Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Is Right for You?
Breast surgery can enhance the shape, size, and firmness of the breasts, allowing women to feel confident and happy with their appearance. Two of the most popular breast surgeries include breast augmentation and breast lift. Both surgeries are unique, addressing some of the most common issues many women wish to improve about their breasts: breast size and sagging.
Dr. Ken Smart discusses the differences between breast augmentation versus breast lift surgery during consultations at our Dallas, TX practice. In some cases, both procedures may be performed to completely enhance the overall appearance and firmness of the breasts.
Issues Corrected with Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is used to increase the size of the breasts, making it a popular treatment option for those who wish to increase their cup size. Breast augmentation can also add volume and enhance the shape of the breasts to produce a rounder, more voluptuous appearance. Breast augmentation does not correct breast sagging or drooping. For those who wish to have fuller, perkier breasts, breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift for a total makeover of the bust line.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation can be customized in many ways, including the incision technique. Incisions may be made around the areola, in the crease beneath the breast, or in the underarm. One of the biggest deciding factors in incision placement is scarring. Women who wish to avoid scarring on the breasts often opt for their implants to be inserted through an incision in the underarm.
Once the incision is made, the breast implant will be placed over or under the chest muscle, depending on the patient's desired results. After the implants have been placed in the appropriate position, the incisions are closed and the breasts are bandaged.
Issues Corrected with Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, addresses breast drooping which often results from the aging process, weight loss, breastfeeding, or pregnancy. Those who are unhappy with the appearance of sagging breasts often benefit from breast lift surgery.
Breast lift surgery helps restore a more youthful bust line through the surgically removal of excess breast tissue. Breast lift surgery can also help restore some firmness to the breasts by tightening the tissue, but it does not add volume or fullness. Those who wish for their breasts to be both fuller and lifted should consider undergoing breast lift surgery and breast augmentation.
The Breast Lift Procedure
The breast lift procedure is different from breast augmentation in that no implants are placed and instead, tissue is removed. Like breast augmentation, there are different incision techniques available to address each patient's needs, such as areola size and degree of sagging. The incisions used for breast lift surgery include a donut shape around the areola, a lollipop shape that circles the areola and extends down the middle of the underside of the breast, or an anchor shape that extends to the inframammary crease.
Once the appropriate incision is made, excess breast tissue will be removed. The size of the areola may be reduced and the nipples will be repositioned to match the breasts lifted position. After the desired look is achieved, the incisions will be sutured closed and the breasts bandaged.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Both breast augmentation and the breast lift procedure can enhance the appearance of the breasts. To find out which treatment is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smart.
