Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift – Choose The Right Procedure

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that increases the size of the breasts by placing breast implants beneath the breast tissue or the chest muscles. Breast augmentation is an excellent option for women who want to increase the size of their breasts, improve the shape or correct asymmetry.

Several types of breast implants are available, including saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and are known to provide a more uniform shape to the breasts. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue.

Breast augmentation surgery usually takes approximately one hour and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves making an incision in the breast area and inserting the implant either behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest muscle. The incision can be made in different areas, such as the breast crease, the armpit, or the areola, depending on the type of implant and the patient’s preference.

Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and reposition the nipple and areola. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola if it has become stretched over time.

Breast lift surgery takes approximately two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions around the areola and down the front of the breast to remove the excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Breast Augmentation vs Breast Lift

The decision to choose between breast augmentation and breast lift depends on several factors, such as the patient’s aesthetic goals, the condition of the breasts, and the surgeon’s recommendation.

Breast augmentation is an ideal procedure for women who want to increase the size of their breasts, improve their shape or correct asymmetry. This procedure is not recommended for women with significant sagging or drooping breasts. In such cases, a breast lift may be required to achieve the desired results.

Breast lift, on the other hand, is designed for women with sagging or drooping breasts, which may be due to ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. A breast lift can lift and reshape the breasts, reposition the nipple and areola, and create a more youthful appearance. However, this procedure does not increase the size of the breasts, and patients who want larger breasts may require breast augmentation in addition to a breast lift.

Combining Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift

In some cases, a combination of breast augmentation and breast lift may be recommended to achieve the desired results. This procedure is known as augmentation-mastopexy and involves lifting and reshaping the breasts while increasing their size with implants. This combined procedure is ideal for women who want to address both sagging and volume loss in their breasts.

The augmentation-mastopexy procedure involves making incisions to lift and reshape the breasts and inserting breast implants to increase their size. The incisions can be made in different areas, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and the patient’s preference.

Recovery and Results

The recovery period for breast augmentation and breast lift procedures may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s overall health. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling and bruising in the days following the procedure. Pain medications and compression garments may be prescribed to manage discomfort and swelling.

Patients should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks following the procedure to allow the incisions to heal properly. They should also avoid sleeping on their stomach and wearing tight-fitting clothing or bras that may irritate the incision area.

The results of breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are usually long-lasting. Still, patients should understand that their breasts may continue to change over time due to factors such as ageing, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Choosing the Right Procedure

Choosing between breast augmentation and breast lift procedures can be challenging, and patients should carefully consider their aesthetic goals, the condition of their breasts, and their surgeon’s recommendations.

It is essential to choose an aesthetic surgeon with experience in performing breast augmentation and breast lift procedures. Patients should also schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss their concerns, expectations, and options.

During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s breasts, discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure, and recommend the best approach to achieve the desired results. The surgeon may also use computer imaging to show the patient how their breasts may look after the procedure.

Breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are effective options for women who want to enhance the appearance of their breasts. While breast augmentation is ideal for increasing the size of the breasts, breast lift is designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. With the right approach, patients can achieve the desired results and enjoy a more youthful and confident appearance.