At Premier Plastic Surgery in Knoxville, we specialize in helping women achieve their desired results with the highest level of care and expertise. When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your breasts, two of the most popular surgical options are breast lift and breast augmentation. While both procedures can help you achieve a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing look, they serve different purposes and are suited to different needs.
Below, our team has compiled the key differences between these surgeries to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Contents
1. Purpose of the Surgery
The primary difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation lies in their objectives. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, giving them a firmer, more youthful appearance. This procedure is ideal for women who are happy with the size of their breasts but want to address issues like drooping or loss of volume due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
On the other hand, breast augmentation is focused on increasing the size and fullness of the breasts. This is achieved through the placement of implants, either silicone or saline, under the breast tissue or chest muscles. Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, or who have experienced a loss of volume, often choose this procedure to achieve a fuller, more voluptuous look.
2. Incision and Scarring
The incision patterns for breast lift and breast augmentation differ significantly due to the nature of the surgeries. A breast lift typically requires more extensive incisions to remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue. The most common incision patterns for a breast lift are around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes horizontally along the breast crease.
In contrast, breast augmentation generally involves smaller incisions. These incisions can be made in inconspicuous places, such as along the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit, minimizing visible scarring.
3. Changes in Breast Shape and Position
A breast lift focuses on improving the shape and position of the breasts. It raises the breasts to a higher position on the chest and reshapes the tissue to create a more youthful contour. This procedure can also reduce the size of the areola if it has become enlarged.
Breast augmentation, while primarily increasing size, can also have a subtle effect on breast shape and position. However, it does not address significant sagging. For women who want both an increase in size and a lift, a combination of breast augmentation with a lift may be recommended.
4. Results and Longevity
The results of a breast lift are typically long-lasting, especially when patients maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle. However, the natural aging process will continue, and some degree of sagging may occur over time.
Breast augmentation results can also be long-lasting, but implants may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Additionally, as with a breast lift, factors such as aging and weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of the breasts over time.
5. Recovery Time
Recovery times for both procedures vary, but in general, breast augmentation tends to have a slightly shorter recovery period. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week, although strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
A breast lift, due to the more extensive tissue reshaping and larger incisions, may require a longer recovery period. Patients can typically return to work within 10 to 14 days but should refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for several weeks.
6. Who is the Right Candidate?
Determining whether a breast lift or breast augmentation is right for you depends on your aesthetic goals. If you are primarily concerned with sagging and want to restore a more youthful breast shape without changing the size, a breast lift is likely the better option.
If you desire fuller breasts or wish to restore volume lost due to factors like pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation may be the right choice. In some cases, women opt for a combination of both procedures to achieve their desired look. This approach can address both sagging and size concerns in a single surgery.
Choosing between a breast lift and breast augmentation is a highly personal decision that depends on your individual goals and needs. At Premier Plastic Surgery in Knoxville, Dr. David Lo, our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with expertise in breast surgeries, is dedicated to helping you achieve the results you desire. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals and determine the best approach for you. Whether you’re considering a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both, we’re here to provide the expert care and support you need every step of the way. Call us at (865) 306-5680 or book online at: https://www.premiersurgicalplasticsurgery.com/request-a-consultation.
