Mommy Makeover Surgery: The Differences Between Breast Procedures
A woman’s body changes significantly during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. If you want to restore your pre-baby body, you may consider a mommy makeover surgery. One of the most notable bodily changes during this period is in your breasts.
Fortunately, several breast enhancement options are available, including breast reduction, breast lift, and breast implants. Each of these addresses different breast issues. We’ll discuss their differences and how they work so that you can pick the right approach.
Schedule a FREE consultation
Understanding Breast Enhancement Options
Breast enhancement options are an integral part of a mommy makeover surgery. Breast procedures address unique concerns, such as sagging, loss of volume, or asymmetry. Options include breast reduction, breast lift, and breast implants. Each procedure is different, and its suitability depends on your cosmetic goals and expectations.
Breast reduction is a superb choice for women with heavy, sagging breasts. On the other hand, a breast lift is ideal for those wanting to correct sagging breasts and achieve a perkier appearance. Finally, breast implants are the go-to solution for women who desire more volume and cleavage.
Understanding the core differences between these options is paramount for choosing the best procedure for your body. Let’s explore the specifics of each in greater detail, including their benefits and what to expect.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction is a surgery that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The purpose of it is to give patients a more proportional and comfortable breast size.1 Women with overly large breasts may suffer from neck, back, and shoulder pain. They often struggle with skin irritation and difficulty finding clothing that fits well.
Making breasts smaller can result in:
- A more youthful and proportional breast shape
- Increased comfort
- Improved self-confidence
But like any surgery, breast reduction comes with potential risks. Patients may experience scarring, loss of nipple sensation, infection, and complications with anesthesia. Avoid these side effects by selecting a reputable mommy makeover provider like Dr. Fiorillo in Pearl River, NY.
What Is a Breast Reduction Procedure Like?
A breast reduction surgery takes three to five hours to complete. Before the surgery, a surgeon like Dr. Fiorillo will administer anesthesia to the patient. This ensures a comfortable procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, he’ll make an incision around the areola and down to the breast crease. This allows him to remove the excess tissue, fat, and skin. Next, he’ll reshape the remaining breast tissue to create a more proportional and natural-looking appearance. This may involve repositioning the nipple and areola to a higher, more attractive location.
After reshaping the breast tissue, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Patients may feel pain, swelling, and bruising after the surgery. Pain medication can help manage the discomfort for the first several weeks.
The recovery period can take a few months, depending on how the body reacts to the procedure. In general, short-term recovery lasts around three weeks. However, your body may need three to six months to recover fully. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
How Does a Breast Lift Work?
Breast lifts restore sagging breasts by lifting them surgically. It repositions the nipple and areola to an ideal position. Women who have undergone weight loss, pregnancy, or aging may notice their breasts aren’t as perky, firm, and shapely as they once were. A breast lift can restore that youthful appearance, giving people a boost in confidence and self-love.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes incisions around the areola and under the nipple until the bottom of the breast. He’ll remove excess skin and manipulates the breast tissue to create natural-looking, youthful breasts. Then, he’ll reposition the nipple and areola to a higher location. The surgery finishes off with sutures closing the incisions.
Like a breast reduction procedure, it’s normal for patients to feel pain, swelling, and bruising after a breast lift. The intensity of these after-effects subsides with time and rest. Within three to six weeks, most of the swelling will disappear.
What Can I Get from a Breast Lift?
Women rave about their breast lift results:
- Improved symmetry
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Perkier and firmer breasts
- Youthful chest area
Immediately after the surgery, you’ll enjoy perkier, firmer, and symmetrical breasts. Keep in mind that the shape may change and settle during the recovery.
Are Breast Lifts and Breast Implants the Same?
While breast lifts and breast implants both enhance the breasts’ appearance, they’re not the same. They address unique concerns and serve different purposes.
A breast lift focuses on lifting sagging breasts and repositioning the nipples and areola to a better location. It doesn’t increase the size but improves the shape, perkiness, and firmness of the breasts.2
In contrast, breast augmentation with implants increases the size and volume of the breasts. Implants are either silicone or saline and come in various shapes and sizes. The surgeon makes an incision, inserts the implant behind the breast tissue or muscle, and closes the incision with sutures.
Since breast implants don’t lift sagging breasts, it may be beneficial for some women to get them together to address multiple concerns. If you have sagging breasts and want to increase their size, then talk to your provider about getting both.
Which Breast Enhancement Procedure Is Best for Me?
Deciding on the right breast enhancement procedure depends on your concerns and body goals. Factors like age, body type, and medical history may play a role in determining the best option.
A breast lift may be the best option if your primary concern is sagging breasts due to weight loss or aging. It’ll improve the shape and firmness of your breasts. Women who are happy with their size but want to enhance their breasts get breast lifts and love the results.
However, breast augmentation with implants may be better if you want fuller breasts. Implants increase the size and volume of your breasts. As mentioned earlier, some patients opt to get a lift with implants if they want a perkier look as well.
Finally, women with large, heavy breasts get breast reduction surgery to mitigate physical discomforts like back pain and neck pain.
Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Fiorillo, who can evaluate your unique situation and recommend the best course of action. Dr. Fiorillo will ask about your medical history, assess your breasts’ current size and shape, and learn about your expectations and goals. Then, he’ll suggest a personalized treatment plan catered to your preferences.
Mommy Makeover Surgery Near Me in Pearl River, NY
Choosing the right breast enhancement procedure can be a life-altering decision. Women in Pearl River, NY, visit Dr. Fiorillo for their mommy makeover surgeries. He is a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon with decades of experience. Visit us if you want to improve your self-confidence and overall quality of life with breast enhancement. Call (845) 623-6141 to schedule a consultation and find out which procedure is best for you.
Schedule a FREE consultation