How Do I Know if I Need a Breast Lift or a Breast Augmentation?

Posted December 02, 2024 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, you have several options to refresh your look. Breast augmentation and breast lift both change the shape and look of your breasts, but each has unique benefits. It’s also possible to combine both procedures to realize the breast shape, position, and size of your dreams. This blog will discuss the differences between each procedure and tips on how to decide which one is right for you.

4 Min Read:

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, removes excess skin to restore a perky, youthful appearance of the breasts. This procedure won’t increase the natural size of the breasts, but it can create a natural, rejuvenated look for many patients who feel their breasts are sagging or deflated. A breast lift is an excellent option for those who want to improve the look and feel of saggy breasts or return their nipples to a youthful position.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Put simply, breast augmentation increases breast size. At least 300,000 Americans opt for breast augmentation surgery every year. Also called augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure involves placing implants under the breast tissue. Sometimes, the surgeon will place the implants under your chest muscles for added enhancement.

Whether you need reconstructive surgery or just want a new look, augmentation can help you achieve it. Dr. Grazer will ensure that you understand the process, risks, and benefits of breast augmentation prior to the procedure.

The implant is one of the main differences between a lift and augmentation. There are two types of implants to choose from:

• Saline: Saline implants are FDA-approved for women 18 and over. The surgeon places the implants and then fills them, making the necessary adjustments.
• Silicone: According to the FDA, women 22 and over are ideal candidates for silicone implants. Some patients feel they better simulate the look and feel of natural breast tissue.

Do I Need a Breast Lift?

As you age, your breasts may lose firmness, becoming less elastic. However, there are other circumstances that negatively reshape your breasts, such as weight gain or loss and pregnancy.

Let’s look at how the body changes during these events:

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the ligaments supporting your breasts stretch. Your breasts become fuller during pregnancy but you may notice some sagging after the baby is born, even if you don’t breast feed.
• Weight changes. If you gain weight, the skin over your breasts will expand. This may cause it to become less elastic. Similarly, significant weight loss may cause sagging.
• Age. Gravity is not your friend when it comes to maintaining attractive breasts. Over time, the skin and tissue will begin to sag.

A breast lift can alleviate these issues without changing the size of your breasts.

Do I Need Breast Augmentation?

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but it helps to know why others have undergone breast augmentation surgery.

Breast augmentation may help you achieve these goals:

• Make your breasts larger and more symmetrical.
• Increase or decrease the size of existing implants.
• Restructure the breasts following a mastectomy or other types of surgery.

Discuss your goals with Dr. Grazer so you can feel confident about your decision and choose the right size and shape for you.

How Do I Choose Between a Breast Lift vs. Augmentation?

In general, breast lifts correct sagging and augmentation enhances the size and impact of your breasts.

Here are some pros and cons to consider:

• Breast lifts generally create tear-drop-shaped breasts. Additionally, your nipples will appear higher for a pert profile. If you want a natural-looking result, consider a breast lift.
• Breast lifts are more invasive than augmentation. So, you may spend less time in recovery following breast implant surgery.
• Breast lifts typically cost more than breast augmentation. A lift involves removing tissue and reshaping skin and other structures. For this reason, you can expect to pay a little more for this procedure.
• Breast implants last for 10 years or more, while a breast lift may last up to 15 years.

When it comes to choosing between them, you don’t have to. You can opt for a breast lift, breast augmentation, or combined surgery, depending on your goals.

Combining Implants With Breast Lift

Why should you combine a lift and implants in one operation? First, it means less surgery and recovery time because you take care of both options in one procedure. Combining these surgeries can give you the support and appeal of implants and ensure that your breasts are positioned beautifully. Your plastic surgeon can discuss the possibility of combining procedures during your initial consultation.

Interested in Learning More About Breast Procedures in Newport Beach?

Dr. Jon M. Grazer performs numerous types of breast surgeries, including lifts and augmentations. Our expert team can guide you through the differences and help you choose which option would work best for your body. Call us today at (949) 644-1290 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation.