Our bodies can change through different stages of life, and for some people, plastic surgery may be worth considering. Breast lifts are one option for patients looking to address changes in shape, position and volume.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Pearce of Pearce Plastic Surgery joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to explain who a good candidate for a breast lift may be, the different options available and how he creates an individualized surgical plan for each patient.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Pearce of Pearce Plastic Surgery joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to explain who a good candidate for a breast lift may be, the different options available and how he creates an individualized surgical plan for each patient.
According to Pearce, a breast lift can be an option for someone looking to restore the breasts to a more youthful position.
“Anybody who’s really in a good state of health and really wants to see a good youthful improvement in the shape of the breast, they’re a good candidate for a breast lift,” Pearce said.
He explained that aging and pregnancy can both contribute to changes in the breasts, including a loss of volume and a lower position over time.
When it comes to restoring shape and volume, Pearce said patients have several options, and a breast implant is not necessarily required.
“We can do the breast lift alone. You’ll get a very natural appearance that will be in a much more youthful position,” he said.
For patients looking to add volume, Pearce said fat transfer can be another option. Fat can be removed through liposuction from another area of the body and transferred to the breasts.
He also discussed the option of Alloclae for patients looking to increase volume, as well as breast implants for patients looking for more significant upper pole volume.
“If you’re really looking to improve the overall shape, the upper pole volume of the breast, that’s where a breast implant comes into play,” Pearce said.
For certain patients, Pearce may also recommend additional support, particularly with larger implants. That’s where the idea of an “internal bra” comes into play.
“The internal bra is basically a biodegradable mesh,” Pearce explained. “It helps create some stronger tissue on the bottom portion of the breast. So it’s going to help support the breast tissue, help maintain that youthful appearance for a longer period of time.”
One of the products Pearce uses for this purpose is GalaFLEX, a mesh made from polymers that is designed to provide additional support to breast tissue or an implant.
“It really helps support that breast tissue or that breast implant that you’re looking to get,” Pearce said.
Another major consideration for patients is incision placement. Pearce explained that the type of incision depends largely on the patient’s goals and how much lifting is needed.
Options can include an incision around the areola, a “lollipop” lift that adds a vertical incision, or an “anchor” lift for patients who need a more significant lift and removal of excess skin.
While scarring is a common concern, Pearce said scars typically fade significantly over time.
“Those scars tend to fade. It almost disappears after around 18 months,” he said.
Perhaps most importantly, Pearce emphasized that there isn’t a single surgical plan that works for everyone. His approach starts with sitting down with the patient, listening to their goals and determining what makes sense for their individual needs.
“We really take that all into account to make sure that we come up with a good surgical plan,” Pearce said. “One, safety first, and two, it’s going to get you the results that you want, and also that they’re going to last.”
For Pearce, that consultation is about more than simply discussing a procedure. He wants patients to feel comfortable with the process and make sure they are the right fit for one another.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Pearce of Pearce Plastic Surgery joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to explain who a good candidate for a breast lift may be, the different options available and how he creates an individualized surgical plan for each patient.
“If we’re doing surgery together, we’re about to enter into a relationship,” Pearce said. “So it’s going to be a lifelong relationship after that. So I want to make sure that we’re both the right fit for each other.”
For more information about breast lift procedures and Dr. Pearce’s practice, visit pearceplasticsurgery.com!
For more information about breast lift procedures and Dr. Pearce’s practice, visit pearceplasticsurgery.com!