Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?
Do I need a breast lift or breast augmentation?
If your breasts are droopy and deflated, you may need a breast lift or breast augmentation to get them back to normal. Pregnancy, weight loss, and aging, are the factors usually responsible for altering the shape and size of the breasts. However, most women are unsure whether they need to lift or augment, in order to regain beautiful breasts. So they are likely to ask their plastic surgeon – Do I need a breast lift or breast augmentation to rejuvenate my breasts.
Before deciding which procedure is best for you, take the time to determine your specific breast concerns, as well as your desired results. You can then book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn about both procedures, so that you can make the most suitable decision, based on your specific goals.
What’s the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation? Let’s take a look…
What is a Breast Lift?
Breast lift surgery or mastopexy is performed to raise the position of the breasts, in order to restore a more youthful shape. This is done by removing stretched skin, lifting the nipple, and reducing the size of the areola if needed.
Mastopexy is generally done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, and takes about 3-4 hours to perform. There are different techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, and the choice will be influenced by your specific goals.
Most women experience some minor discomfort after breast lift surgery, and are able to return to work within 7 days. Recovery time ranges from 7-10 days, but patients are usually required to wear a special soft-cup bra at all times, for up to 4 weeks.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty, is a procedure that uses implants to increase the fullness of the breasts. Breast implants are typically filled with silicone gel or sterile salt water, but both have an outer silicone shell.
The choice of implants will depend on several factors including your goals and expectations of the procedure. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of both types of implants with your plastic surgeon, before making a decision.
There are several possible incision sites for breast enhancement surgery, and your plastic surgeon will discuss these with you prior to the operation. In addition, the breast implant can be placed under the pectoral muscle, or above the pectoral muscle and behind the breast tissue.
Patients can expect to experience some discomfort for the first 2-3 days post-op, but most are able to able to return to work within 5 days.
Do you need a breast lift or breast augmentation?
Dr. Kyle Song explains…
When should I choose a Breast Lift?
If you have severely droopy breasts, a breast lift will restore a more natural shape. Pregnancy and breast feeding often leave the breasts saggy and misshapen, and no amount of exercise can get back the contours, and make the breasts look perky once again. A breast lift will reposition the breasts, so that they regain that youthful appearance, but it will not make them larger.
When should I choose Breast Augmentation?
If you would like to alter the size or shape of your breasts, breast augmentation is the procedure for you. If you think that your breasts are too small, or have lost shape, breast augmentation will increase their fullness, so that your figure looks more proportionate. Breast augmentation will also give the breasts a slight lift, but will not correct very droopy breasts.
When should I choose a combination Breast Lift & Breast Augmentation?
If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts and would also like to correct sagging, you may need a combination breast lift/breast augmentation. It allows you to improve the volume, shape, and position of the breasts, at one time.
It is always important to have realistic expectations going into any type of surgery, and to also be aware of possible risks. You should also choose an experienced surgeon that you are comfortable with, and can also communicate with freely.
About the Author: Board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kyle Song
Dr. Kyle Song of Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, CA, is a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for the breasts, face, and body. During consultation Dr. Song will discuss all the important factors surrounding surgery, and then determine which procedure will give you the outcome you desire. Contact Dr. Song for a consultation.
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Kyle Song, MD
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