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A breast lift with implants is targeted toward anyone who may be unhappy with a saggy, droopy appearance of their breasts or has experienced volume loss. This procedure helps to restore your confidence by giving you perkier and more shapely breasts.
If you want to improve the appearance of your breasts after weight loss or pregnancy and achieve a fuller, more youthful look, a Palo Alto or San Jose breast lift with implants may be the right solution. Dr. Boudreault is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast lift and implant procedures in Palo Alto and San Jose. He and his team at Illuminate Plastic Surgery are dedicated to helping women achieve the perky, full breasts they desire.
We all tend to lose skin elasticity as we age. Unfortunately, this can cause breasts to droop. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. There are different types of breast lift procedures, and the right one for you will depend on your unique situation and goals. In some cases, Dr. Boudreault may only need to remove excess skin and tissue. In other cases, he will reposition the nipple and areola.
A breast lift alone corrects sagging, but it doesn’t add volume. In some cases, the surgery may even result in a modest decrease in breast size. This kind of volume loss, though, is usually not an issue since the breasts will also take on a more lifted, perky position which gives them a fuller profile. Given this outcome, patients with petite breasts are often wary of risking a slightly smaller bra cup size.
Likewise, many women see a lift as an opportunity to enhance or increase the size or shape of their breasts while they address the physical changes from weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Other patients come to us to restore the curvy, defined cleavage they had in their younger years. With a breast lift with implants San Jose or Palo Alto patients to Illuminate have a cosmetic procedure that combines a mastopexy (breast lift) with implants, an artificial prosthesis placed in the breast pocket. This two-in-one surgery raises breasts to a more youthful position while adding volume.
In a survey of more than 18,000 women, 70 percent said they were not satisfied with how their breasts looked. While your physical appearance is just one factor that contributes to your self-esteem, there is no denying that deflated or excessively small breasts affect your confidence. A San Jose or Palo Alto breast lift with implants serves to dramatically improve the size and profile of the breasts and can make a big difference in one’s self-image, especially when filling out swim tops, brassieres, and blouses. At Illuminate, our goal is to help you build your confidence through improved body satisfaction.
With a breast lift with implants Palo Alto or San Jose Illuminate patients can:
Many women with sagging breasts and insufficient volume are good candidates for the procedure. You should be in good health, a non-smoker, and not actively pregnant or nursing. Some common reasons to consider augmentation mastopexy include:
If you have any of these concerns, you should consult board-certified Dr. David Boudreault to discuss your options. Dr. Boudreault will evaluate your unique needs and wants and help you to decide if a breast lift with implants is right for you.
The consultation is an opportunity for you to discuss your goals for surgery, learn about your options, and get answers to all of your questions. During your initial visit, Dr. Boudreault will:
If you decide to move forward, he will provide instructions detailing how to prepare for your upcoming surgery. Your pre-operative instructions may include:
You should plan to take a week or two off from work and driving to heal from your operation. It may also benefit you to ask friends or family for assistance with child care, errands, meals, pet care, and grocery shopping during the first two weeks of your recovery.
There are a few things to consider when choosing your implant size, including:
During your consultation, Dr. Boudreault will listen and help you choose an implant size that is right for you. He will keep your body proportions, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences in mind when he provides his expert recommendation.
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Our surgeon will assist you during the implant selection process to ensure your expectations are met and you are satisfied with the outcome of your breast revision.
Before 1996, most patients received saline implants. This was often due to safety questions. Today, medical advances have made silicone just as safe as saline, and many individuals have made the switch from saline to silicone. Silicone implants look and feel much more like natural breast tissue. They are also more durable and hold their shape in the rare event of a rupture. If a saline implant is ruptured, it is more likely to leak, creating a very obvious asymmetry. Silicone implants cost slightly more than saline implants, but the price difference is negligible, considering the long-term advantages and overall patient satisfaction.
Smooth implants have a smooth outer shell that helps them move more naturally with your body. Textured implants have a grippy texture to keep them from shifting out of place. Compared to smooth breast implants, the textured surface is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture.
Teardrop implants contain a dense silicone gel with a gummy bear-like texture. The highly cohesive gel allows the implant to retain a teardrop shape that mimics the slope of real breasts. Patients desiring a more natural-looking option typically prefer teardrop implants over traditional round implants, which have volume distributed equally on the top and bottom.
