are lots of different choices to help you find the look that’s right for you. Firstly, the patient will work with their plastic surgeon to decide between the two implant materials: Saline and silicone. Saline implants are designed like a balloon that is “inflated” with sterile saline (salt water) solution once placed into the implant pocket. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are composed of solid, medical grade silicone throughout. Other decisions to make with your surgeon include scar placement (under the armpit, around the areola, or in the crease underneath the breast), and implant placement (above or below the pectoralis muscle). As you can see, breast augmentation with implants is far from a one size fits all surgery, and it is vitally important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen who you can partner with and trust throughout your surgery journey.

So, lets shift focus now to answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?” The answer to this question depends on how much the breasts are sagging – also referred to as the “degree of ptosis” of the breasts. Women with breasts with minimal sagging, where the nipple is at or above the level of the breast crease, may benefit from an implant alone. For these women, the increased volume will help “fill in” the loose overlying skin to make the breasts appear fuller. However, women with moderate to severe ptosis such that the nipple is below the level of the breast crease will usually require a breast lift in addition to implants. In a breast lift, the sagging extra skin and soft tissue are surgically removed to facilitate lifting the breasts to a higher position. The nipple and areola are also raised to higher positon during this procedure to match the new perkier positon of the breasts. For women who desire an increase in breast volume in addition to a lift, a breast lift with implants is an excellent option. This effectively eliminates sagginess while also adding beautiful volume and fullness to the breasts.

There are many options when it comes to breast augmentation, including breast implants alone, breast lift, or the combined breast lift with implants. Perhaps you already have done your research and feel confident which option is the best for you, which is great! But for many patients, the final decision will come down to having an in-person detailed conversation with their plastic surgeon to discuss the potential pluses and minuses of each procedure and choose the option that best suits their anatomy and desires. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Temmen recommends patients bring identify several before and after “wish pics” to go over together so she can fully understand their goals. To view real example of patient transformations, please refer to the Gallery portion of this website. If you would like to learn more about breast implants, breast lift, or the combination of the two, simply pick up the phone and call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD, today!