Breast lift procedures are an increasingly popular option for cosmetic surgery patients, displaying twice the growth rate of breast implant surgeries, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2013 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. More than 90,000 breast lifts were performed in 2013, a 70 percent increase since 2000. While breast augmentations with implants remain one of the most in-demand cosmetic surgeries with nearly 300,000 performed in 2013, their rate of growth since 2000 was much smaller at 37 percent.
During a breast lift, or mastopexy, extra skin is trimmed away and the tissues that support the breast are tightened, correcting sagging due to aging, heredity or childbearing. By comparison, a breast augmentation involves placing silicone or saline implants to increase breast size and address tissue reduction due to injury, surgery or pregnancy.
“Breast lifts require a more thorough understanding of anatomy and can be more complex, but patients who are good candidates for the procedure are often better served and much happier with a breast lift than a breast augmentation,” notes award-winning Seattle plastic surgeon, Dr. Shahram Salemy. While a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is the best way for a woman to determine if she might benefit from a breast lift, putting a pencil against her ribcage underneath her breast can give her a rough idea. If the breast tissue keeps the pencil in place, then she may wish to consider a breast lift.
Dr. Salemy is not surprised that many board-certified plastic surgeons are recommending and providing breast lifts for women who have some sagging, yet retain a good amount of breast tissue and do not want implants. “New products like the Seri Silk Scaffold, which reinforces soft tissue, are enhancing the results of breast surgeries. When experienced plastic surgeons feel confident that they can perform the procedure well and obtain excellent results for their patients, more patients will be offered the procedure, and more women will choose to undergo and benefit from it.”
Twice honored with The Patient’s Choice Award for delivering excellent care and outstanding results to Seattle-area patients, Dr. Salemy is an ABMS board-certified plastic surgeon and a graduate of Yale University Medical School. He uses the latest cosmetic surgery techniques and personalized treatment plans to help patients reach their aesthetic goals through a variety of cosmetic procedures including breast lifts, breast augmentations, mommy makeovers, tummy tucks and liposuction.
For a personalized Breast Lift Consultation, call (206) 467-1101 or email our Seattle Plastic Surgery office.
