Learn Why Breast Lifts Are More Popular Than Ever
Plastic surgery that changes your breasts, commonly called a boob job, comes in different forms. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution that addresses every type of breast dissatisfaction. Although there are many varied techniques and results, breast plastic surgery typically falls into one of three main categories: breast reduction, breast augmentation (enlargement), and breast lift.
Although breast augmentation still reigns as the number one cosmetic surgical procedure according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lifts have surged in popularity. Between 2000-2014, the number of breast lift procedures increased by 70% — double the growth rate of breast implants.
At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, in McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, we’ve seen this trend firsthand. Here, Dr. Watkins explains the reasons behind the shift.
Breast augmentation vs. breast lift surgery
Before we dive into what’s driving the trend toward more breast lifts, let’s take a look at the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries.
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation is what most people think of when they think of a boob job. Its goal is primarily to add volume and size to smaller breasts by adding saline- or silicone gel-filled implants.
Breast lift
A breast lift doesn’t involve any type of implant, but rather, it uses your own existing breast tissue and a few strategic techniques to relocate your breasts into a higher position. If your main complaint is that gravity, age, and breastfeeding have taken their toll on your breast tissue, a breast lift may be all you need to restore a perkier chest.
Reasons for the rising popularity of breast lift surgery
Breast lift surgery has been around for many years, so why the recent surge in popularity? Dr. Watkins discusses with you at length your motivations for undergoing breast surgery to make sure you have realistic expectations for the outcome. Here are the top reasons women cite for wanting a breast lift.
Massive weight loss
Although obesity is at epidemic levels, the number of weight loss surgeries has surged as well. When you lose a significant amount of weight, you’re left with sagging body parts, including arms, thighs, tummies, and breasts.
The excess skin isn’t just a cosmetic problem, it can also lead to chafing, sores, and painful friction. Breast lifts shore up your breast tissue and eliminate these problems.
Size doesn’t matter
More and more women are realizing that they don’t need oversized breasts to feel beautiful, but they do want full, firm breasts. If your nipples point downward and your breasts look elongated and pendulous, a breast lift can restore their rounded, symmetrical shape and position.
More natural solution
Although breast augmentation with implants is safe and effective for creating larger breasts, some women would rather forgo the implantation route and opt for working with their own natural tissues instead. A breast lift enables that.
Breast surgeries compared
A quick glance at the main features of each breast procedure can help you decide which may be best for you.
- Breast augmentation: enlarges and reshapes, but doesn’t reposition
- Breast reduction: decreases size and weight
- Breast lift: repositions, but doesn’t add volume
A consultation with Dr. Watkins may reveal that you need a combination of these procedures to achieve your goals. Talk to him about what you envision, and he can custom-design a surgical plan that addresses all your concerns and produces the natural, comfortable results you want.
To schedule a consultation, call us at either of our office locations or request an appointment using our online booking tool today.