The classic debate for people considering breast enhancement surgery is breast augmentation vs breast lift. Which procedure is right for you depends on the results you want to achieve. In this blog post, we’ll compare your breast surgery options so you can make an informed decision.
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What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, often referred to as a “boob job,” involves the placement of synthetic implants to increase the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure is popular among women who wish to:
- Enhance their breast volume, especially in the upper pole of the breasts
- Achieve a fuller bust
- Correct asymmetry
- Create a more defined breast shape
- Restore breast size after weight loss or pregnancy
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon makes an incision in a discreet location—such as under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit—to insert the implants. The enhancements are immediate, even though your results will take months to mature fully.
Patients complete their initial recovery within 4 to 6 weeks, although residual swelling can persist for several weeks. Your implants also need at least 3 months to “drop and fluff,” a process in which the breast tissue softens and the implants drop to a lower, more natural position.
Learn more about breast augmentation recovery in our related blog post.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Breast augmentation involves 2 main types of implant material: silicone and saline.
- Silicone Implants: These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel and are known for their natural feel and appearance. They are a popular choice due to their realistic texture.
- Saline Implants: This implant is filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They can be adjusted in size after being placed in the breasts and tend to be less expensive than silicone implants.
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What Is a Breast Lift Without Implants?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes sagging breasts. This surgery is ideal for women who are satisfied with their breast size but desire a more youthful and lifted appearance after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or aging.
Breast lift surgery addresses issues such as:
- Drooping
- Mild asymmetry
- Stretched skin
Your plastic surgeon removes excess skin during a breast lift and reshapes the breast tissue to achieve a firmer, higher position on the chest wall. They may also reposition and resize your nipples and areolas to enhance the overall appearance.
Recovery from a breast lift also takes 4 to 6 weeks on average before patients can fully return to their normal activities. However, residual swelling may persist for some weeks.
What Are My Breast Lift Options?
There are several techniques used to lift the breasts; these are based on the degree of ptosis, or sagging, that is present. Your breast lift options include:
- Crescent Lift: Suitable for minimal sagging, this technique involves a small incision around the upper half of the areola.
- Periareolar Lift: Also known as a “donut lift,” this option creates a circular incision around the areola and is ideal for mild to moderate breast sagging.
- Vertical Lift: The “lollipop lift” technique includes an incision around the areola and one that runs vertically from the edge of the areola to the breast crease (creating a lollipop shape). This option is suitable for moderate sagging.
- Anchor Lift: When a patient has significant ptosis, an anchor lift (a lollipop lift with an additional horizontal incision along the breast crease) is appropriate.
What Is a Breast Lift With Implants?
If you’re still weighing the benefits of a breast lift vs breast augmentation, know that you might not need to choose one or the other. In fact, many women get the best results from a combination approach. In this two-part surgery, the patient can increase their breast size while also addressing sagging.
A breast augmentation with lift uses implants to enhance breast volume and shape, while the lift corrects drooping and reshapes the breast tissue for a more youthful contour. Women who choose this option achieve fuller, perkier breasts with improved symmetry.
The combination of procedures may create a slightly longer recovery period, with patients returning to light activities in 1 to 2 weeks and resuming most activities in 6 to 8 weeks. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on your recovery timeline.
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How Do the Results Compare?
As detailed earlier, your breast augmentation results and breast lift results address different cosmetic concerns. Implants create a fuller bust and can give the breasts a more rounded shape (for those seeking upper pole fullness). A lift raises sagging breasts and nipples, consolidating breast tissue for a more youthful appearance.
If your concerns extend to both size and shape, a breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy) can give you the comprehensive transformation you want.
Revitalize Your Bust
The best way to know which breast enhancement procedure is right for you is to meet with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation. To take the next step, please request a consultation or call us at (585) 272-0700.
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