: Before & After Photos

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to add volume and change the shape of your breasts to one that better fits your goals and ideals. Breast Augmentation is ideal for women who want larger breasts rather than those who are satisfied with their breast size, and are interested in lifting, rather than enlarging. Breast augmentations are done with implants strategically placed either above or below the chest muscles. There are many different types of implants, so there are a lot of options to choose from. At times, women want more fullness on the upper portion of the breast while others are looking for a gentle slope to the upper portion of the breast. Implant profile – low, medium, or high – can alter the shape of your breast. Well placed implants can also give the illusion of a lift, positioning the implant in the right place relative to your natural breast and your chest wall. Keep in mind, the breast “mound”, following breast augmentation, is a combination of your natural breast tissue and the implant that is added in the augmentation procedure.

Sizing and Breast Implants

Many people describe the size they want through cup size, but I have found this to be a very inaccurate measurement— bra companies have not standardized these measurements and different sizes look different on different people. I make sure to discuss this with you very carefully to make sure we understand what is the best size for you. We will do sizing using different size bras and different size implant sizers. This way we can make sure that your results are what you want and that you’ll be happy with your augmentation for years to come.

What Is A Breast Lift?

If you’re less concerned with changing your breast size and more concerned with reshaping or perking up your existing breasts, a breast lift may be the answer. Position and shape are just as important as size, and I consider this procedure to be just as crucial to have in my repertoire as augmentations. Breast lifts are ideal for addressing sagging breasts which are often the result of the following situations:

•  Shrunken Breast Tissue After Breastfeeding or Menopause
• Weight Loss/Stretched Skin Envelope
• Asymmetry
• Low Nipple Position

Breast drooping, called ptosis, is common to experience as you age. Thankfully, I can generally reverse it and get you back to feeling confident in your body.

Shaping and Lifting

One advantage of a breast lift is that implants may not be required– by reshaping fatty tissue and reshaping the breast gland, you can achieve great results. I will also focus my attention on the skin, which acts as natural support. By lifting and reshaping your breast tissue beneath the skin, I can reposition the breast to where you want them to be. In many instances, the nipple can be repositioned higher on the breast for a “perkier” appearance.

Breast Lift and/or Breast Augmentation?

At first, It may be hard to decide which option is right for you. In fact, many women who feel they only need a breast lift undergo the combined procedure of breast augmentation and lift once they understand the benefits. If you’re unsure of what the best option is for you, our consultation will address all your questions and provide you with the information that will empower you to make the right decision. From your first screening to the end of recovery, our office is here to help.

Take the Next Step

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation with Andrew Barnett M.D. to discuss your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735. Renee or Laurie will help you and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!

About Liposuction and Abdominoplasty 

Let’s talk about the fat component in this blog.  There are two layers of fat in the abdominal region – one layer is in front of the tummy muscles – called superficial fat, and the second layer is behind the tummy muscles – called deep or intra-abdominal fat.  Both contribute to a prominent tummy.

Intra-abdominal or deep fat can only be reduced through weight loss.  There is no safe surgery that removes this fat. Liposuction cannot be safely performed on this deep layer.

Superficial fat can be easily removed through liposuction, and this is a very common procedure.  The question is, can this tummy liposuction be performed at the same time as the tummy tuck?  The quick answer – sometimes!

Because of technical considerations related to the blood supply to the abdominal skin that is lifted and stretched downward, liposuction in the central tummy has to be done very carefully, and to a limited extent.  Aggressive liposuction, trying to remove all the excess fat at the same time as the tummy tuck, can result in loss of skin and prolonged healing.  However, moderate liposuction can be performed at the same time with limited risk.  This is the approach that I commonly take.

Another option, that is very common in my practice, is to “two stage” it.  That means that the liposuction is performed either before or after the tummy tuck – usually separated by 2-3 months.  With this approach, I can safely be very aggressive with the liposuction with very little risk to the abdominal skin.  Liposuction of the abdomen does not have a long “back to work” recovery time – most patients are back in 3-5 days – so while it is inconvenient to perform two surgeries, the safety and end result frequently warrant it.  Oftentimes, patients who need liposuction in the abdominal region also have excess fat in other areas, like the thighs, arms, love handles, and buttocks.  Doing the two stage procedure allows me to safely suction those areas at the same time as the abdominal liposuction.

Tummy Tuck and/or Liposuction: What’s Right For Me?

Over the years, I have done many combined procedures with great results. As a board-certified surgeon, I believe in delivering the best results I can by using the most advanced surgical techniques and the most up-to-date equipment available. Everyone’s body is unique and you deserve to feel great in your own skin.

If you’re looking for beautiful results through liposuction and are unsure if a tummy tuck can help, book a screening with my team. With a single office visit, we can help you decide on what’s right for you. Together, we’ll develop the best possible plan to have you looking and feeling as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside.

Take the Next Step

Ready to look and feel your best? Schedule a consultation with Andrew Barnett M.D. to discuss your options today. Consultations are available in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. You may schedule for either location by calling (415) 879-8735. Renee or Laurie will help you and answer any pre-consultation questions you may have!