Breast Lift vs. Augmentation

Breast enhancement procedures are surgical methods used to change the overall appearance, size and shape of the breasts. These procedures are highly sought after for various reasons, including aesthetic preferences, confidence boosting and reconstructive purposes after pregnancy or weight loss. Despite the procedures' popularity, many questions exist concerning a breast lift vs. augmentation.

Understanding the differences between breast lift vs. breast augmentation is crucial for anyone considering breast enhancement surgery. Each procedure addresses different concerns and achieves distinct results. This article will carefully review the breast augmentation vs. lift debate to help you fully understand your options.

What is a Breast Lift?

Before exploring the concept of breast augmentation vs. breast lift, it would be helpful to define each procedure. A breast lift, medically known as mastopexy, is designed to reshape and raise sagging breasts to a firmer and more aesthetically pleasing shape.

What Does a Breast Lift Do?

Over time, various factors can take their toll on your breasts. These factors include:

These can lead to issues like loss of skin elasticity and volume and an overall droopiness.

A breast lift addresses these issues by tightening the surrounding tissue, removing excess skin and repositioning the areola and nipple to a higher, more youthful position. The primary purpose of this procedure is not to change the size of the breasts significantly but to restore them to a more natural and lifted appearance, enhancing the contour and profile of the upper body.

Who Is the Ideal Breast Lift Candidate?

Ideal breast lift candidates are those who:

Suitable candidates typically experience sagging breasts with nipples that point downward or breasts that have lost shape and volume. Women considering this procedure should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, as these conditions could affect the results of the lift. Additionally, candidates should be nonsmokers or willing to quit, because smoking can impede the healing process.

How A Breast Lift Is Performed

There are several types of breast lifts, and the choice of technique depends on the individual's breast size and shape, the extent of sagging and the skin's elasticity.

During the surgery, incisions are made according to the selected lift technique, and excess skin is removed. The breast tissue is then reshaped and lifted, and the nipples and areolas are repositioned to a more natural height. If necessary, enlarged areolas can be reduced in size. The incisions are closed, and the breast is reshaped in a more youthful and uplifted contour. Recovery time varies by individual, but patients should typically take it easy for a few weeks and avoid strenuous activities until fully healed.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Now that we've looked at the lift side of the breast lift vs. augmentation discussion, let's review breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty. This cosmetic surgical procedure aims at enhancing the size, shape and fullness of the breasts. It is among the most popular plastic surgery choices worldwide, as it helps individuals:

Types of Breast Augmentation

Augmentation primarily uses two types of breast implants: silicone and saline. Implants filled with a silicone gel feel a bit more like natural breast tissue. On the other hand, saline implants are filled with different amounts of sterile salt water to determine the shape, firmness and feel of the breasts. Each type has its advantages and considerations, and the choice between silicone and saline will depend on personal preference, body type and medical advice.

Who Is the Ideal Breast Augmentation Candidate?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation generally have realistic expectations and are in good physical health. They are individuals who feel their breasts are too small, are dissatisfied with the loss of shape and volume from pregnancy or weight loss, have asymmetrical breasts or want to enhance their self-image and confidence.

The Breast Augmentation Process

During the surgery, incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. The breast tissue is lifted through these incisions, creating a pocket either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. The implants are inserted and positioned within these pockets, and the incisions are closed.

The choice of insertion technique depends on various factors, including the type of implant, the degree of enlargement desired, the patient's body type and the surgeon's recommendations. Recovery from breast augmentation varies by individual but generally includes a period of rest and restricted activity to allow the body to heal and adjust to the implants.

The Differences Between a Breast Lift vs. Augmentation

When looking at a breast lift vs. augmentation, the differences are clear:

Goals and Outcomes

The essential goal of a breast lift is to raise and firm the breasts. This procedure aims to restore the breasts to a more youthful shape and position without significantly altering their size. Ideal outcomes include elevated, firmer breasts with nipples and areolas that sit higher and point forward.

Conversely, breast augmentation focuses on increasing the size, shape and fullness of the breasts through implants. The objective is to enhance the overall projection and volume of the breasts, resulting in a more rounded and fuller appearance. This procedure can also correct asymmetry and restore lost volume due to factors like aging or pregnancy.

Recovery and Scarring

Recovery from a breast lift involves a period of rest and limited movement to allow the breasts to heal correctly. Patients usually must avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. Scarring from a breast lift is permanent but usually fades over time. The extent of scarring depends on the type of lift performed.

Breast augmentation recovery also requires rest and limited activity, with specific instructions on caring for incisions and monitoring for complications or infection. The scars from augmentation are typically smaller and less visible, especially if the incisions are made in less conspicuous areas.

Longevity of Results

Breast lift results can last for years, especially if a healthy lifestyle and stable weight are maintained. However, natural aging and gravity will eventually cause some sagging over time.

Breast augmentation results also have longevity but may be influenced by factors such as implant type, natural aging and weight changes. Additionally, implants may require replacement or revision over time due to issues like leakage or changes in preference.

When a Breast Lift and Augmentation Combination Makes Sense

Sometimes, the best approach is to combine a breast lift with augmentation. The typical candidate for a combined breast lift and augmentation is often a woman who has experienced a loss of breast fullness and shape following pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, this scenario doesn't encompass all potential candidates. Generally, you might be well-suited for this combined procedure if you:

Why Choose Dr. Adam Basner for Your Breast Enhancement Procedure?

A board-certified surgeon, Dr. Adam Basner is well-versed in the nuances of a breast lift vs. breast augmentation. He uses his expertise to guide patients toward the appropriate procedure for their goals. Identified as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine, Dr. Basner is the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Sinai Hospital. Newsweek Magazine has also listed him as a top plastic surgeon in America.

Dr. Basner combines his extensive skills with an unerring eye for aesthetics to ensure positive results for all his patients.

Breast Lift vs. Augmentation Cost

When considering a breast lift vs. augmentation, cost is an essential factor to evaluate, since it varies significantly between the two procedures. Understanding these costs and the factors influencing them can help you plan and make informed decisions.

It's important to remember that Dr. Basner's cost includes:

The average surgeon's fee for a breast lift in the U.S. is $5,817. Dr. Basner's all-inclusive cost ranges from $8,700 to $9,000. The average surgeon's fee for breast augmentation in the U.S. is $4,294, while Dr. Basner's comprehensive total varies between $6,700 and $7,700. He charges from $11,500 to $12,500 for a breast augmentation with a lift.

Health insurance frequently won't cover breast augmentation or lift costs. But, we partner with third-party financing companies to help make breast enhancement affordable for all our patients.