"What do I do about my breasts? I am not happy with the way they look."

This is a common statement I am presented with by patients coming in for consultation, family and friends. And, when asked what it is that they are not happy about, the most common answer is that their breasts have lost the perkiness or fullness, and/or they are sagging.

After listening to what it is they desire, I proceed with examining the patients in order to confirm their complaints. Next, I explain to them what options are available.

One scenario is that the breasts have lost volume and, as a result, look smaller and/or less perky without sagging. For such patients, the only option available is the use of breast implants to fill the breast and therefore restore the lost volume or perkiness. This can be done using either saline or silicone implants; the main difference is that silicone implants are softer to the touch. More patients opt for silicone implants, which are just as safe as saline implants.

The second scenario is when a woman has breasts that are also sagging from the loss of volume. Such patients have two options: getting a breast lift, or getting a lift with augmentation at the same time. Performing breast enlargement in breasts that are sagging will only result in larger sagging breasts; therefore, that is the wrong thing to do. As for the lift, there are three main types – Bennelli lift (which results in a scar around the areloa - nipple -only), lollipop lift (which results in a scar around the areola and a vertical scar), and anchor lift (results in a scar around the areola, a vertical scar and another scar under the breast at the breast fold). The type of lift needed is dictated by how much sagging is present; the more the sagging, the more lift is needed.

The third type of breast surgery is breast reduction. This is the only solution when breasts are too large and are sagging. Lifting of the breasts is always part of the breast reduction procedure.

After all the options are reviewed, pros and cons are discussed, I review numerous (not just one or two) before and after photos with patients to make sure they see and understand what results to expect. Before the patient leaves, I make sure that the changes they are interested in are realistic and feasible so they will be happy with the results.
To contact Dr. Aboolian visit his expert page at: Dr.Aboolian