If you’re interested in changing the appearance of your breasts, you’ve probably heard the names of two different procedures thrown around: “breast augmentation” and “breast lift.”
While these two procedures may sound similar, there are some key differences you should be aware of before considering either procedure.
At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, we’ve helped patients from around the country to achieve the body of their dreams.
In this article, we’re going to break down the differences between a breast lift and a breast augmentation. With this information, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision about which procedure is right for you, what to expect from each procedure, and how you can select the procedure you need to achieve your goals.
What is a breast lift?
Over time, breasts naturally begin to sag.
There are a few reasons for this. For example, people who have been pregnant in the past may experience breast sagging. Weight fluctuations can also cause this, as well as factors like breastfeeding and the simple progression of time.
A breast lift, also known as “mastopexy,” raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This gives one’s breast a more lifted, perky appearance while not increasing the actual size of the breast.
What is breast augmentation?
While a breast lift simply reshapes the breast area, a breast augmentation (or “augmentation mammoplasty”) is designed to increase the size and, in some cases, improve the overall shape of the breast.
In contrast to a breast lift, a breast augmentation involves the addition of implants, which can be made of saline or silicone.
There are many reasons one may seek breast augmentation. For some, they might want to reshape their breasts to a desired form; for others, they may seek to restore volume lost due to weight loss or pregnancy.
What are the differences between a breast lift and breast augmentation?
As is evident from the above descriptions, there are a variety of differences between the two procedures, both in how they are performed and how they affect one’s body.
As mentioned before, a breast lift primarily focuses on addressing sagging and reshaping the breasts, while breast augmentation focuses on increasing size and volume. As a result, while a breast lift will result in having the same size breasts with a more youthful appearance, breast augmentation results in the patient having larger breasts due to the addition of implants.
There are some other differences to note. For example, as a breast lift requires more incisions, it can lead to more noticeable scarring, though these scars tend to fade over time. Additionally, it may take longer to recover from a breast lift than breast augmentation depending on the amount of work required to complete the procedure.
Can you combine a breast lift with breast augmentation?
Some patients find that their body goals are better achieved through the combination of both a breast lift and breast augmentation.
This is absolutely possible, and in some cases, having both procedures may allow one to more accurately achieve the body of their dreams. This is especially beneficial if a patient seeks to address both sagging breasts and volume loss in their breasts from factors like weight loss or pregnancy.
In order to determine whether having one or both procedures is right for you, it’s important to speak with a skilled surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous about your goals and desired results for your body. From there, your surgeon will be able to lay out a surgical plan that includes either one or both procedures.
What does the recovery look like for each procedure?
As with any procedure, both a breast lift and breast augmentation require downtime and rest in order to achieve the best results.
In the case of a breast lift, while swelling and bruising are common for several weeks after the procedure, most patients find that they can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks. That said, it is still advised to avoid strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks.
For people who have just had a breast augmentation procedure, many find that they are able to return to work after just a week, though this can vary from person to person. Mild soreness and swelling are to be expected but are generally manageable, and patients can expect a full recovery within 4 to 6 weeks.
In any case, it’s important to discuss a recovery plan with your surgeon and follow all of their aftercare instructions.
Conclusion
Both breast lifts and breast augmentation can help patients achieve the body of their dreams.
If you’re considering a breast lift, breast augmentation, a combination procedure, or simply have some questions, we’re here to help. Contact our Milwaukee office today to schedule a consultation.