Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

If you're looking to change the shape, size, or appearance of your breasts, you may be considering breast augmentation or a breast lift. Many people are unaware of the differences between these two procedures.

Here’s what you need to know about the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation refers to a procedure that is designed to increase the size and volume of the breasts and this is achieved using implants. There are primarily two types of implants available – silicone and saline. Silicone implants are supplied pre-filled to specific volumes that imitate specific breast sizes. Meanwhile, saline implants are supplied and inserted into the chest cavity empty, then being filled to the appropriate size. 

In addition to being used to increase the overall size and shape of the breasts, breast augmentation surgery is also chosen by women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer and as a result, have had part or all of one or both breasts removed. 

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery is a very popular cosmetic procedure and is commonly considered with advancing age and following childbirth and nursing. This is because our breasts change as a result of both the aging process and motherhood, with excess skin and gravity causing the breast tissue to sag and hang lower than it once did. This can trigger problems with posture and many patients will also experience skin problems occurring beneath the breasts, the area of which becomes hot and moist when the breasts hang low against the abdominal area.

Unsurprisingly, the goal of breast lift surgery is to improve the position of the breasts on the chest wall so that they sit higher. In doing this, the repositioning can cause the breasts to look fuller, perkier, and more youthful. 

During a breast lift, excess skin is removed from the area and the breast tissue is reshaped to restore firmness and make the breasts sit higher up on the chest. Incisions can be made around the darker area surrounding the nipples, downwards to the crease under the breasts, and even along the inframammary fold beneath the breasts. The extent of your surgery will depend on how severe of a breast lift you need to achieve the results that you're looking for. 

If your breasts are particularly small, it may be possible for you to combine breast augmentation with a lift, giving you a total transformation in this area of your body.

If you would like to find out more about how a breast lift can enhance the appearance of your breasts, or how it differs from augmentation surgery, our dedicated and knowledgeable plastic surgery team in Plano, TX would be happy to help.