Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: How to Choose

Posted on

Woman in black lace bra showing off the results possible from breast surgery

When it comes to breast enhancement, women today have more choices than ever before. Both breast lift and breast augmentation are popular with Modesto, Pleasanton, and Livermore, CA, men and women who come to our plastic surgery practice in Tracy. However, while these two procedures are similar, they certainly aren’t the same. How can you tell which option is best for you?

Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery each has its own unique benefits. Here are a few ways to decide which is the right procedure for your own personal goals.

What are the benefits of breast enlargement?

Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in America—and for good reason. Augmentation can add youthful volume to the breasts, make them look larger, or even correct asymmetry. Depending on your body type, breast implants are placed either behind the chest muscle or directly underneath the breast tissue. Implants come in different sizes, shapes, and materials, allowing you to customize your procedure to fit your needs. 

It’s important to know that while breast augmentation can increase size and fullness, it cannot “fill up” sagging skin or correct drooping breasts. Women who struggle with sagging breasts would be better served by breast lift surgery.

What are the benefits of a breast lift?

The main goal of a breast lift is in the name: It lifts sagging, droopy breasts. Breast lift surgery raises the breast higher along the chest wall and removes loose, stretched-out skin. This boost restores a perkier appearance and makes the breasts appear more youthful. In addition to addressing droopiness, a breast lift can also alleviate back pain, correct nipple placement, and minimize other common signs of aging. 

Breast lift surgery may elevate the breasts, but it cannot increase breast size or volume. Some women say their breasts actually appear slightly smaller after the procedure, due to removing excess skin and tissue. 

Combining Procedures

Women often want to enhance their breasts to correct multiple issues. Some of these issues, such as sagging skin or a “deflated” appearance, overlap between these two breast enhancement procedures, as a related RealSelf article explains.

Many women choose to combine a breast lift with breast augmentation (sometimes called a “breast lift with implants”) to create more transformative results. Using a lift with implants can both add volume to the breasts while also making them appear perkier and more youthful. Browse our before-and-after gallery to see examples from real patients. 

In the end, the best way to find the right procedure for you is to talk with a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can learn more about finding a plastic surgeon and researching breast augmentation in our related blog post. 

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or other plastic surgery options in the Tracy area, request a consultation online. You can also call our offices at (209) 834-0626. 

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with * are required.

Back to Top