What’s The Difference Between A Breast Lift And A Breast Augmentation?

If you’re currently unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts then you have a number of options. Two of the most popular options are the breast lift and the breast augmentation. You may think these terms can be used interchangeably, but that isn’t the case.
You shouldn’t get these two procedures confused as they both serve different, but often complementary, purposes. Which one you should get depends on what your goals are. Here’s what you need to know about the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation.

Breast Lifts
The breast lift is a procedure that aims to reshape the breast to minimize drooping and sagging. As you age, lose weight, or have children it’s only natural that your breasts begin to lose their shape and sag. Some women are simply born with naturally sagging breasts.

Whatever the cause, a breast lift will help correct the issue without greatly altering the size of your breasts. In many cases, this procedure can also reduce physical symptoms of discomfort that come with sagging breasts in addition to enhancing their appearance.

The different types of breast lifts include:

  • Crescent lift – Involves an incision just above the areola. Minimally invasive and great for patients with little sagging
  • Periareolar lift – Involves an incision around the areola. Best for patients with large areolas and minimal breast sagging.
  • Vertical lift – Two vertical incisions. Slightly more invasive and may result in some scarring that’s easily hidden under clothing.
  • Inverted-T lift – Similar to the periareolar and vertical lifts but involves an extra incision within the breast fold. Ideal for dealing with extreme cases of sagging.

Which procedure is right for you will depend on the current shape and size of your breasts, the location of your areola, and how much breast sag you’re experiencing.

Breast Augmentations
The breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic procedure. It’s what you probably picture when you hear the words “plastic surgery”.

The main aim of a breast augmentation is to increase the size of the breasts or to change the overall shape. If you aren’t happy with the size or shape of your breasts then you should consider a breast augmentation. It’s as simple as that.

The two most popular types of implants are silicone and saline. Silicone implants give your breasts a more natural look and feel but are more expensive and involve a larger incision. Saline implants are cheaper but less surgically involved and are often used in patients who already have ample breast tissue but desire more volume.

Which Procedure Is Right For You?
Do you desire larger, or completely reshaped breasts? If so, then a breast implant is probably the way to go. Do you just need to correct a bit of drooping to accentuate your current breasts? In that case, a breast lift is the right procedure.

It doesn’t have to be an either-or situation. Many women who get breast implants will also undergo a breast lift in order to minimize drooping and enhance the results. This is often more cost-effective and requires less downtime than getting the procedures done separately.

Determining the right procedure is only step one. Now you need to find the right plastic surgeon. Please, contact us at The Florida Center For Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today for more information or to schedule a consultation.



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