What procedure should I consider for breast enhancement? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by women who are considering cosmetic surgery.
Are you planning to undergo breast cosmetic surgery but are confused about which procedure to choose: breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two? If so, worry not! That’s why we’re here.
When it comes to options like breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of the two, breast lift with implants, the procedure that best addresses your particular concerns can feel overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll cover the key differences between these popular cosmetic breast surgeries to help you determine which one may be the best fit for you. Let’s get started.
Comparing the Difference: Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, & Breast Lift with Implants
Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This type of surgery provides a perkier, more youthful breast contour without necessarily increasing cup size.
Some key facts about breast lifts:
- Best for women with breasts that have lost volume and are sagging, stretched, or loose.
- Incisions are made around the areola, down vertically below the breast, or in an upside-down “T” formation, depending on the individual case. The placement and shape of the scars ultimately depend on the plastic surgeon’s technique.
- Results are long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight afterward.
- Recovery time is usually 2-4 weeks, with some discomfort and tenderness. Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks post-op.
For many women interested in only lifting and shaping their breasts without augmentation, a mastopexy alone offers excellent, perky results. However, if you desire a larger cup size as well, moving to the next procedure option may be preferable.
Breast Augmentation: A breast augmentation involves using saline or silicone implants to increase breast size. Implants are inserted through incisions made around the nipple (periareolar), under the breast in the breast fold (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
Some key points on breast augmentation:
- Results in permanently larger breasts, typically 1-2 cup sizes bigger depending on the implant size selected.
- Implant choices include silicone or saline gel varieties that come in a range of profiles and sizes. Shape, feel, and look can be customized.
- Requires no skin or tissue removal, just creating an implant-sized pocket either above or below the chest muscle.
- Implants are not lifelong but usually last 10-20 years before replacement.
While breast augmentation alone provides permanent breast enlargement without skin removal, it typically does not address issues with drooping, stretching, or excess loose skin that can occur over time. For women seeking both lift and augmentation results, a combination procedure may provide better all-around breast enhancement and satisfaction.
Breast Lift with Implants: A breast lift with implants procedure, sometimes referred to as a “lift and augment,” combines mastopexy (lift) techniques with the insertion of breast implants. It aims to both reshape sagging or loose breasts into a higher, firmer position while simultaneously enlarging cup size for an enhanced contour.
Some key things to know about the lift with implants procedure:
- Best option for women with breasts that have lost fullness, volume, and are stretched or loose, but who also desire a larger size than a standard lift alone can provide.
- Achieves permanent breast augmentation results from the implants while repositioning and shaping excess skin/tissue from the mastopexy lift component.
- Provides enhanced, perky, simultaneously augmented breasts with a more symmetrical shape, positioned higher on the chest.
- Long-term results rely on maintaining a steady weight and lifestyle habits to prevent further stretching or sagging over time, as with any breast procedure.
Because the lift and implants technique addresses both size enlargement goals and lax skin/positioning issues simultaneously, it can offer wonderful all-around breast reshaping results.
Comparing the Benefits of All Procedures
Let’s analyze the pros of each option:
Breast Lift Pros:
- Tightens and reshapes sagging breasts without size change
- Scar placement is adjustable to patient preference and techniques
- Less invasive than combined procedures
- No implants to worry about down the line
Breast Augmentation Pros:
- Creates larger, permanently augmented breasts
- Variety of implant textures, shapes, and sizes
- Long-lasting results if implants are not replaced
Lift with Implants Pros:
- Simultaneously lifts, shapes, and enlarges breasts
- Best of both worlds procedure for most womenLong-lasting contouring and enhancement achieved
As you can see, each option addresses different goals. The lift resolves sagging, augmentation corrects size, and the combination procedure manages both simultaneously despite longer recovery. Your plastic surgeon can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your individual anatomy and personal goals.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing between a breast lift, augmentation, or lift with implants is a very personal decision that requires considering several factors:
- Your current and desired breast shape, size, and position
- Lifestyle factors like planned future pregnancies
- Implant versus no-implant preferences
- Amount of downtime and recovery needed
- Financial factors and insurance coverage variables
- Your cosmetic goals and expectations
Bottom Line
It’s important to have realistic views about procedures and understand nothing can stop you. Be sure to discuss factors like scarring, natural tissue elasticity, weight fluctuations, and any implant concerns thoroughly with an expert board-certified plastic surgeon.
Get in touch with Dr. DeLozier, an expert board-certified plastic surgeon at DeLozier Cosmetic Surgery Center, to schedule complimentary consultations on all breast surgery options. Dr. DeLozier has decades of experience with lifting, augmenting, and combination procedures for beautiful, lifetime results. He will answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision. Let’s find the perfect option for you