breast implant

A breast lift with implants is a comprehensive surgical procedure that addresses multiple aesthetic concerns. It is a combination of mammoplasty that augments the size of the breasts and mastopexy that elevates them. While silicone or saline implants can provide you with more fullness, volume, and symmetry, a breast lift may be necessary to tighten loose skin and reduce sagginess. Whether you are looking to achieve more voluptuous curves or want to correct the downward migration of breast tissue after pregnancy and breastfeeding, a breast lift with implants may provide you with the long-lasting results you need to amplify your body confidence. 

At Arslanian Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA, we prioritize your desires, safety, and happiness above all else. Our practice is led by Dr. Brian Arslanian, an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Harvard and Emory. Under his guidance, you can expect personalized attention, support, and knowledge from the preparation to the recovery process. If you are considering a breast lift with implants to rejuvenate and enhance your breast appearance, we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling (678) 894-9200 or visiting our contact page. Reach out to us to learn more about our services or begin your transformative aesthetic journey.

Before and After Photos

Types of Breast Implants 

Dr. Arslanian only inserts implants that are durable, biocompatible, and provide the desired contours of each patient. 

Saline and Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are an increasingly popular choice among women with implants due to the latest technology known as highly cohesive silicone. “Gummy Bear” implants are made of this soft material that closely feels like natural breast tissue. They have low complication rates and are more stable within the breast- mitigating the risk of breast tissue deformation. (1)

Even though saline implants are not as popular, they still have unique benefits. The shells of the implant are made of silicone, but they are filled with saline. Each saline implant has a self-sealing valve that prevents rupture, but if rupture were to occur, the saline is 100% biocompatible and can be absorbed by the body with no issues. When inserting a saline implant, Dr. Arslanian will place it into the breast pocket within the chest and slowly administer the saline until it reaches the appropriate size the patient desires- making for a more customizable and precise insertion. 

Projection

Projection is another aspect of breast implants to consider when considering what size you would like. Projection determines the side profile of your breasts, or how far your breasts will project. Implants are available in low, medium, and high profiles. Depending on your own body structure and preferences, this can be a critical part of choosing the right implants. For example, women with broader shoulders tend to look more natural with very high-profile breasts than smaller women. Other surgical factors will help Dr. Arslanian decide which profile is the most appropriate. 

Implant Size

The implant size is measured in its total volume determined by cubic centimeters (cc). Both saline and silicone implants range from 150 cc (small) to over 400 cc (large). Keep in mind that implant size doesn’t directly translate to bra cup size. Dr. Arslanian will be able to review with you how different-sized implants can change your bra cup size post-surgery. 

Shape

Round implants tend to produce more volume and cleavage in the upper portion of the breast, while “teardrop” implants– also called “shaped” implants- tend to look more natural. 

Texture

Implants can either be smooth or textured and serve different purposes. While smooth implants do not attach to the scar tissue that naturally builds up within the breast, textured implants remain stable within the tissue pocket. Research has demonstrated that skin rippling is less of a risk with the insertion of smooth implants, but textured implants tend to have more longevity and durability. 

Candidates for a Breast Lift with Implants

The ideal candidate is a non-smoking individual in good health without significant medical problems. They should have reasonable expectations of outcome and understand the potential risks and complications that may occur. Those looking to combine two procedures in one and save money, time, and recovery are the ideal patients.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Arslanian will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of this type of breast augmentation. He may inform you of other options, such as a fat transfer breast augmentation, a procedure in which he will harvest a small portion of fat from another area of your body and transfer it into the breasts. 

During this initial appointment, he will measure your breast and body proportions, take photos for reference, and discuss your aesthetic goals. You will have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions and have an open dialogue concerning your procedure. If you feel ready to take the first step today, call our office near Atlanta, GA at (678) 894-9200 or submit your request for a consultation via our contact form

Preparation

First, Dr. Arslanian will order blood tests to get a thorough overview of your general health. He will take the time to evaluate the medications and supplements you are currently taking to ensure there are no contraindications. Some medications and supplements have the potential to thin the blood and cause unnecessary bleeding or a slower recovery. 

