Enhancing or Lifting? Understanding the Difference Between Breast Augmentation vs Lift

Are you considering breast enhancement surgery but unsure whether you need a breast augmentation, breast lift, or both? This guide will help you discover the difference between a breast augmentation and lift surgery so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

What is Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation, also known as breast implant surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts. This surgery involves placing implants either under the breast tissue or chest muscles to create fuller, larger breasts.

Benefits

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can dramatically transform your figure and self-image. Here are the key benefits this surgery can provide:

• Increases breast size and volume: Implants can add fullness and projection to naturally small breasts or restore volume lost due to weight changes, pregnancy, or aging.
• Improves breast symmetry: For women with differently sized breasts, augmentation can create a more balanced, harmonious appearance.
• Enhances body proportions: By increasing bust size, augmentation can create a more curvaceous silhouette and improve overall aesthetic balance.
• Boosts self-confidence and body image: Many patients experience increased feelings of femininity, attractiveness, and confidence in their appearance after breast augmentation.
• Expands clothing options: A larger, more proportionate bust can open up new fashion possibilities and improve how clothes fit.

Procedure

Breast augmentation is a carefully planned and executed surgical procedure that typically takes one to two hours to complete. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure optimal results with minimal scarring. Here is an overview of the key steps involved:

• Anesthesia: You will be placed under general anesthesia by a qualified anesthesiologist to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure. 
• Creation of discreet incisions: Your surgeon will make carefully placed incisions to insert the implants. The incision type is chosen based on your anatomy and desired outcome. These placements include:
  • Inframammary: Along the natural crease beneath the breast
  • Transaxillary: In the armpit area
  • Periareolar: Around the edge of the areola
• Precise implant placement: The chosen implant is meticulously positioned either beneath the breast tissue or under the chest muscle, depending on factors like your body type and the implant size that you and your surgeon will decide upon beforehand. 
• Closure: Incisions are closed using advanced suturing techniques with dissolvable stitches, minimizing visible scarring and enhancing your comfort during recovery.

Throughout the procedure, you will be closely monitored by our experienced team to ensure your safety and comfort, as well as your aesthetic goals and long-term satisfaction.

Recovery

Recovery from breast lift surgery is a gradual process that varies for each patient. While you will see immediate changes, it takes time for your body to heal completely and for final results to emerge. Here is what you can typically expect during the recovery period:

• Same-day discharge: Most patients return home a few hours after surgery.
• Return to routine: Regular activities can usually be resumed within two to three weeks.
• Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for up to six weeks.
• Results timeline: While improvements are visible right away, final results develop over three to six months, with full healing potentially taking up to a year.
  
  

What is a Breast Lift? 

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This cosmetic procedure can also reposition the nipple and areola to restore your breasts to a more youthful, elevated position. 

Benefits

Breast lift surgery offers a range of transformative benefits that can significantly enhance both the appearance and feel of your breasts. Here is how this procedure can help:

• Lifts and reshapes breasts: By removing excess skin and repositioning breast tissue, a lift can elevate breasts that have begun to droop due to age, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
• Improves breast firmness and contour: The procedure tightens the surrounding tissue, creating a firmer, more sculpted breast shape that looks and feels more youthful.
• Repositions nipples and areolas: If your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease, a lift can reposition them to a more central, forward-facing position on the breast mound.
• Restores a more youthful breast appearance: By addressing multiple signs of breast aging simultaneously, a lift can help your breasts look perkier, more proportionate, and more like they did in your younger years.
• Enhances clothing fit and comfort: Many women find that their bras and clothing fit better after a breast lift, boosting both comfort and confidence.

Procedure

Breast lift surgery is a meticulously planned and executed procedure that typically takes one to three hours to complete. Our expert plastic surgery center employs advanced techniques to ensure optimal results with minimal scarring. Here is an overview of the key steps involved:

• Anesthesia: You will be placed under general anesthesia by a qualified anesthesiologist to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
• Incision placement: Your surgeon will make carefully placed incisions based on the degree of lift needed and your unique anatomy. These methods may include:
  • Crescent lift: A small incision along the top edge of the areola
  • Periareolar lift: An incision around the entire areola
  • Vertical lift: A lollipop-shaped incision around the areola and down to the breast crease
  • Inverted-T lift: Similar to the vertical lift, with an additional incision along the breast crease
• Breast reshaping: The surgeon will carefully reshape your breast tissue, removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue to create a more youthful, uplifted contour.
• Nipple and areola repositioning: If necessary, the nipple-areola complex will be moved to a higher, more central position on the breast mound.
• Closure: Incisions are closed using advanced suturing techniques with dissolvable stitches, minimizing visible scarring and enhancing your comfort during recovery.

Our advanced reconstruction team closely monitors your progress throughout the procedure, ensuring your well-being and optimal aesthetic outcomes as we work to achieve your desired breast rejuvenation.

Recovery

Recovery from breast lift surgery is a gradual process that varies for each individual. While you will notice immediate changes, it takes time for your body to heal completely and final results to emerge. Here is what you can typically expect during your recovery period:

• Same-day discharge: Most patients return home a few hours after surgery. You will need someone to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Initial recovery: The first week typically involves rest, with some discomfort managed by prescribed pain medication. You will wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts.
• Return to routine: Most patients can resume light, everyday activities within two to three weeks. Office workers often return to work at this time, while those with more physical jobs may need additional time off.
• Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) and strenuous exercise for up to six weeks to allow proper healing. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for gradually increasing activity levels.
• Results timeline: While improvements are visible right away, your breasts will continue to settle into their new shape over three to six months. Full healing, including the fading of scars, may take up to one year.

Throughout your recovery, our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and remain available to address any concerns, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome from your breast lift surgery.

When You Might Combine a Breast Augmentation & Lift Surgery

In some cases, combining breast augmentation with a lift may provide optimal results. This approach, often referred to as an augmentation-mastopexy, can be particularly beneficial for patients who want to address both breast sagging and loss of volume simultaneously. Here are some scenarios where a combined procedure might be recommended:

• Significant sagging with volume loss: If your breasts have lost both volume and elasticity due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations.
• Desire for larger, lifted breasts: When you want to increase breast size while also improving their position on the chest.
• Asymmetry correction: To address both size and position differences between breasts.
• Post-weight loss reshaping: After major weight loss, when breasts may have lost volume and firmness.

Your plastic surgeon will carefully evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, and overall health to determine if a combined procedure is appropriate. They will also consider your aesthetic goals and discuss the potential benefits and risks of this more complex surgery. Consult our New Jersey plastic surgeons for personalized guidance. They can help you weigh these factors to make the best decision for your individual case.

Speak to One of Our NJ Plastic Surgeons About Your Breast Surgery Options

Are you ready to transform your silhouette? Whether you are considering a breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of both, the key to achieving your ideal results lies in personalized, expert guidance. Our board-certified NJ plastic surgeons are leaders in breast enhancement procedures, offering state-of-the-art techniques and compassionate care.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your options for breast augmentation vs breast lift. Our experienced team will help you at one of our plastic surgery center locations to guide you toward the best choice for your unique body and goals. Take the first step toward a more confident you today!