Every year, hundreds of women all across the United States undergo cosmetic breast surgery, with breast augmentation and breast lift as two of the leading procedures currently offered. While often combined in one surgery, they are two entirely different operations that enhance the breasts in very different ways.
Difference Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
Breast augmentation, or commonly known as breast implant surgery, enhances the size and shape of the breasts to develop a contour that is both flattering and uniquely feminine. The procedure uses silicone or saline implants that are placed within the breasts during surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation ranked first in terms of the top surgical procedures performed in 2019, with 299,715 cases.
Meanwhile, breast lifts (mastopexy) are performed on women who have sagging or loose breast skin. It’s a procedure where the nipples and breasts are moved to a higher section on a woman’s chest. It firms and tightens the breasts by removing excess tissue to create a new breast contour for a rounder, more natural shape. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 113,188 procedures were performed in 2019. The number of breast lift surgeries performed in the United States has grown by 113% since the year 2000.
Benefits of Both Procedures
While it can be easy to confuse the benefits of both types of breast procedures, women who undergo either operation decide to do so in order to address particular needs.
Women who opt for augmentation surgery often possess naturally small or asymmetrical breasts that do not conform with the natural shape of their bodies. Additionally, it is sought by women after childbirth who wish to correct the loss of volume and firmness that are often the result of the changes undergone during pregnancy.
However, breast lift patients typically seek the procedure to primarily correct the appearance of sagging or deflated breasts. Breast sagging, also known as ptosis, commonly occurs after the body has experienced significant weight loss or change due to pregnancy. The surgery often results in a younger, perkier appearance which elevates the position of both the nipples and areolas.
The Best Candidates for these Procedures
In determining your eligibility for both procedures, factors such as your age and overall health are considered together with your expected results. If you have sagging breasts with a desire to reduce the amount of loose and excess skin, then a breast lift may be right for you. However, if your desired outcome is to increase your cup and breast size, and to improve the natural contour of your body, implants would be preferable.
It is important to note that depending on your condition, a breast lift with implants may be an option that can maximize your final results.
Before
After
PATIENT-MPS-PAT-004003. View more photos.
PROCEDURE DETAILS:
- Breast Lift with Implants
- Tummy Tuck
- Liposuction
- Body lift
PATIENT INFORMATION:
- Age: 40-49
- Gender: Female
- Ethnicity: White
- Height: 5’0″ – 5’5″
- Weight: 151 – 175 lbs.
How Can I Start?
If you are a woman with access to the greater Houston and Clear Lake areas, you can schedule a consultation with Memorial Plastic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons. Our doctors understand the unique relationship between the surgeon and patient, and because of this will assess your current physical condition to determine which procedure is best suited for your needs and goals.
Request Your Consultation
You can request a consultation online or if you have any questions please call the office
713-633-4411.
Through their training, years of dedicated experience, and understanding of the individual needs of each patient, our board-certified plastic surgeons will ensure that you attain beautiful results that look and feel natural.