If you are a smoker, you should aim to quit for a few weeks to allow your body the capability to heal well. You should pick up all prescriptions and/or OTC medications that have been approved by Dr Arslanian. You will also sign all consent forms, get medical clearance from your primary doctor or specialist, and talk to your anesthesiologist concerning your blood tests and any health issues that are worth mentioning. Finally, we recommend making plans for a family member or friend to pick you up and take you home since you will not be able to drive. 

breast lift incisions

Procedure Steps 

After you are under the effects of general anesthesia, Dr. Arslanian will start by making his incision on the breast: 

  • A “lollipop” incision involves a discreet incision placed on the outside of the areola and a vertical incision that goes straight down to the underside of the breast. 
  • An “anchor” incision involves a lollipop incision but with an added horizontal incision that follows the length of the underside of the breast. 

Typically, lollipop incisions are more common because they are suited to correct all kinds of ptosis (sagging). Anchor incisions are reserved only for women who exhibit severe ptosis. (2) 

 After making the appropriate incision, Dr. Arslanian will form a pocket under the pectoralis muscle of each breast. Most surgeons prefer placing the implants under the chest muscles since it promotes a more natural appearance, reduces the possibility of skin rippling, and possibly reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a condition in which too much fibrous scar tissue grows around the implant. (3)

He uses the “No touch” technique using a Keller Funnel, a simple device that places the implant in its correct position while minimizing the risk of contamination significantly. Research has also found that this method further reduces the risk of capsular contracture.  It also significantly cuts down the surgical time and makes implant insertion possible with shorter incisions. (4)

After the implants are placed, Dr. Arslanian will excise loose skin, and all incisions are closed to promote a perkier, rounder shape

Recovery 

For the first 24 hours post-procedure, you should focus on resting. You will be able to use your prescribed medications in order to ease the discomfort. For the next 7 days, your mobility will be somewhat limited, but you will be required to do range of motion exercises for your arms. Dr. Arslanian will instruct you on how to massage your breasts to prevent capsular contracture. 

After about 1 week has passed, Dr. Arslanian will remove your dressings and sutures and provide you with instructions on how to wear your surgical garment. At this time, most patients feel comfortable enough to go back to work if they have a sedentary job. Some exercises are allowed 2 weeks after healing, but patients should refrain from heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks

Results

After a mastopexy/augmentation, the breasts can often appear to be “upside-down”; the top part of the breast is full and the flatter part is at the bottom. This is a normal part of the recovery process and is completely expected. Over the next few weeks, the implants will begin to drop and stretch out the lower portion of the breast to settle into a very natural position. Final results are usually seen at the 3 to 6-month mark, but sometimes it may take an entire year for the breasts to fully settle into their new shape and position.

Cost of a Breast Lift with Implants in Atlanta, GA 

After your personal consultation with Dr. Arslanian, his surgical coordinator will discuss the associated costs. The total cost of the procedure will vary depending on the types of implants you choose, post-surgical garments, and a number of other factors. If interested, we will be happy to review our financing options with you- we offer CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, and PatientFi.

For more information about a breast lift with implants, call (678) 894-9200 or complete a short form on our website for further details.

Explore our other available procedures by browsing through our blog

References

  1. Shridharani SM, Bellamy JL, Mofid MM, Singh NK. Breast Augmentation. Eplasty. 2013;13:ic46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685325/ 
  2. Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567792/ 
  3. Swanson E. Dual Plane versus Subpectoral Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2016;4(12):e1173. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001173 
  4. Suat Morkuzu, Ozdemir M, Leach GA, Muholan Kanapathy, Afshin Mosahebi, Reid CM. Keller Funnel Efficacy in “No Touch” Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery- Global Open. 2022;10(11):e4676-e4676. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004676