Breast Augmentation vs Lift: Choosing the Right Procedure
When it comes to feeling better about your body — your chest included — there’s no shame in researching the potential avenues available to you. You deserve to feel good when you look at yourself in the mirror. While the ultimate goal should be recognizing your true inherent worth, for some it begins with a change as simple and straightforward as cosmetic breast surgery.
In the world of cosmetic breast surgery, you have two main choices: breast lifts vs. breast augmentation. Each has its own unique benefits, recovery time and costs — all of which we’ll detail below.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift — also referred to as mastopexy — is a surgical procedure aimed at lifting and reshaping sagging breasts by removing excess skin, tightening surrounding tissues, and repositioning the nipple and areola.
This procedure is often chosen by those experiencing breast sagging due to factors such as aging, pregnancy or the inevitable consequence of gravity. It’s an option for those seeking to restore a more youthful breast profile without significantly altering their breast size, and for whom a lift alone (without the addition of volume by way of implants) aligns with their cosmetic goals.
How long does a breast lift last?
On average, the results of a breast lift will last between 10 and 15 years. The amount of time will vary — and can increase or decrease — depending on the age of the patient during the initial procedure as well as other factors like ongoing skin health and weight fluctuations.
How many sizes do you lose with a breast lift?
The average person’s experience after a breast lift is to see a reduction of approximately one cup size. This isn’t due to loss of volume but instead due to the repositioning and restoration of comfort and confidence. With the breasts in the desired higher position, the way they fit into a bra can change as well.
What is Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance breast shape and size via the insertion of implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles.
During the procedure, a plastic surgeon works to achieve the desired breast volume and contour, tailoring the results to the individual’s preferences. Patients can generally expect increased breast fullness and improved symmetry as a result of this procedure.
Reasons for choosing breast augmentation vary and may include a desire for increased breast size, restoring volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, improving overall breast symmetry or simply wishing your body looked the way you envision it in your mind.
How to Decide if You Need a Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift?
An important aspect to understand is that a breast lift will occur during breast augmentation. Adding volume to breasts without lifting them would not garner the results you are looking for. However, you can get a breast lift without a breast augmentation if you want a more youthful look without adding implants.
The best way to decide if you need a breast augmentation or lift is by writing down a list comparing the pros and cons of making the change. Ask yourself why you’re deciding to get the procedure and what you hope to get from it. Once you know that, all you have to do is take a closer look at the details of each procedure and compare them with your own sensibilities in mind.
This comparison chart can help make choosing between a breast lift vs. augmentation easier:
| Criteria | Breast Lift | Breast Augmentation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Lift and reshape sagging breasts | Increase breast size and enhance shape |
| Concerns Addressed | Sagging, drooping, loss of firmness | Desire for larger breasts, asymmetry or volume loss |
| Procedure Focus | Repositions nipple and areola, removes excess skin | Involves the insertion of implants to enhance size |
| Breast Size | Does not significantly change breast size | Increases breast size according to individual preference |
| Natural Look | Restores a more natural, lifted breast contour. | Can achieve a natural look depending on implant choice |
| Recovery Time | Shorter recovery compared to breast augmentation | Recovery time may be slightly longer, particularly for activities involving the chest |
| Insurance Coverage | Usually considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance | Typically considered cosmetic, but exceptions may apply for reconstruction or specific medical reasons |
Breast Lift vs. Augmentation Recovery
On average, here’s what can be expected from the recovery period after a breast lift vs. a breast augmentation.
Breast lift recovery
- Immediate Post-Op: Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising.
- Activity: Limited arm movement initially; avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Pain Management: Prescribed pain medications for the first few days, followed by over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Support Garments: Wearing a surgical bra for support during the initial weeks.
- Return to Work: Typically within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the nature of your job.
- Exercise: Gradual return to light exercise after a few weeks; strenuous activities may be resumed after a few months.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with the surgeon to monitor healing progress.
Breast augmentation recovery
- Immediate Post-Op: Discomfort, swelling and tightness — especially around the chest area.
- Activity: Limited arm movement initially; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Pain Management: Prescribed pain medications for the first few days, followed by over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Support Garments: Wearing a supportive surgical bra for a specified duration determined by you and your surgeon.
- Return to Work: Typically within 2 weeks, depending on healing and the nature of your job.
- Exercise: Gradual return to light exercise after a few weeks; avoid chest-specific workouts for a few months.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with the surgeon to monitor healing and ensure implants are settling properly.
Breast Lift vs. Augmentation Costs
The average cost of a breast lift vs. augmentation can vary widely, but it’s reasonable to expect to pay between $6,000 and $12,000 for either procedure. Factors that impact cost include geographic location, needed consultations, anesthesia type, insurance coverage and, for augmentations only — implant type.
If you’d like to talk to a specialist about what a breast lift or augmentation could do for you, all you have to do is fill out RENEW’s easy Request an Appointment form and one of our schedulers will be in touch to get you scheduled ASAP.
