A variety of women turn to plastic surgeons with the goal of achieving firmer and larger breasts:  Women with small breasts, women with deflated breasts after pregnancy, women with breast asymmetry, and women with sagging breasts.  It's important when considering any type of surgery – especially elective surgery to improve the appearance of your breasts – to fully and completely understand your options so that you can make an informed choice to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

Sometimes, breast augmentation alone will create the desired look, while in other cases women will find that a short-scar breast lift or a combination of a lift and augmentation (known as mastopexy augmentation) will be more effective in achieving the breast contour and size they desire. Regardless, understanding your options for breast enhancement is vital to feeling confident with your surgery and your results.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures nationwide, and a great option for women who want to improve the size and shape of their breasts. Our practice in Louisiana specializes in breast enhancement procedures, and as skilled breast augmentation surgeons we've seen the positive impact this procedure can have in terms of physical appearance, as well as improving one's self-confidence and self-assurance.

Implant Types

In Louisiana, like the rest of the United States, there are 2 FDA approved types of breast implants - saline or silicone gel implants. Implant type is an important consideration that each woman should evaluate carefully.  It is important to keep in mind that the surgeon's ability to work with a variety of implant types to create beautiful results plays a key role in a patient's satisfaction with her implants after surgery.  Saline implants have a range of fill volumes and can help adjust for significant volume differences between breasts.  Silicone gel implants are known for their very natural look, feel, and longevity.

There are three common locations for implants to be inserted with the goal of "hidden" incisions. Based on the implant type, the surgeon's preference, and the goals of the patient, incisions generally will be made on the lower crease of the breast, in the armpit, or on the lower edge of the areola. Depending on factors such as the type of implant used and the degree of enlargement a patient desires, the implant may be placed above or under the pectoral muscle.   Here at The Wall Center, we generally perform submuscular or "dual-plane" breast enhancements due to their lower rate of long-term problems and the beauty of the results.

Short Scar Breast Lift

Breast lift, or Mastopexy, is a great option for women who have experienced a loss in the elasticity of their skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. On its own, the breast lift is optimal for women who don't want larger breasts, but are looking to raise their breasts for a more youthful appearance. Breast lifts are often recommended for women with nipples and areolas that point downward, have been stretched out, or are misshapen.

Techniques for breast lift surgery vary based on the surgeon's training, experience, and preferences, as well as the goals of the patient.  The "anchor" scar breast lift is the most common type of breast lift used in this country, but it has several drawbacks, including the very long scars and poor long-term shape many women fear when contemplating breast surgery.  In contrast, "Short scar" breast lift incisions are made around the areola and straight down to the crease under the breast (the "lollipop" incision).   This is the breast lift incision we use, due to its many advantages, including a 70% shorter scar than the "anchor" breast lift used by most plastic surgeons in the USA.  The short scar also allows us to elevate the entire breast including the bottom crease of the breast to a higher position, unlike other types of breast lifts.  We also feel that the shaping of the breast is much more desirable and holds for a much longer period of time than the older anchor incisions.  Many plastic surgeons are reluctant to perform the short scar breast lift due to inexperience with the technique, but Simeon Jr, Holly, and Simeon Sr perform hundreds of short scar breast lifts year in and year out, and have been doing so for almost a decade.  Rarely, in women who have undergone a massive weight loss, a longer incision may be necessary, although this extra incision is usually made to help with other areas of the body including the arms, back, or abdomen. 

Breast lift and breast augmentation – Mastopexy augmentation

In many cases, both breast lift and breast augmentation will be performed together to combine their benefits.  The loose breast skin will be tightened, and the implant will provide nice upper pole fullness and cleavage.  Combining breast augmentation and breast lift is also an excellent way to improve significant volume and skin asymmetries of breasts.

 Choosing Your Best Option

When considering breast enhancement, think about whether or not you desire a change in the overall size of your breasts. Breast augmentation enables women to increase the size and shape of their breasts, while breast lift surgery is primarily used to raise a person's breasts. If you need more fullness and tightening of your loose breast skin, the combination of the augmentation and lifting may be the best for you.  We look forward to meeting you and discussing your needs and coming to a decision together to reach your goals.