When considering breast surgery, one of the most common questions you may have is whether you need a breast lift or breast augmentation. While both procedures can improve breast appearance, they target different concerns and produce distinct results. While augmentation adds volume with implants, a lift repositions existing tissue for a perkier appearance. In certain cases, some patients may benefit from a combination of both treatments. Here's an overview to help you understand these differences more and make an informed decision.  

Breast Lift Essentials: What You Need to Know

A breast lift – also known as mastopexy – might be the right choice for you if you are satisfied with your breast size but unhappy with sagging or drooping. This procedure:

• Removes excess, stretched-out skin
• Reshapes breast tissue
• Raises the position of your nipple and areola
• Creates a more youthful, perky breast contour

You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if you have:

• Breasts that have lost volume and shape after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Experienced significant weight loss that has affected your breast appearance
• Natural sagging due to aging and gravity

Keep in mind that a lift will not significantly change your cup size, but it can restore a more youthful shape and position.

Breast Augmentation Essentials: What You Need to Know

Breast augmentation is designed to enhance the size and shape of your breasts using implants or fat transfer. This procedure can:

• Increase your breast size
• Enhance breast shape
• Improve breast symmetry
• Add volume to the upper pole of the breast

If you want larger breasts or to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, augmentation may be the ideal option for you. However, augmentation alone will not significantly lift sagging breasts.

Lift and Augmentation: A Tailored Solution

Combining a breast lift with augmentation can be a transformative option for women who have multiple breast-related concerns to overcome. This tailored approach addresses both sagging and volume loss in a single procedure, making it most beneficial for those who have experienced unwanted changes due to pregnancy or weight loss. While this combination procedure can achieve impressive results, it’s important to understand that it may not be suitable for everyone. A thorough, personalized consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is essential to identify the best plan forward for your unique needs.

Which Breast Procedure is Right for You?

You don’t need to make the decision alone. The best way to determine which procedure(s) will help you achieve your aesthetic goals is through a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. 

During your consultation, you can evaluate with your surgeon important factors such as:

• Degree of sagging
• Skin elasticity
• Breast volume
• Your desired outcome

Then discuss options and determine the best customized surgical plan to help you feel more confident about your breasts.

What to consider when deciding between a breast lift and breast augmentation:

• Your Goals and Desired Outcome

If you want to increase breast size or volume, breast augmentation is the better option. If you're primarily concerned with sagging or drooping breasts and want to restore a more youthful shape and position, a breast lift may be more appropriate.

• Current Breast Characteristics

Assess the degree of sagging in your breasts. If your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease, a lift may be needed. Consider your current breast size and whether you're satisfied with it or want to go larger.

• Breast Tissue Quality

Skin elasticity and the amount of existing breast tissue will impact which procedure is most suitable. If you have stretched skin or enlarged areolas, a lift may be beneficial.

• Recovery and Scarring

Breast lifts typically involve more incisions and potential scarring compared to augmentation alone. Consider the recovery time for each procedure and how it fits with your lifestyle.

• Long-Term Results

Breast implants may require replacement or revision surgeries in the future. A lift doesn't add volume, so breasts may still be affected by future weight changes or aging.

Breast Lift vs. Augmentation: Which Lasts Longer?

When deciding on breast enhancement procedures, it's important to consider not only the immediate results, but how those results will stand the test of time. Which option is better for longevity: a breast lift or augmentation?

Breast Lift:

• Results are immediately visible but continue to settle over several months as the swelling goes down and incision lines fade.
• Provides a higher, firmer breast position and improved shape.
• Can reduce enlarged nipples and tighten skin around the breast.
• On average, results typically last 10-15 years, with some patients enjoying results for over 15 years.
• Does not significantly increase breast size or volume.
• Nipple and lower breast elevation are maintained long-term, though some settling may occur.
• Provides more subtle and natural-looking results compared to augmentation.

Breast Augmentation:

• Noticeable improvement in breast projection and fullness.
• Results in bigger breast size and increased volume.
• Changes in breast shape and size are typically maintained long-term (10+ years).
• The underside of the breast tends to drop over time.
• Does not lift sagging breasts on its own.
• Can achieve more significant changes to breast size and shape compared to a breast lift alone.
• May need to be revised or have the implant replaced in the future.

A Summary of Key Differences: Breast Lift vs. Augmentation

• Breast lifts address sagging and shape without adding volume, while augmentation increases size and volume without lifting.
• Lifts provide more subtle, natural results, while augmentation offers more dramatic size increases.
• Augmentation maintains increased projection long-term, while lift results may settle somewhat over time.
• Both can provide long-lasting results (10+ years) when properly maintained, though augmentation may require future surgeries.

Learn More About Breast Lift or Augmentation for You!

Dr. Sean Saadat is a Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon specializing in advanced facial and body rejuvenation techniques. Schedule a virtual or in-person consultation with Dr. Sean at: (310) 269-7173 or contact@drseanplasticsurgery.com