Many women find that ageing, weight loss and pregnancy changes the size, volume and shape of their breasts. This can not only take a toll on your self-confidence, it can affect your life in other seemingly small ways, such as changing the way that your clothes fit your body or what you are comfortable wearing or doing in public.

These changes can have a real impact on the way you feel about yourself. The good news is there are options available to help you both look and feel your best. In fact, more and more women are looking to undergo surgical procedures in order to enhance their breasts or restore them to their former youthful appearance, shape and feel.

A breast lift, breast augmentation and breast implants are often discussed in the same category but two of these procedures are very different. These procedures address different needs and in some cases, a combination of procedures is required. So if you are considering any of these procedures, it is important that you understand the difference. Read on to find out more.

What Is A Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure, which aims to reposition the breast tissue. It is a great way to address breasts that appear to be sagging or drooping. Unlike breast augmentation, a breast lift doesn’t change the amount of breast tissue itself which makes it a good choice for women who happy with the shape and size of their breasts but want to change their position.

What Is A Breast Augmentation?

A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, which aims to increase the breast size with the use of breast implants. These implants are usually made from silicone or saline gels. A breast augmentation can make a significant difference in breast size, increasing cup size by one or more for the majority of women. Unlike a breast lift, a breast augmentation will not change the position of the breasts, therefore some women choose to combine these two procedures to achieve their desired result.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are essentially the same thing as a breast augmentation. Both procedures use silicone or saline implants to change the breast size and shape. The two phrases are often used under the umbrella term ‘breast augmentation’.

Which Procedure Is Best?

A breast lift and a breast augmentation are two very different procedures. Whether you chose one or both procedures depends on the look you are hoping to achieve. It is always best to consult with your surgeon, who will be able to advise you on the best procedures for you.

Why May I Want To Combine The Two Procedures?

If you want to increase the volume of your breasts but you also want to correct sagging or drooping in the breasts then you may want to combine a breast lift and a breast augmentation. Many women will choose to combine the two procedures and both of these procedures can be carried out at the same time. When combined, the two procedures should result in fuller, more lifted and more beautiful breasts.

Who Can Have Breast Surgery?

A good candidate for a breast lift or breast augmentation will be as close as possible to their ideal weight. A significant weight loss or gain can impact breast appearance, so it is wise to maintain your weight consistently for around a year before undergoing surgery. A woman is usually advised to wait until she had had children and finished breastfeeding (if she chooses to breastfeed) before undergoing a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breast size and structure can change, which can have an impact on the results of the surgery.

What Happens During Breast Implant Surgery?

A breast implant procedure is usually an outpatient procedure. The surgery will usually last 1-2 hours and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning that you shouldn’t feel a thing. Before your procedure, you should discuss implant placement options, which will dictate where the incisions are made in order to insert the implants. Incisions can be made under the breast, around the nipple, beneath the armpit or in the navel. These methods make it easy to conceal surgical scars and an experienced plastic surgeon will be able to advise you on the best placement for you. The breast implant is placed underneath the breast tissue and again, the exact placement should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re considering a breast lift or breast augmentation, always speak to an experienced surgeon who will be able to advise you on the best way to improve the appearance of your breasts and give you back your confidence. Contact our professional staff at Jim Brantner Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery today to see how we can help you.