If you’re unhappy with the way your breasts look, you are not alone, you have many solutions available for you to address the problem. Two of the most commonly known types of breast surgery are breast augmentation and breast lift. Though they are often mentioned together, they solve two different problems. Whether you would benefit from a breast augmentation or a breast lift procedure is determined by your body structure, your aesthetic goals, and your lifestyle.
Over the years, I have seen that many patients have difficulty deciding which procedure is best for them because they assume that if they want larger breasts then they will also want to have a lift or that if their breasts have drooped then they must have breast implants. Let’s take a logical approach to help clear up the confusion between these two procedures.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a method of enhancing the breast by using either implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and improve shape.
Who is a good candidate
In my experience, those who benefit most from breast augmentation generally:
- Have Small Breasts Relative To Their Body Size
- Have Lost Volume from Pregnancy or Weight Loss
- Desire To Have More Symmetrical Breasts
- Experience Minimal to Mild Sagging Of Breasts.
What Breast Augmentation Can and Can’t Do
What it does well:
- Increases The Size Of Your Breast
- Enhances The Upper Pole Fullness Of Your Breasts
- Improves Cleavage & Projection
What it does not :
- Cannot address large sagging breasts
- Doesn’t support nipples that are very low in relation to the breast fold
One of the common myths is that increasing the size of an implant will lift your breast; In reality, heavy implants can sometimes cause the breast to sag further if they have not been addressed.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift (Mastopexy) is a procedure designed to improve the shape, position, and firmness of breast tissue without adding additional volume.
Who is a good candidate
A breast lift may be a good option for you if you:
- Are happy with your current breast size but feel that they sag
- Have noticed your nipples pointing downwards
- Have developed excessive skin due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations
- Feel that your breasts appear deflated or elongated, instead of small
What Breast lift can and can’t do
What it does well:
- Raises sagging breasts
- Reposition nipples to a more natural level
- Improve firmness and contour
What it does not :
- Significantly increase breast size
- Create upper fullness if volume is lacking
A breast lift will reshape what you already have; it doesn’t create a larger breast size. Many patients find that their breast proportions appear better after having the surgery.
Reference:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/video-gallery/breast-lift-vs-augmentation
When you might need both procedures:
In real clinical situations, many patients do not perfectly fit into one procedure. For example, If your breasts have lost volume and sagged particularly after pregnancy, breastfeeding or significant weight loss, combination of breast augmentation and breast lift delivers the most balanced, natural-looking result.
The benefits of having both procedures completed together include:
- Renewing breast volume
- Lifting sagging breasts
- Creating a more pleasing overall proportion
Having both procedures completed together is more involved than just having one but can be accomplished with great thought to avoid the “stretched” or “bottom-heavy” look caused by using only breast implants.
Recovery and Scarring: What to Expect
Recovery Time:
- Breast Augmentation : usually takes a shorter duration for recovery and many women can go back to light activities in approximately 1-2 weeks.
- Breast Lift : Takes a longer time for recovery due to the tightening and incision of the skin.
Combination Surgery normally extends the time for recovery to only that of the breast lift and will not extend more than that.
Scarring:
Scarring will occur on all breast augmentation and breast lift procedures, but the visible scarring will fade over time and become less noticeable.
- Breast augmentation typically have very little visible scarring
- Breast lift will have visible scarring; however, those scars will fade over time and may never be completely absent.
How Surgeons Actually Decide What You Need
Most experienced surgeons won’t begin a consultation by asking you about how big of an implant you want. Instead, they will evaluate:
- Quality of Your Skin
- Amount of ptosis (sagging)
- Position of Your Nipple
- Width and Proportion of Your Chest
Many professionals will often use the general rule of thumb below the breast fold to identify whether a lift is necessary.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Ask yourself the following questions,
- Am I unhappy with the size or shape, or both?
- Do my breasts sag when they are not supported?
- Do I want enhancement that is subtle or obvious?
The best answer should depend on a combination of proportion, the anatomy and long-term results rather than trends and cup sizes.
Summary:
A breast augmentation provides added volume, while a breast lift corrects position and shape. Understanding these two different procedures is the key to choosing the right type of breast surgery and avoiding unnecessary revisions later.
Additionally, knowing the expectations, having clear goals, and finding a procedure to match your anatomy will create the most satisfying results. Breast enhancement surgery done thoughtfully will provide you with results that feel natural, balanced, and fully boost your self-esteem.
Book a consultation with our expert plastic surgeon to explore breast augmentation options tailored to enhance your shape and confidence.
Author Bio
Dr. Barath Kumar Singh P is a certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon at BK Plastic Surgery, Tiruvannamalai, with proven clinical expertise in breast augmentation surgery. He follows evidence-based surgical practices to deliver safe, effective, and natural-looking breast enhancement results.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is meant for informational and educational purposes only.Breast augmentation suitability and outcomes may vary based on individual health conditions. Readers are advised to seek professional medical consultation before considering any treatment.
