LOOKING for a LIFT - Getting the Facts on Breast Lifts and Augmentations - by Alice Garcia

As I cruise steadily through my thirties I have begun to notice certain changes, particularly with my body, or specifically, my breasts. To put it quite plainly, gravity and plain old aging have taken their toll on me. I've done what I can to try to adjust, but in all honestly, I wish my breasts were what they once were. Hence, I found myself contemplating the possibility of having my breasts lifted.

Today, breast augmentation is the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for women. However, in my family we have a history of having fibrocystic breasts, which means that we tend to have cysts, though usually benign. I couldn't help but wonder whether this would affect my ability to have the procedure. Additionally, I haven't had any children yet, and I hear that breasts change even more post childbirth.

I realized that my best option was to speak with a surgeon. This is when I turned to Dr. W. Byron Barber, II of the Barber Center for Plastic Surgery in Greensboro. In addition to his own practice, Dr. Barber is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Moses Cone Hospital, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is regarded as one of the best plastic surgeons in the area. He has over seventeen years of experience and has an outstanding reputation. Armed with an arsenal of questions and the guise of my title as a freelance writer, I made the call.

My first question was about the differences between an augmentation and a breast lift. Dr. Barber explained that an augmentation involves putting in an implant made either of saline or silicone. Saline implants are the most popular and have a good reputation in regards to safety. He did note though that like any man-made product, an implant would not last a lifetime. Most saline implants last for at least ten years and often well beyond before they begin to deflate. The longevity of the silicone implant is not know for sure because the implants being used today are a newer technology and have been available for only about five years.

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the existing breast by removing excess or loose skin. The procedure is more extensive than an augmentation, and will require a few more incisions. Both, I learned, can be done in the center's on-site fully accredited surgical suite. Patients are typically home within a few hours, back to driving within five days, and back to work within a week. A breast lift, he explained, usually requires a few extra days for recovery.
The health of the patient is Dr. Barber's first priority and patients should be ready to give a detailed personal and family medical history. While discussing my personal case, I mentioned our family history of fibrocystic breasts. He responded that if the cysts have been benign then it would be fine to undergo a breast procedure. If, by chance, a patient has a history of breast cancer in a first degree relative (mother or sister), then it might be best to reconsider having a breast augmentation. Implants can reduce the sensitivity of the mammogram to detect early breast cancer. Should a woman already have breast implants and then develop breast cancer, it might be necessary for her to have her implant removed, undergo the appropriate treatment and then have reconstruction of the breast if she desires.

Since it is October, more questions about breast cancer came to mind. I wanted to know what cosmetic procedures were available for women who were survivors of breast cancer and who have undergone mastectomy. Dr. Barber corrected me and informed me that breast reconstruction is not considered a cosmetic procedure since it is done to restore the body to a more normal condition. Breast reconstruction can be done either at the time of the mastectomy, or at any time after treatment. There are many different options for patients contemplating reconstruction and a personal evaluation by a plastic surgeon to determine what procedure is best for a patient was Dr. Barber's recommendation.
That evening, I left the office feeling much better about the idea of a breast lift. My best option seemed to be for me to wait until I had had my children. He encouraged me to stay healthy, not to pick up smoking, and that, when the time came, I would be able to speak with other patients of his. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who has been there.

Many women in Greensboro are contemplating having either a breast augmentation or a breast lift, but are unsure if they can because of their family and/or personal medical history. All it takes is a phone call to an accredited plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Barber, to know for sure.

Dr. Barber hosts free monthly seminars in his office. To make a reservation, please call Barber Center for Plastic Surgery at 336.275.3430. The office is located at 1591 Yanceyville Street, Suite 100 in Greensboro. Their website is www.barberplasticsurgery.com