Posted on the 10th of April, 2024

When considering cosmetic enhancements to the breasts, patients often find themselves debating between two popular options: breast lift and breast augmentation. 

Each procedure serves a distinct purpose and offers unique benefits. 

In this article, we'll explore the differences between breast lift and augmentation, helping you make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

Understanding Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging or drooping breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to restore a more youthful and lifted appearance. This procedure does not significantly change the size of the breasts but focuses on improving their shape and position on the chest.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Before the procedure begins, you will undergo a thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. Your surgeon will evaluate your breast anatomy and recommend the most suitable technique for achieving your desired results.

This is what the cosmetic procedure involves:

1. Anaesthesia

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the surgery.

2. Incisions

Your surgeon will create incisions based on the degree of ptosis (sagging) and the desired outcome. Common incision patterns include:

• Around the areola (periareolar incision)
• Vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease (lollipop incision)
• Horizontally along the breast crease (anchor or inverted T incision)

3. Tissue Reshaping

Once the incisions are made, your surgeon will lift and reshape the breast tissue to create a firmer and more youthful appearance. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining tissue is repositioned to improve breast contour and projection.

4. Areola Repositioning

If necessary, the size and position of the areola may be adjusted to complement the new breast shape and size. This can help achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.

5. Closing Incisions

After reshaping the breast tissue and repositioning the nipple-areola complex, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions with sutures. These may be dissolvable or require removal at a later appointment, depending on the technique used.

6. Recovery

Following the procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home. You will need to wear a supportive surgical bra to minimize swelling and promote healing. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days, with full breast surgery recovery typically occurring within several weeks.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and enhancing the shape of the breasts. This is achieved by inserting implants filled with saline or silicone gel either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Breast augmentation can help patients achieve a fuller and more proportionate bustline.

The Breast Augmentation Process

Before undergoing breast augmentation surgery, you will have a thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, preferences, and medical history. Your surgeon will help you choose the appropriate implant type, size, and placement technique to achieve your desired outcome.

1. Anaesthesia

Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.

2. Incisions

Your surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous locations to minimize visible scarring. Common incision sites include:

• Inframammary fold: along the crease underneath the breast
• Periareolar: around the edge of the areola
• Transaxillary: in the underarm area

3. Implant Placement

Depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, breast implants can be placed either behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or under the chest muscle (submuscular). Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate placement technique for you.

4. Implant Insertion

After creating the incisions, your surgeon will carefully insert the breast implants into their predetermined position. Saline or silicone gel implants may be used, and your surgeon will ensure proper alignment and symmetry during placement.

5. Closing Incisions

Once the implants are in place, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply surgical dressings to protect the surgical sites. These sutures may be dissolvable or require removal during a follow-up appointment.

6. Recovery

After breast augmentation surgery, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several days to promote proper healing. You may experience temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and compression garments.

When to Choose Each Procedure

Deciding between a breast lift and breast augmentation is a significant decision that should be based on your individual goals, anatomy, and preferences. Understanding the specific benefits of each procedure can help you make an informed choice about which breast surgery option is best suited to address your concerns.

When to Go for a Breast Lift

• Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are sagging or have lost volume due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations, a breast lift can help restore a firmer and more youthful appearance.
• Natural Breast Size: If you are satisfied with the size of your breasts but unhappy with their shape or position on the chest, a breast lift may be the appropriate choice.
• Minimal Increase in Size: If you desire only a modest increase in breast size or none at all, a breast lift without implants may be sufficient to achieve your desired results.

When to Have a Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Desire for Increased Size: If you wish to enhance the size of your breasts or achieve a fuller bustline, breast augmentation with implants can help you achieve your desired cup size.
• Improve Symmetry: If you have naturally asymmetrical breasts and wish to achieve better symmetry, breast augmentation can address volume discrepancies and create a more balanced appearance.
• Restore Volume: If you have experienced volume loss in your breasts due to factors such as aging or weight loss, breast augmentation can restore lost volume and create a more youthful silhouette.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between a breast lift and breast augmentation is a personal decision that should be based on your individual goals, anatomy, and preferences. 

Guirgis Awad - Plastic, Reconstructive, based in Sheffield, UK, offers expert breast surgery solutions to help you achieve the silhouette you desire. Whether you seek to address sagging breasts with a lift or enhance volume with augmentation, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care and exceptional results. 

Get in Touch Now!

Contact us today at 07884 590101 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation and explore your breast surgery options. Let us help you enhance your confidence and achieve the look you've always wanted.