Want to know the difference between a breast lift vs augmentation? You’re in the right place!
When you’re just getting started in the world of plastic surgery, it can be daunting to learn the differences between the various breast surgeries. From breast augmentation and breast lift surgery to breast reduction and breast reconstruction, there are numerous breast procedures. And all of them come with different goals, outcomes, and surgical steps.
Today, we’re going to be comparing only two breast surgeries, but they are arguably the most popular: breast augmentation vs breast lift.
Breast Lift Versus Breast Augmentation
While they are sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably, breast lift surgery (mastopexy) and breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) are quite different cosmetic surgery procedures. However, they can sometimes be performed as a combined procedure.
Both are mostly performed for cosmetic reasons, but the specific reasons for their use are what primarily set them apart.
Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift surgery is for patients who want to correct drooping breasts or sagging breasts. These patients often complain that their breasts appear flat or deflated. Frequently, a patient who needs a lift will have nipples that point downward instead of outward.
To know if you require a breast lift, plastic surgeons will sometimes recommend performing the “pencil test”.
This test involves standing in front of a mirror and putting a pencil beneath one breast (in the breast crease). If the pencil falls out of the breast fold, you probably don’t need a breast lift because your breasts have enough lift on their own. However, if the pencil stays in the breast crease without you holding it there, you may need a breast lift because your breast drooping is significant in this case.
Breast Lift Procedure
Breast lifts address breast ptosis and require the removal of excess skin and natural breast tissue and sometimes the repositioning of the nipples and areolae. Most breast lift patients will have one of three breast lift incision patterns.
The first breast lift incision pattern is called the donut lift. This involves an incision made around the outer edge of the areola on each breast.
The next type of incision pattern is called the lollipop lift. This lift is basically a donut lift with an added incision that runs down the bottom of each breast vertically (like the stick of a lollipop).
And finally, there’s the anchor incision pattern. An anchor breast lift is a lollipop lift with the addition of a third incision, which will run right along the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. This is called the inframammary fold or the breast crease.
As more incisions are involved, ample breast tissue and excess breast skin usually needs to be removed. As this happens, it is more likely that the patient will need to have their nipples and areolae repositioned higher on the chest as well.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery is performed on patients who want to increase their breast volume (size) or increase upper breast fullness. This surgical procedure is performed using breast implants, which are inserted into each breast in front of or behind the pectoral muscles.
Often, breast augmentation patients have always wanted a breast enhancement procedure and have been dissatisfied with the size of their breasts for their entire adult lives. They’ve always wanted to have larger breasts, so using implants to augment the size is the best solution.
Of course, other women may choose breast implant surgery as well. Sometimes, significant weight loss or aging can decrease breast size, especially in the upper breast. Other times, pregnancy can cause a loss of breast volume and even changes in breast position (in which case the patient may want to combine breast augmentation and a lift). And finally, sometimes, patients just want a change.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation incisions can be made around the outer edges of the areolae, within the breast creases, or in the underarm areas. These incisions are where the breast implants will be inserted.
One of the biggest decisions that each patient will have to make when undergoing breast augmentation is what type of breast implants they want. There are silicone breast implants, saline implants, and gummy bear breast implants. Each of these implant types comes with its own pros and cons, and your surgeon will help you decide which implants are right for you.
FAQ: Breast Augmentation vs Lift
Which is better breast lift or breast augmentation?
There is not one surgery that’s better than the other. It simply depends on what your goals are and what your anatomy looks like at present.
Breast augmentation focuses on increasing breast size and shape while breast lift surgery focuses on repositioning sagging breasts and placing the nipples and areolae higher on the breasts as well.
What are the disadvantages of a breast lift?
Breast lifts can result in more significant scarring when compared with breast augmentation.
Most breast lifts have at least one incision around each areola and one incision running vertically down the lower half of each breast.
The anchor breast lift also requires a lateral incision across each crease below the breasts. Even though these incisions will fade with time, some patients may be hesitant about a breast lift because of them.
Should I get implants or just a lift?
This really depends on what your core concerns are. If you’re looking to have larger breasts overall, you’ll likely want a breast augmentation (breast implants).
However, a breast lift can use your existing breast tissue to create lifted, youthful breasts. Some patients opt to get a combination breast lift augmentation, which achieves both goals.
How much does a breast lift versus augmentation cost?
Breast lift cost and breast augmentation cost can vary significantly. You’ll want to speak to your plastic surgeon directly to get an accurate quote on the price of your surgery.
As a side note, a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift will ultimately cost less than getting each procedure on its own in an individual surgery.
How long does a breast lift last?
Breast lift longevity varies; results may last over 15 years for some, while others seek adjustments sooner. Typically, expect 10 to 15 years of lasting outcomes.
Call Today to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
Learn more about the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift surgery at a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
Dr. Steinberg specializes in breast surgery and can help you decide which surgery is right for you and your goals. Alongside Dr. Steinberg, you can look at breast lift before and after photos and breast augmentation before and after photos to help you get a better idea of what both procedures can achieve.
We want to help you reach your goals. Call our office today to set up your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Steinberg. We look forward to your call!
