Home|Blog | The Truth About Breast Lift vs. Augmentation: Which Do You Really Need?
The Truth About Breast Lift vs. Augmentation: Which Do You Really Need?
If you’ve been researching breast enhancement options, you’ve likely come across two of the most commonly performed procedures: breast augmentation and breast lift surgery (mastopexy). While they both fall under the umbrella of cosmetic breast surgery, these two procedures serve very different purposes, and understanding those differences is key to choosing the right path for your goals.
Many women come in thinking they want implants, only to find out a lift is actually what they need, or vice versa. So, how do you know what’s right for you? Below, we break down the essentials of each procedure and help you determine which may be best suited for your unique anatomy and aesthetic vision.
4 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Breast Augmentation Adds Volume But Not A Lift
- A Breast Lift Repositions But Doesn’t Add Volume
- Sometimes, the Best Results Come From Combining Both
- So, Which Do You Really Need?
- Interested in Learning More?
Breast Augmentation Adds Volume but Not a Lift
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts using implants (either silicone or saline). It’s an excellent option for women who:
- Want fuller breasts
- Have always had naturally small breasts
- Lost volume after pregnancy, weight loss or aging
- Have asymmetry they’d like to correct
However, what breast augmentation doesn’t do is lift sagging breasts. If your nipples sit at or below the natural crease of your breasts or point downward, implants alone won’t reposition them. In fact, placing implants into sagging tissue can actually exaggerate the droop, leading to unnatural-looking results. That’s where a lift comes in.
A Breast Lift Repositions but Doesn’t Add Volume
A mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, reshapes the breast tissue and raises the nipple and areola to a more youthful position. It’s ideal for women who:
- Are happy with their current breast size (or even want to be slightly smaller)
- Have experienced breast ptosis (drooping) due to pregnancy, nursing, aging or weight changes
- Feel their breasts look “deflated” even if they’re not significantly smaller
What a breast lift won’t do is increase breast volume. In fact, it does result in some decrease in breast volume which can even be up to one cup size. A lift can make the breasts appear perkier and more rounded but it won’t create fullness in the upper pole (the top half of the breast) the way an implant can.
Sometimes, the Best Results Come From Combining Both
If you’re dealing with both volume loss and sagging, a breast augmentation with lift (mastopexy-augmentation) may be your best option. This combination procedure adds fullness while also improving breast shape and position. It’s especially popular among moms and women who’ve undergone significant weight loss as it addresses multiple concerns in one surgery and recovery period.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess factors like:
- Skin laxity
- Nipple position
- Current volume vs. desired volume
- Breast symmetry
From there, they can determine whether you need a lift, implants or both to achieve your goals.
So, Which Do You Really Need?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; your ideal treatment plan depends on your body and your goals. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Want to be bigger, but your breasts aren’t sagging? → Breast augmentation
- Happy with your size but want perkier, more lifted breasts? → Breast lift
- Need both volume and a lift? → Augmentation with lift
Interested in Learning More About Breast Surgery?
At the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery our focus is on surgical procedures that can help women feel happier, more secure and attractive regarding cosmetic breast-related issues. Call us at 480-451-3000 to schedule your personalized, thorough consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub if you are strongly considering improving the appearance of your breasts.