A breast lift and a breast augmentation both offer benefits to someone who would like to change their breasts. A breast lift, however, has its limitations and many women assume that by having a lift, the size or shape of their breasts will also change. Today we are going to explain the differences between a breast lift vs breast implants and when you might want to consider breast implants.
Breast Lift Vs Breast Implants: What’s The Difference?
Breast Augmentation Surgery
If you would like to have bigger breasts, then a breast augmentation or mastopexy would be the procedure for you. Breast augmentation makes use of breast implants to change the size and shape of the breasts.
If you’re thinking about increasing your cup size, there are some considerations to take into account:
Breast implant placement and incision
It’s always advisable to discuss the incision technique with your cosmetic surgeon prior to having breast implants. The type of procedure and incision made have different advantages and disadvantages, and many of them relate to scarring. Your surgeon will consider the technique that carries the smallest chance of complications, as well as how best to access your breast tissue.
The size and shape of the breast implants
While it might be tempting to have much bigger breasts than your current size, there are practical considerations that need to be discussed. Your body type and proportions will influence how big the implants can be. You will also need to discuss your lifestyle and treatment goals so your cosmetic surgeon can advise you accordingly. A general rule of thumb is to limit the increase to a maximum of two cup sizes larger than your natural breast size. If you’d like a bigger cup size than that, it’s best to have an in-depth discussion with your surgeon about the pros and cons.
The type of breast implants used
Patients have the option of saline or silicone implants. Both types are enclosed in a silicone ‘envelope’, however, a saline implant is filled with saline solution and a silicone implant is filled with silicone. The advantage of a silicone implant is that it feels more like natural breast tissue than saline. However, if a saline implant were to rupture, the saline solution would be absorbed by your body. Silicone implants require a more complex procedure and tend to be more expensive. Comparatively speaking, both options will last for between 10 and 15 years. If you have a fair amount of breast tissue, a saline implant could still give you the natural look and feel you desire.
For most women, breast augmentation is the appropriate option after pregnancy, breastfeeding or later in life. However, what it won’t do, is lift breasts that are sagging. If this is your desired outcome, breast augmentation and breast lift would probably be the best option. It is possible to combine these procedures into one operation.
How Long Does It Take To Recover After Breast Implants?
Most patients need three to four weeks to recover after breast implants.
What Is A Breast Lift?
Breasts that do not sit as high up on the chest as they used to are caused by a loss of volume. Having a breast lift will change the position of your breasts on your chest so that they sit higher up.
Why Might You Want A Breast Lift?
Sagging breasts are the result of skin that has lost its elasticity. This can happen due to age because the skin produces less elastin and collagen as we get older. It can be a result of multiple pregnancies and breastfeeding. If you have a naturally larger cup size, it can also be the result of gravity.
In a breast lift procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will cut away at the excess skin and reposition your areola and nipple for symmetry and balance.
How Long Does It Take To Recover After A Lift?
Just like breast implants, patients who have had a lift will need a three to four-week recovery period. If you combine the two procedures, you are looking at a similar recovery timeline.
Breast Lift Vs Breast Implants: How Do You Know Which Procedure Is Right For You?
Discussing your needs with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon is your first course of action. You will be able to explain your concerns and desired outcome to a professional and find out what your options are. If the position of your breasts is your priority, it is worth talking about breast augmentation because your breasts will lose volume as you get older. If there is any chance that you might want implants, later on, it is simpler to combine the procedures into one to minimise your recovery and downtime.
There is no universal approach to cosmetic surgery. Each patient is unique and has their own needs that must be taken into account. While you may have friends or family members with strong opinions, it’s important to remember that what has worked for one person may not be the best approach for you.
To discuss the merits of breast lift vs breast implants it’s best to consult a professional. Please contact us for a confidential appointment: (02) 8599 7161
References
Breast augmentation vs breast lift – picking the right procedure for you
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/breast-augmentation-vs-breast-lift-picking-the-right-procedure-for-you
What You Need to Know About Breast Lift with Implants
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/breast-lift-with-implants
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