Breast Augmentation Vs. Breast Lift

If you are considering plastic surgery for your breasts, you are undoubtedly looking to enhance their appearance. This can be different for each patient. In fact, most women, such as those who are looking for a “mommy makeover,” will be faced between two common cosmetic breast procedures. A breast augmentation and a breast lift may seem similar, but they are in fact very different and are meant to address two distinct concerns. It is also popular for women to have both procedures done at the same time. Here’s a closer look at a breast lift versus a breast augmentation so that you can determine which is best for you.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also called a mastoplexy, is designed to improve drooping or sagging breasts. This is common for women who have had breastfed their children, but it can also occur in the natural aging process, after recent weight loss and other unavoidable factors. Sagging breasts may have stretched or downward pointing nipples and can often lack firmness or the wanted “perkiness” of youthful breasts. In a breast lift procedure, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped in order to correct the position of the breasts. It is not a plastic surgery that will enhance breast size. For breast volume concerns, a breast augmentation is best.

What is a Breast Augmentation?

A breast augmentation procedure means getting breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts. This breast surgery represents one of the most sought-after procedures in plastic surgery. Not only can a breast augmentation customize the size of your breasts, it is also used to create better symmetry, fullness and overall appearance. In a composite breast augmentation, Implants (silicone or saline) are carefully placed under the breast tissue or pectoral muscle for a natural appearance and feel. While adding fullness to the breasts can certainly give them better support or perkiness, this procedure will not alter the position of your breasts.

If you are unhappy with the small size of your breasts but also have significant sagging, a breast augmentation with breast lift may be suggested.

Remember, at Back Bay Plastic Surgery, you’ll have a team of talented plastic surgeons to guide you through your breast surgery decisions, including which procedure is best for addressing your specific concerns as well as which size of implants suits your overall figure best. Our office offers the unique ability to enhance the breasts with fat transfer, which is ideal for those who only want to increase their bust by one cup size.

To learn more about our advanced breast surgery techniques and what to expect from each procedure, please call Back Bay Plastic Surgery in Boston today.