Can breast augmentation improve breast sagging?

This is an excellent and common question. In many cases, a small degree of sagging can be - if not corrected - at least tolerant to the placement of implants. The key point to keep in mind is that implants replace volume but don't correct breast position. If the breast has significant drooping/sagging (ptosis) then a breast lift (mastopexy) will likely be necessary. If implants alone are used as a shortcut to attempt lifting the breast, the long term results will usually yield a larger breast that is still sagging. To complicate matters, the additional weight of an implant placed in an uncorrected ptotic breast can even make the situation worse. Ultimately, both short and long term results and expectations need to be discussed and this is where an evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon can be helpful.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Breast augmentation is usually performed with general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day - the entire visit usually requires about four hours from the initial registration to your discharge. The office of Dr. Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area - a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

Learn about the Breast augmentation procedure in 3D

What can I expect after surgery?

Most patients in my practice feel that breast augmentation was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication a day or two after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sealed with glue on the outside so there are no sutures to remove and patients can shower the very next day. Patients wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.

Breast size and shape are important and should be a focus of discussion with Dr. Kayser before surgery takes place. Many women believe they will be too large after surgery and therefore tend to choose a smaller size than what they really desired. However, there are also women who had friends who wished they had gone larger! These concerns are normal and Dr. Kayser and his staff will thoroughly discuss these options with you. Of course, you will likely become more comfortable with your new breast shape after surgery.

Your body's size and characteristics, along with your desire for a specific shape and size, will usually dictate what is possible. You should be aware that after implant surgery one woman's breasts will be different than another's even though the same implant size and shape was used. Also be aware that each woman's body is different, and before and after photos of women who have had breast implant surgery, often shown on web sites, do not apply to you.

You should also understand that the female breast will change over time, and your breasts will sag and droop with age and also lose some volume over time. Additionally, you should understand that the breast size that you desire and the implants that you choose today may not be the same as what you might choose at a different stage of your life. In the future you may need a change of implant and breast shaping to achieve your desired result at that time.

Needless to say, follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, at six weeks, six months and a year. This will allow Dr. Kayser to not only address any concerns that you may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

Breast Augmentation, is it right for me?

One of the defining characteristics of beauty, femininity, and sexuality of the human figure is the female breast. As such, many women want to have breast enhancement to create a larger, fuller, and shapelier bust line.

Besides the positive aesthetic outcomes of breast augmentation, data has shown that many patients enjoy substantial psychological benefits, including enhanced self-esteem after breast implants. In addition, the surgical techniques and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure.

In two surveys conducted by American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) of over 5,000 women who either had, or were considering, breast implants.

Key findings included:

- 89% of women surveyed said that breast augmentation met their goals.

- Overwhelmingly, women surveyed (94%) said they would recommend the procedure to others.

- Only 13% of women reported that they had reoperations; of these, 92% chose implant replacement, not permanent removal.

- Of the 13% who had revisional surgery, 35% wanted larger implants, and 27% wanted to improve breast shape or position.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If a woman is physically healthy and realistic in her expectations, she may be a good candidate for this surgery. It is important to discuss your individual expectations regarding the change you seek in the shape and size of your breast with Dr. Kayser who will be able to consider the optimal surgical approach to satisfy your desired outcome.

Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if you have at least one the following conditions or traits:

- You consider your breasts to be too small or under-developed

- You believe your figure is out of proportion due to small breasts and in turn, make your hips appear wider

- You feel you have limited choices of flattering clothing or swim wear styles due to small breasts

- You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging

- You are unhappy with the upper part of the breast appearing "empty"

- Your breasts have asymmetry or vary in size or shape from one another

- You currently have breast implants, and are experiencing problems with them

- One or both breasts failed to develop normally, or have an unnatural, elongated shape

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