Dr. Polo, I would like to have a breast lift. I want to have as much fullness as possible, but I definitely don’t want an implant. What other options are there?
This is a question I hear often in my practice. Breast lift surgery is always in high demand. A woman’s breasts undergo changes over time, affected by a number of factors, including aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations.
For those wishing to reverse some of these changes and restore a more youthful contour, a breast lift or mastopexy is often the primary procedure indicated. Mastopexy surgery tightens and lifts the breasts. Effectively reduces excess skin and lifts the areola and areola to a higher position. However, one limitation in traditional breast lift surgery is restoring fullness to the upper part of the breasts. Traditionally, this limitation has been overcome by placing implants at the time of breast lift. Some women, however, prefer not to have an implant. An alternative for these women is to combine mastopexy with an innovative technique known as auto-augmentation.
Auto augmentation is a specialized approach that, rather than using implants, uses a woman’s existing breast tissue to create a fuller, more lifted contour. Breast changes over time include the descent of tissue volume from the upper and central areas of the breasts to the lower part of the breasts. Combined with thinning and stretching of the skin, this results in a flattening or hollowing of the upper contour of the breast and the relaxation of a significant portion of the tumor below the fold in the lower part of the breast. Auto augmentation involves the repositioning and reshaping of loose breast tissue back to the center and upper breast area.
Almost every woman undergoing mastopexy should benefit at least slightly from the addition of this technique. I find that those with larger breast volume and more sagging tissue below the inframammary fold benefit the most. For those with smaller breasts and less volume below the fold, I favor alternative techniques such as autologous fat grafting or bra fitting as better options to enhance the results of mastopexy.
One of the major advantages of auto-augmentation mastoplasty is its ability to achieve a more complete but natural result without the use of foreign materials. This can reduce the risk of implant-related complications such as hematoma, infection, rupture or leakage, and capsular contracture, providing a safer option for those seeking breast augmentation.
Another advantage of this advanced technique is that it does not require prolonged recovery. Recovery from auto augmentation breast lift surgery is essentially the same as standard breast lift surgery. Patients usually return to regular daily activities within one week after surgery and may resume moderate levels of exercise two weeks after surgery. I also advise using a supportive bra to help with healing and maintain the newly sculpted breast shape.
When combined with auto augmentation, mastopexy exceeds lift. By redistributing breast volume, reducing and adjusting excess skin, it achieves a fuller and more lifted contour.
As always, it is important for individuals desiring breast rejuvenation to consult with an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeon experienced in these techniques to determine the most appropriate approach for their particular situation.
Dr. Max Polo.
Dr. Polo is a graduate of University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. He is a certified Plastic Surgeon and a partner in Miami Plastic Surgery. He has been in practice for over 20 years during which he has remained an active member of his medical staff Baptist Hospital and South Miami Hospital. Dr. Polo is dedicated to patient safety and Plastic Surgery education and has been recognized by his peers by being elected to leadership positions such as past president of the Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons and president-elect of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons . Dr. Polo is a specialist in Cosmetic Surgery of the face, neck, breast and body. His greatest expertise is in breast augmentation and moms. His practice also includes the full range of non-invasive treatments such as Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, ultrasound, lasers and radio frequencies.
Favorite points of Dr. Polo on the island include Crandon Park Golf Course, the beach at Cape Florida Light and The Spa and Rum Bar at the Ritz Carlton.
You can email him questions at mpolo@miamiplasticsurgery.com.
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