Traditional Breast Lift Surgery vs Scarless Breast Lift

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, gravity and genetic factors cause the breasts to sag and droop. Women who want to address sagging and firm up their breasts can opt to have a breast lift in Manhattan. Also known as mastopexy, this cosmetic surgical procedure lifts droopy breasts and restores them to their natural position with attractive outcomes. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that a total of 109,638 breast lift procedures were performed in 2018, a 4% percent increase from 2017. Today, women can choose from two options – conventional breast lift surgery and scarless breast lift.

Traditional Breast Lift Surgery vs Scarless Breast Lift

Both the procedures address concerns such as:

  • Insecurity due to sagging breasts
  • Flat or drooping-shaped breasts
  • Downward pointed nipples or nipples that fall below the breast crease
  • Stretched out skin due to weight fluctuation, aging and breastfeeding
  • Tuberous breasts or breasts that lack symmetry

However, while mastopexy involves long incisions and scars, the nonsurgical breast lift does not.

Traditional breast lift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This cosmetic surgical procedure involves removing excess, stretched-out skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and raising the nipple and areola to a higher, more forward location. It can address concerns such as drooping breasts, asymmetrical breasts, tuberous breasts, and more. Breast lift surgery can be performed using various incision patterns and techniques. Depending on the degree of lift needed, there are three types of incisions – Peri-areolar or “Donut” Lift, Circumvertical (“lollipop”) and Inverted T (“anchor”). The procedure usually takes about two to three hours to complete. As it involves incisions, traditional breast lift leaves unsightly scars.

On the other hand, a nonsurgical breast lift in Manhattan performed using newer techniques does not involve long incisions and as a result, is scar-free. Expert NYC plastic surgeons perform the scarless breast lift using the minimally invasive BodyTite™ device, an FDA-approved Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) workstation. Also called the BodyTite Perky Lift, the procedure tightens and lifts the breasts, but without the scarring associated with surgery. It is an ideal option for women concerned about the scars associated with mastopexy. As the scarless breast lift is performed under local anesthesia, it involves significantly less downtime than surgery. Patients can resume normal activities soon after the procedure but should avoid strenuous activities for up to one week after the treatment.

The plastic surgeon will determine the appropriate technique for the patient based on factors such as:

  • Breast size and shape
  • The size and position of the areolas
  • The degree of breast sagging
  • Skin quality and elasticity, and amount of extra skin present

The main difference between a scarless breast lift and traditional breast lift surgery is the type of anesthesia used. While the surgical technique requires general anesthesia, the scarless procedure can be done using local anesthesia. Moreover, the minimally invasive scarless breast lift in NYC involves less procedural time than the surgical breast lift. It is designed to provide results without significant downtime or weeks of recovery.

A breast lift can be combined with either a breast reduction procedure or breast augmentation. Women who are looking to restore volume can have breast implant surgery in conjunction with the lift. In this combination procedure, sagging skin is first removed and then implants are inserted to provide a fuller, well-shaped bustline. Likewise, women seeking smaller breasts can consider breast reduction surgery in conjunction with the lift.

Plastic surgeons in NYC utilize advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize the outcomes of their procedure. This option allows patients to take an informed decisions and the surgeon to plan the procedure to provide the best results. If you are considering a breast lift, choose an AAAASF accredited plastic surgery practice that offers the services of experienced surgeons. Reliable surgeons will recommend the best breast lift option to meet your aesthetic goals.