Breast Augmentation | 4 minute read
When you look in the mirror or try on clothing, you might feel that your breasts don’t look as perky or full as they used to. Maybe pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or the natural aging process have changed their shape, leaving them sitting lower on your chest or looking flatter than you’d like. Or, maybe the issue isn’t sagging but a desire for more volume or fuller breasts. In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know about the differences between a breast lift and breast augmentation so you can choose the one that is right for you.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Differences Between a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation?
- Which Is Right for Me, a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?
- Does Breast Augmentation Come with a Breast Lift?
- What Are Some Signs I Need a Breast Lift?
- Can I Combine a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation?
What Are the Differences Between a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation?
A breast lift, known as mastopexy, is designed to raise and reshape your breasts by removing excess skin and tightening and resculpting the surrounding tissue. It restores firmness to your breasts and repositions them higher on your chest, creating a perkier, more youthful appearance. However, it does not significantly change breast size or restore volume loss in your breasts.
On the other hand, breast augmentation focuses on enhancing the size and projection of your breasts using saline or silicone implants or, in some cases, autologous fat transfer to the breasts. It improves the volume, shape, and symmetry of your breasts, but it does not correct sagging.
In short, a breast lift improves position and firmness, while a breast augmentation increases size and fullness.
Which Is Right for Me, a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?
Deciding whether a breast augmentation or breast lift is the better option for you depends on your current aesthetic concerns and desired results.
If your primary issue is drooping breasts, excess stretched skin, or nipples that point downwards instead of outwards, a breast lift is usually the best choice.
If you’re unhappy with the size of your breasts, lack of fullness, or visible asymmetry, breast augmentation may be the better option.
What if you want to address both sagging and volume? In that case, combining the procedures may give you the most natural and balanced result.
Does Breast Augmentation Come With a Breast Lift?
Typically, no. Breast augmentation alone can sometimes give the illusion of a subtle lift by adding volume, especially in the upper pole of your breast. But if your nipples sit below the breast crease or your skin is stretched and sagging, implants alone will not provide enough lift. In those cases, Dr. Khoobehi may recommend combining a lift with augmentation to both add volume and restore your breasts to a more youthful position.
What Are Some Signs Suggesting I Need a Breast Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if:
- Your nipples point downward or fall below your natural breast crease
- Your breasts look flattened or elongated
- You notice significant sagging after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations
- One breast sits visibly lower than the other
- You feel like bras provide the shape you don’t naturally have without support
If any of the above issues sound familiar, a breast lift may help give your breasts perkiness and contour, with or without implants.
Can I Combine a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation?
Absolutely! Combining a breast lift and breast augmentation is a fantastic (and popular) way to achieve comprehensive results. Together, these two procedures can add volume and improve position, creating fuller, shapelier, and more youthful-looking breasts. Combining a breast augmentation with a breast lift can be especially beneficial if you’ve experienced significant changes to the shape and volume of your breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or major weight loss.
By combining a lift and augmentation in a single surgery, you also benefit from one recovery period instead of two.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift Surgery in New Orleans
A breast lift is designed to restore the position and shape of your breasts, while breast augmentation is designed to enhance the size and fullness of your breasts. To determine if a breast lift, breast augmentation, or combination of both is better for you, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamran Khoobehi. His expertise and experience in cosmetic breast procedures will help you decide which option will give you the gorgeous, lasting results you desire. To make an appointment, call our office today at (504) 779-5538 or complete our online contact form.
