Breast surgery is not one-size-fits-all. A breast lift improves breast position and shape, while breast augmentation increases or restores fullness. Patients visiting McKinnon Plastic Surgery in Chicago or Coral Gables work with McKay McKinnon, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced cosmetic surgery since 1984.
What Breast Augmentation Can Change
Breast augmentation is often considered when the main goal is to increase breast size or restore fullness lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging. Implants may also improve differences in breast size or create more fullness in the upper portion of the breasts.
The implants used for augmentation may contain saline or silicone gel. During your consultation, Dr. McKinnon considers your natural breast tissue, chest proportions, implant dimensions, and preferred size. The goal is to select an option that fits your body rather than choosing an implant based on volume alone.
An implant can improve fullness, but it does not always correct significant sagging. When the breast tissue has descended or the nipple sits lower on the breast, augmentation alone may leave the breast larger without moving it into a higher position.
What a Breast Lift Can Change
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, removes excess skin and reshapes the remaining tissue. The nipple and areola may be moved higher to create a more lifted position. This operation can improve drooping, unevenness, and loss of firmness, but it does not create the same increase in breast size as an implant.
Breast lift incisions vary according to how much reshaping is needed. They may be placed around the areola, extend vertically down the lower breast, or follow part of the natural breast crease. You can view the breast lift gallery to see examples of the changes mastopexy can produce.
When Are the Procedures Combined?
Volume loss and sagging often occur together. In these cases, augmentation can restore fullness while a lift raises and reshapes the breast. The operations may be performed during the same surgery or completed in stages, depending on your anatomy and surgical plan.
The right choice comes down to what you would like to change. An implant is generally used to add volume. A lift improves position and removes loose skin. Combining the two can help when both changes are needed.
Exploring the practice’s breast surgery options and breast augmentation gallery can help you prepare for your consultation, but an examination is needed to recommend a specific operation.
Discuss Your Breast Surgery Options
McKinnon Plastic Surgery offers breast surgery consultations in Chicago, IL, and Coral Gables, FL. To discuss your preferred breast size, shape, and position with Dr. McKinnon, schedule a consultation or call 312-335-9566 in Chicago or 305-753-1400 in Coral Gables.
