Having a cosmetic surgical procedure is a big decision. In most cases, patients are not sure what to choose as far as the type of breast enhancement procedure that meets their expectations and is right for their individual situation. Here is a guide to breast augmentation vs breast lift that might help you make a choice.
What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift?
Breast augmentation and breast lift are completely different procedures. As the name implies, breast augmentation increases the size of the breast whereas a breast lift makes the breasts perkier. A breast lift procedure is performed to correct the sagging of the breasts and remove excess skin, enhance the shape lost due to aging, pregnancy or weight fluctuation.
To summarize, here are the main differences between these two breast surgical procedures:
- Breast augmentation adds size and volume to the breasts using silicone implants, saline implants, or transferred fat.
- A breast lift removes excess skin and lifts your breasts.
Therefore, the choice depends entirely on the patient’s needs. By examining the patient, a surgeon can recommend whether someone is a candidate for breast augmentation or a breast lift.
To learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift treatments, and to understand which one is right for you, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Before and After Photos of Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
Who Are Good Candidates?
As mentioned above, breast augmentation and breast lift are very different procedures; therefore, they have different requirements to be available to patients. Here are a few factors that make one a good candidate for one or both procedures.
- Not pregnant and not breastfeeding;
- Unhappy with the breast size and shape;
- Not proportional asymmetrical breasts.
- Sagging breasts or lost shape and volume;
- Flat breasts;
- Nipple and areolas’ points have dropped.
How Are Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift Performed?
Both of the surgical procedures, breast augmentation, and breast lift, are performed under anesthesia. In short, during the breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will make an incision and inject implants into your breasts. Then, the incisions will be closed.
The breast lift process is a bit more complicated. To reshape your breast, the surgeon will access underlying tissues through an incision around the areola. Then, the excess skin will be removed, your breasts will be shaped correctly, and the incisions will be closed.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Both of these procedures will leave small scars because of the tiny incisions. Normally, patients will experience postoperative side effects, such as pain, swelling, and bruising that will gradually fade away in 3-4 weeks. However, you will need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra wrapped in gauze dressings to reduce swelling and protect the breasts during the healing period. Typically, most patients can return to work and social activities nearly immediately.
What Are the Expected Results and How Long Do They Last?
These two procedures use different techniques, which affects the final results. A breast lift aims to enhance your breasts to look more youthful. The result is visible immediately and is long-lasting.
Breast augmentation improves your breast volume/size and makes it fuller and bigger. Depending on the type of procedure – implants (saline or silicone) or transferred fat – the results vary. Breast implants will provide immediate results; however, they will require a replacement in 10-20 years. The final result after fat transfer to the breasts is typically seen within three months after the surgery and stays permanently.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer breast augmentation and breast lift procedures for women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. To learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift procedures, contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.
