While many people assume that if you want “better looking breasts”, you should get implants (breast augmentation), the truth is there are several breast surgeries that can improve the appearance of your breasts. Most women (not all, but most) will end up choosing between breast lift surgery and a breast augmentation procedure.
While these two are easy to confuse, they are actually quite different. Let’s take a closer look at each surgery and talk about the benefits and drawbacks they provide.
Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)
A breast augmentation surgery procedure is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts using implants. There is also something called a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure, which increases the size of the breasts with fat taken from other parts of the patient’s body (via liposuction).
Breast augmentation is often the best procedure for individuals looking to improve their body contour, restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, or achieve symmetry. The implants used can be silicone implants or saline implants. Patients can choose from tear drop shaped or round breast implants. These choices depend on the patient’s goals and breast augmentation surgeon recommendations.
Best Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery
The best candidates for breast augmentation:
- Are in good overall health
- Do not have any ongoing illnesses such as breast cancer
- Have fully developed breasts
- Feel dissatisfied with their breast size or shape
- Want volume restoration after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or weight loss
- Have asymmetrical breasts
Breast Augmentation Procedure Steps
Breast implant surgery typically begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The surgeon will then make an incision, usually either under the breast or around the areola.
After creating a pocket, the surgeon will insert the chosen breast implants either above or below the chest muscle. Once each breast implant is positioned, the incisions are closed, the patient is put into a surgical bra, and the recovery process begins.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Recovery after breast augmentation usually involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within a week or two, but it’s important to avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least four to six weeks. Following the surgeon’s post-op care instructions is essential for optimal results and healing.
Breast Lift Surgery
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts.
Rather than adding saline or silicone filled implants, this surgery removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue to restore a more youthful breast contour. It is often sought by women whose breasts have lost shape and firmness due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight fluctuations.
These patients don’t want to enlarge their breasts or deal with saline filled implants or silicone breast implants; they just want to lift their drooping breasts.
Best Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery
The best candidates for a breast lift surgery:
- Are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
- Have sagging or drooping breasts
- Have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight changes
- Have nipples that fall below the breast crease
- Do not plan on future pregnancies that could affect results
Breast Lift Procedure Steps
During a breast lift surgical procedure, the patient is first administered anesthesia. The surgeon then makes incisions, which may vary depending on the degree of lift required.
Common incision patterns include around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and/or horizontally along the crease. After the incisions are made, the breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, and excess skin is removed.
The nipples may be repositioned for a more youthful appearance. Once the desired shape is achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures, and bandages are applied to aid healing.
Breast Lift Recovery
After a breast lift, patients can expect mild swelling, soreness, and bruising. Pain medication is typically prescribed to manage discomfort. It’s important to wear a supportive bra during the healing process. Most patients can return to regular activities within a week but should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 4-6 weeks.
Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift FAQs
Can I get a breast augmentation and lift at the same time?
Yes, many patients choose to combine breast augmentation and a lift to achieve both increased volume and a more lifted, youthful shape.
How do I know if I need an augmentation or a lift?
If your primary concern is loss of size and volume, breast augmentation is the best option. If you are more concerned about sagging and shape, a breast lift is likely the better choice. For some, a combination of both may be recommended.
Will a breast lift leave more scars than augmentation?
Typically, yes. Scar tissue always forms after an incision is made.
If you undergo breast augmentation surgery, you will have a breast augmentation scar, and the same goes for breast lift surgery. Both surgeries leave scars.
The difference is that breast augmentation only requires incisions large enough to insert the implants. You can see examples of this in breast augmentation before and after photos. Breast lift surgery requires larger incisions to remove the necessary excess skin and lift the breasts to the proper position.
Fortunately, both breast lift and breast augmentation scars should be well-hidden beneath clothes and even bathing suits.
Is breast augmentation recovery longer than breast lift recovery?
Both procedures have similar recovery times, typically around four to six weeks. However, the level of discomfort and activity restrictions may vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient’s healing process.
Call to Book a Consultation Today
Understanding the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift surgery is the first step toward improving your look with breast surgery. But it can be hard to know what surgery is right for you. An experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon can help.
Contact us today to set up a breast lift or breast augmentation consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice. Dr. Rice and her experienced team will help you choose the best breast procedure for you and your goals. Contact us today.
