Deciding between a breast augmentation or breast lift will come down to more than just one factor alone. When choosing a procedure, you’ll generally need to consider your personal goals, expectations, individual characteristics, and suitability for surgery.
Particularly, when choosing between a breast augmentation or breast lift, having a good understanding of the differences between the two procedures is the first step.
In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift, and the factors to consider when making your decision. While a consultation with your surgeon is always the most helpful way to find the most suitable procedure, it’s good to gain a deeper understanding of these factors before your consultation.
What is the difference between a breast augmentation and a breast lift?
A breast augmentation focuses on the size and shape of the breasts, while a breast lift focuses on skin laxity and the position of the breasts. Each procedure uses different techniques to achieve results that align with the patient’s needs.
A breast augmentation increases the size and alters the shape of the breasts using silicone or saline implants. Breast implants are made in a wide variety of sizes and can be round or anatomical. The options allow for a high level of personalisation.
A breast lift specifically aims to lift the breasts and typically involves removing excess skin and repositioning the nipples and areolae. It does not add volume but instead tightens the breast tissue and skin, raising the breasts to a level that suits the specific patient.
What to consider when choosing your procedure
Choosing between a breast augmentation or breast lift is an entirely personal process that will ultimately come down to your reasons for undergoing breast surgery and the specific condition of your breasts.
If you are mainly concerned with size and shape and want to make changes, an augmentation may be suitable. On the other hand, if your primary concern is changes in the position of the breasts, the position of the nipples and areolae, and skin laxity, a lift might be the more suitable choice.
Before deciding, there are some factors you can think about that will help you have a better understanding of your needs. Firstly, aim to have a clear, realistic picture in your mind of the results you want to achieve. Even if you’re still not sure about which procedure can achieve the results, you will be able to describe your goals to your surgeon, who can then provide you with the right advice.
As with any breast surgery, we recommend considering how the procedure will align with your long-term goals before undergoing the procedure. For example, factors like pregnancy and breastfeeding after surgery can change the results of some breast procedures, so it’s worth discussing how future plans might influence the results with your surgeon. In particular, a breast lift is typically performed after skin laxity has occurred and normally after a patient has breastfed, so it is generally recommended to have completed your family before undergoing the procedure.
Skin elasticity is another key factor, but it can be difficult to assess without the help of your surgeon. Skin elasticity gradually reduces as we age, leading to skin laxity. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle factors, pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight fluctuations, can also cause skin laxity on the breasts. Generally, those who opt for a breast lift want to treat skin laxity. On the other hand, a certain level of skin elasticity is usually necessary when it comes to being a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. If you have a sufficient amount of skin laxity on the breasts and only want to address the size and shape of the breasts, you’re likely more suitable for an augmentation.
Can a breast augmentation be combined with a breast lift?
In cases where both size and skin laxity or the position of the breasts are a patient’s concern, it is possible to combine a breast augmentation with a lift. When the procedures are combined together, your surgeon can address the size, shape, and position of the breasts within the one procedure.
A surgeon should only advise combining procedures if a patient is a suitable candidate for both surgeries and is suitable for an extended procedure and extended recovery time.
How a consultation with your surgeon can help
The most helpful step in deciding between a breast augmentation or breast lift is to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Your surgeon can help you decide which procedure aligns with your goals and determine if you are a suitable candidate for either procedure. They can assess your anatomy, listen to your goals, and discuss the factors that can determine your suitability.
Each candidate’s body will be different, so a personalised approach is the way to achieve effective results. Once you decide on your procedure or combine both procedures, your surgeon can create a personalised and detailed plan.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery: Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne
To perform a breast augmentation, a breast lift or a combined surgery, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon can use appropriate techniques to achieve results that align with the needs of each patient.
Based in Melbourne, the surgeons who operate at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery are qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons. As well as performing a variety of procedures to a high standard including breast, body and face procedures), surgeons at Coco Ruby have taught courses, contributed to industry advancements and research, and presented at conferences globally.
In the area of breast surgery, some notable industry advancements and research include medical book chapters and articles on corrective surgery for breast asymmetry and breast reduction techniques, and presenting at the Breast Masters conference.
To arrange your consultation for breast surgery, you’ll need a GP referral first. You are welcome to contact our team for more information on how the process works, to learn more about the surgeons at Coco Ruby, or to ask any other questions you may have.
