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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
Written by Novin Ariana
While the breast lift and breast augmentation surgeries both have to do with improving the look and shape of the breasts, they address different issues. Choosing which one you need requires a complete understanding of what they treat, what the procedures are, and what your concerns are as a patient. The most ideal way to know which one of these breast surgeries will work for you is to have an extensive consultation with a Board-certified plastic surgeon. Ultimately, both the breast lift and breast augmentation surgeries differ in their goals.
Despite this, some patients opt to get these surgeries simultaneously for drastic results. Today’s blog gives a detailed analysis of the topic of breast lift vs. breast augmentation to help you better understand the differences between the two.
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Breast Augmentation: How Does the Procedure Work?
The goal of a breast augmentation procedure is to improve the shape of the breast as well as the size. This procedure is typically preferred by women who want to increase the size of their breasts and improve their projection. This is achieved by placing implants in the breasts to boost their volume.
The goal is not to lift the saggy breasts but to add more plumpness and make them look fuller.
All About Breast Implants
Breast implants are available in various sizes. This allows patients to choose the size that best complements their body shape. Typically, the ideal implant size is decided based on the body type of the patient, the shape and size of their breasts, as well as their lifestyle.
Types of Breast Implants
There are two types of implants: saline and silicone.
Depending on the patient’s body type and what types of results they want, the implant type is decided.
While silicone implants give a much more natural feel and are the best choice for patients who want a more natural augmentation, the saline ones allow easy adjustability, as they are placed in the breasts and then filled with saline. Compared to saline ones, silicone ones also result in a bigger scar. But one thing to note about saline implants is that they are more prone to rippling.
Placements of the Implants
When it comes to the placement of the implants, there are two techniques. One technique is called subglandular placement, where the implant is placed over the pectoralis major muscle. However, the results of this method of placement may seem a little less natural and also increase the patient’s chances of experiencing capsular contracture.
The second technique is submuscular placement, where the implant is inserted under the pectoralis major muscle. This method gives results that look and feel a lot more natural and have a reduced risk of capsular contracture.
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Breast Lift: How Does the Procedure Work?
The medical term for the breast lift procedure is mastopexy, and in this procedure, the droopy breasts are lifted and reshaped. It does this by getting rid of the excess skin of the breasts and tightening the tissue to make the breasts sit higher and appear perkier.
One thing to note is that this surgery repositions the breasts but, unlike a breast augmentation, it does not increase the size of the breasts.
From pregnancy and weight gain to even aging, breast ptosis is inevitable. The breast lift helps tighten the saggy breasts. Additionally, with droopy breasts, the nipples also sit lower. The breast lift also corrects this and repositions the nipples to make the breasts look more youthful.
Exploring the Different Breast Lift Techniques
The surgeon can choose any of the breast lift techniques below based on the degrees of laxity in the breasts as well as the size and shape of the patient’s breasts.
Periareolar Lift
The Periareolar lift, or Donut lift, is a technique that is only ideal for people with minimal breast sagging. In this, the incision is made around the areola, following its shape.
Moreover, it does not leave any extreme scarring.
Vertical Lift
The Vertical Lift includes an incision similar to the Donut Lift, except it also goes straight downwards. The incision looks similar to a lollipop, which is why this technique is often referred to as the Lollipop Lift. This method is ideal when the sagging is only moderate. However, it does offer more drastic results than the Periareolar Lift.
Inverted-T Lift
The Inverted-T Lift works for women who have extremely droopy breasts or those with very big breasts. In this, the incision is first made around the areola, then a line is made straight down from the first incision, and then a horizontal line is made along the fold of the breasts, which makes the whole incision look similar to an inverted T. The incision also mimics an anchor, which is why this method is often referred to as the Anchor-T Lift.
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Understanding the Differences Between the Two
| Category | Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | Breast Augmentation |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Lift and reshape breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissue. The nipples may also be repositioned for a more youthful contour. | Increase breast size and fullness using implants or fat transfer to enhance breast volume and proportions. |
| Surgery Time | Approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. | Approximately 1–2 hours, although the duration varies by technique and surgical plan. |
| Incisions and Scarring | Incisions may be made around the areola, vertically toward the breast crease, or along the breast crease, depending on the degree of lifting required. | Implant incisions are commonly placed beneath the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. Fat transfer involves small access incisions. |
| Recovery | Initial recovery generally takes 1–2 weeks. Breast shape and scars continue to settle and mature over several months. | Initial recovery generally takes 1–2 weeks. Final appearance develops gradually as swelling resolves and tissues settle. |
| Ideal Candidates | Individuals experiencing breast sagging (ptosis), downward-pointing nipples, stretched skin, or changes following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. | Individuals seeking larger or fuller breasts, improved volume, or enhanced breast proportions, with realistic expectations. |
Medical note: Surgery duration, incision patterns, recovery, and results vary by patient and technique. Some patients may benefit from combining a breast lift with augmentation after assessment by a qualified plastic surgeon.
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How to Choose Which One You Need
The simplest way to look at this question is to ask yourself if you want bigger breasts or just aesthetic improvement. An augmentation procedure is for you if you feel that you need to increase the cup size and fullness of the breasts; however, if sagging breast tissue or poor positioning of the nipples is the primary concern, then a mastopexy is the better choice. Either way, it is best to discuss your choice and suitability with your surgeon to make an informed decision.
