Dr. David Drake answers your questions about breast implants and breast lifts

Written by Dr. David Drake, a plastic surgeon at the UK HealthCare Aesthetics Center.

Major life changes, like weight loss and pregnancy, along with the natural aging process can change how your breasts look.

With the help of cosmetic breast surgery, you can turn back the clock and have youthful, full breasts once again.

There are two routes you can take: a breast lift and breast implants. These procedures can be done individually or in tandem. 

Here’s what you need to know about both options.

What does a breast lift do?

The breast lift is usually done after weight loss or postpartum involution, where you still have enough breast volume, but you have too much skin.

With a breast lift, we're taking the anatomical parts of the breast and putting them back where they were at a more youthful position.

It’s an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour or two.

What does a breast augmentation involve?

The breast augmentation procedure is for patients who need more volume. We typically use silicone gel implants.

This procedure can be done on a variety of ages. I've even performed this on patients in their late 50s, early 60s.

Like the breast lift, breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure.

Is there a way that I can see beforehand how I would look after a breast augmentation?

We have a computer simulation model that we use to show you what it would be like to be a certain size. It’s a really powerful tool we can use.

Although we can’t guarantee those exact results, the model gets pretty close.

After the procedure, when can I get back to doing normal activities?

The breast lift can take about two to three weeks to recover from.

Recovery from a breast augmentation depends on where the implant is put. If it’s placed above the pectoralis muscle, you can get back to normal within a few weeks. If it’s placed under that muscle, it can take a bit longer.

Will there be scars afterwards?

For the breast lift, we have to remove skin to put the gland up where it used to be. There is some scarring, but it's usually well hidden beneath the breast.

For the augmentation, there will be about three-inch scars under the breast, so that they're also well hidden.

How long do these results last?

The results of the breast lift tend to relax a bit quicker. As you get older, you have less elasticity in your skin. If you gain weight, that can also change your results.

With the augmentation, patients can expect a revision after 10 years, but the fifth-generation implants that we're using are just superb implants.

Why should I get these procedures done at UK HealthCare?

We have a dedicated staff that is extremely well trained, and we're up to date on the latest techniques. I think that we’re held to the highest standard in the community.

Learn more about the UK HealthCare Aesthetics Center and the services it offers by visiting our website or call 859-257-7171 to schedule an appointment.