The profile of a breast implant refers to the base width of the implant, which is selected based on the width of the chest wall and how far the implant projects forward when viewed from the side. High-profile implants are narrower and taller and provide a dramatic result since they offer the most forward projection. Moderate-profile implants have a more natural look but have less fullness and projection. Low-profile implants are the shortest and widest, and fullness is much more subtle.
Patients undergoing a breast lift with implants can expect to be under anesthesia for approximately three hours. The operation time depends on the condition of the breast tissue and whether Dr. Boudreault places the implants above or below the muscle. During the procedure, Dr. Boudreault will make incisions on your breasts. There are four mastopexy techniques. The right one for you depends on the grade of ptosis. Options include the crescent lift, periareolar lift, lollipop lift, and anchor breast lift. After resecting the excess tissue and repositioning the areolas if necessary, he will dissect a pocket in each breast and place the implants into position. After performing a symmetry check, he will close the incisions with sutures.
There are four main types of breast implant incisions: inframammary, transaxillary, periareolar, and transumbilical. The location of the surgical scar depends on the size and type of implant and the desirability of a well-hidden scar. Each type of incision has its own benefits and drawbacks that you should discuss with Dr. Boudreault before making a decision.
After your surgery, you will remain in our private recovery room until you feel well enough to go home. As with any surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Any discomfort is usually well-controlled with prescribed medications. Most women feel better within a few days of surgery, but it may take up to six weeks for your body to heal completely. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects. You should also avoid lying on your stomach or putting pressure on your chest. You should be able to return to light activities, work, and driving within one to two weeks.
Dr. Boudreault will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to minimize the risk of infection and other complications. You will likely need to wear a surgical bra or sports bra for the first few weeks after surgery. You may also need drains to help remove excess fluid from your body. The drains can be removed between 24 to 48 hours later. You will return to the office to see Dr. Boudreault for routine follow-up visits. These appointments help to monitor your recovery and ensure your breasts heal properly. As the swelling subsides, your final results will begin to show.
Nearly 75 percent of the inflammation resolves within three to four months, although it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go down. The scars will soften and fade during the first 12 to 18 months. After a San Jose or Palo Alto breast lift with implants, most patients enjoy lifted, perky breasts with more youthful fullness. You should schedule a mammogram every two years to detect implant rupture. Breast implants do not expire, but they eventually need to be removed and replaced. Most patients have implant revision surgery within the first ten years, although some women get several decades of use from their implants.
If you want the best of the best, look no further. David Boudreault, MD, FACS, is an award-winning plastic surgeon in Silicon Valley. Voted “Best of Palo Alto,” he is highly respected among his peers and patients alike. He and his hand-picked team at Illuminate Plastic Surgery have more than 50 years of combined experience. In addition to his extensive background in breast lift and breast augmentation surgery, he brings compassion and warmth to every consultation. Dr. Boudreault’s patients consistently rave about the quality of care and results they receive, as evidenced by his countless five-star online reviews.
If you are interested in learning more about getting a breast lift with implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. David Boudreault at our Palo Alto or San Jose office. During your consultation, Dr. Boudreault will listen to your goals and concerns, examine your breasts, and develop a customized treatment plan. Use our online booking link or call our office today.
Most women report moderate discomfort after surgery. Dr. Boudreault will prescribe medication to make the pain manageable.
Every procedure has its own set of risks. The risks of breast lift with implants surgery include, but are not limited to, infection, bleeding, and capsular contracture.
A breast lift with implants is considered a permanent procedure. However, your breasts may change over time due to aging, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and other factors. Most breast implants last a decade or more before a revision surgery may be required. If your implants are not causing any problems and you are satisfied with their appearance, you do not need to replace them.
In general, a breast lift with implants is an outpatient procedure. Someone will need to drive you home. Most patients feel ready to drive within a week or two.
Yes, you may still be able to breastfeed after surgery. However, it is possible that the surgery could affect your milk production.
A breast lift with implants generally does not affect nipple sensitivity. However, every individual is different, and you may experience some changes in sensation.
The cost of a breast lift with implants will vary depending on your individual goals and concerns. We are happy to provide several financing options to meet your needs and will work with you with sensitivity and efficiency to make the process as simple as possible.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
