Your breasts naturally change size, shape, and appearance throughout your life. This can be due to various factors, including aging, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and other conditions. You may notice that breasts have lost some of their volume, are droopier than they once were, or are no longer as flattering to your figure as you want them to be. Deciding between a breast lift vs. breast augmentation can be confusing if you are unsure what the differences are or how they can benefit your appearance.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure used to reposition your breast and reduce sagging. The breast is reshaped by removing excess skin, allowing the tissue to hang lower on the chest. The remaining skin is tightened around the tissue, creating a rounder, lifted, and firmer appearance. The nipple may also be repositioned higher on your breast so it no longer points downward or falls below the breast crease.

Breast lifts can restore a more youthful appearance to your bust, but they do not increase the size of the breast.  

What Is a Breast Augmentation?

A breast augmentation is designed to enhance the size and fullness of your breasts. Saline or silicone implants are inserted to add additional volume. In turn, this increases your breast size and can also alter your breast shape. Dr. Hopkins can help you decide which type of implant is best for you and how large you should go to achieve the desired results while maintaining a flattering appearance. 

Factors to Consider When Deciding Between a Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

Both breast lifts and breast augmentation have their pros and cons. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each can help you decide which breast enhancement procedure can allow you to reach your aesthetic goals.

A breast lift can be a good option if:

• Your breasts are sagging or drooping.
• Your nipples point downward.
• Your breasts appear elongated or flattened.
• You have excess skin around your breasts.
• Your breasts are slightly uneven.
• You already have sufficient breast tissue but want to improve the shape and contour of your breasts.
• You are seeking subtle changes to the appearance of your breasts.

A breast augmentation may be a good choice if:

• Your breasts are smaller than you prefer.
• Your breasts have lost volume following weight loss or pregnancy.
• Your breasts are asymmetrical.
• Your breasts are not proportional to your body frame.
• You want to achieve more noticeable results.

Questions To Consider Before Breast Surgery

When looking at your bust, consider what you are unhappy about. What do you wish most that you could change and why? Also, consider what you want the final result to look like. 

1. Are you bothered by the fact that your breasts hang lower and are not as lifted as they once were? 
2. Does the small size or uneven volume of your breasts make it difficult to find clothes that fit well and complement your figure?

If you fall into both categories, you may be a good candidate for a breast augmentation and breast lift to improve the size, shape, and positioning of your breasts. Combining these two breast surgeries can correct any sagging while creating a more voluptuous appearance and filling out your bra. You may even go up a cup size or two.

Choosing Which Procedure is Right for You

Selecting a procedure depends on your personal preferences and goals for your body. Both a breast lift and a breast augmentation can help you combat signs of aging and help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body. Scheduling a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon allows you to compare your options, explore the advantages and drawbacks of each procedure, and decide whether you may benefit from a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both.

Before you make your decision, find out what you can expect from each in terms of recovery, potential risks, short- and long-term results, and cost. Ask to see before and after pictures from other patients so that you can see the difference it made to their figures and what is possible.

If you are unhappy with your breasts, learn more about options for breast enhancement at J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Texas, and learn more about the various breast surgeries on our blog.