Breast Lift Versus Breast Augmentation: Deciding Which Is Right for You?

Deciding between a breast lift and breast augmentation can be challenging. Both procedures enhance the appearance of your breasts but in different ways, serving different aesthetic goals.

Our expert plastic surgeon, John Walker, MD, at Best Plastic Surgery Practice in Lawndale, California, provides his insight to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding a breast lift

A breast lift focuses on reshaping and lifting sagging breasts without significantly altering size. This procedure is ideal if you’re experiencing breast ptosis due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. 

A breast lift can restore a youthful, perkier contour by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.

Benefits of a breast lift include:

• Improved shape and position: lifts and firms sagging breasts, enhancing their shape and position
• Nipple repositioning: corrects downward-pointing nipples and can reduce the size of the areola
• Natural look and feel: retain your natural breast tissue, offering a more natural appearance and feel

Considerations of a breast lift include:

Scarring

While techniques have advanced, scarring is inevitable. However, Dr. Walker is a skilled surgeon who can minimize and strategically place scars.

Longevity

The results are long-lasting but can be affected by gravity, aging, and lifestyle factors.

Recovery

Your recovery involves a few weeks of downtime, with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous activities.

Understanding breast augmentation

Breast augmentation involves increasing the size of the breasts using implants or fat transfer. This procedure is ideal if you want to enhance your breast size, improve symmetry, or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss.

Benefits of breast augmentation include:

• Increased volume: enhances breast size and fullness, providing a more balanced figure
• Customizable results: a wide range of implant types, shapes, and sizes allows for personalized results
• Boosted confidence: can promote higher self-esteem and satisfaction with body image postprocedure

Considerations of breast augmentation include:

Implant risks

Potential risks include implant rupture, capsular contracture, and the need for future surgeries.

Feeling and appearance

Implants can sometimes feel or look less natural than your tissue.

Recovery

Recovery is similar to a breast lift but with added considerations for implant settling and possible discomfort.

Choosing the best option for you

The choice between a breast lift and breast augmentation depends on your specific needs and goals.

 If you’re content with your breast size but unhappy with sagging a breast lift may be the best option. If you desire larger breasts or wish to correct volume loss, breast augmentation could be the right choice. 

It’s also possible that a combination of both procedures might be the most effective way to achieve your desired outcome.

You can get the answers you’re looking for when you sit down with Dr. Walker for a consultation. He can assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the best approach tailored to your needs. 

Whether you choose a lift, augmentation, or both, the right procedure can enhance your confidence and help you feel more comfortable in your skin.

Call or book an appointment online today to learn more.