Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Is Best for Your Needs?

Weight loss, pregnancy, and aging can cause the breasts to lose firmness and volume, leaving many women dissatisfied with the appearance of their breasts. Breast surgery can help women who are unhappy with the profile, size, and shape of their breasts achieve the bust line they desire. Although both breast augmentation and breast lift surgery can enhance the appearance of the breasts, they provide different results by targeting different breast problems. Plastic surgeon Vishnu Rumalla explains the difference between breast augmentation versus breast lift to patients during consultations at his Fort Worth, TX practice. To find out which treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rumalla today.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to add volume to the breasts and increase cup size. Breast augmentation does not lift the breasts or address breast sagging. If both lift and increased breast size are desired, breast augmentation may be combined with breast lift surgery to create a fuller, perkier bust line. 

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation may be performed using different incision methods. Incisions may be made under the breast, within the underarm, or around the areola. The type of incision used will depend on the patient's needs and desired results, as each incision method has it's own advantages and disadvantages. Once the incision is made, a saline or silicone implant will be placed within the breast tissue for fuller, natural looking breasts.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, was designed to address breast sagging and restore the breasts to a more youthful appearance. Breast lift surgery alone does not add volume to the breasts, however, removing excess skin can help improve breast firmness. For those wishing to restore the breasts to their former, perky appearance, breast lift surgery is often a great option. If both lift and fuller breasts are wanted, breast augmentation should also be considered along with breast lift surgery.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Like breast augmentation surgery, the breast lift procedure may be performed using different incision methods. The type of incision will depend on different factors, like the extent of sagging and areola size. Incisions may be made around the areola and extend down the middle of the underside of the breasts, in a lollipop shape, extend around inframammary crease in an anchor shape, or around the areola in a donut shape. Once the incision is made, excess breast tissue will be removed and the position of the nipples will be adjusted to sit in the newly lifted position.

Which Procedure Is Right for Your Needs?

Both breast augmentation and breast lift surgery can transform the bust line and create a firmer, shapelier breast appearance. Those who wish to increase the size of the breasts are generally best served by breast augmentation alone. For those who want improve the appearance of sagging, drooping breasts, breast lift surgery may be the solution. Women who would like to increase breast size and reduce drooping often benefit from combining breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

The right treatment for your needs is best decided through a consultation with an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Rumalla. Dr. Rumalla works with each patient to determine which treatment is best to address her needs and achieve her desired results. For answers to your questions about breast surgery and to find out which treatment is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rumalla.