Many women find themselves pondering, ‘Do I need a breast lift or just augmentation?’ This question is quite common when considering cosmetic breast enhancement. While both breast lift and breast augmentation are procedures designed to improve the appearance of the breasts, they serve distinct purposes and achieve different aesthetic results. A clear understanding of the differences between a breast lift and augmentation is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your goals.
Breast augmentation continues to be the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure worldwide, with 1,488,992 cases reported in 2015.
The number of breast implant removals was 36,367 in 2020, an increase of 8% from 2000.
This guide sheds light on these procedures, helping you determine which option suits your needs.
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What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift called a mastopexy raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
There are a few reasons why you may want to consider a lift:
- Your breasts have lost volume and are saggy or pendulous
- Your nipples fall below the breast crease when unsupported
- Your areolas point downward
- One breast is lower than the other
A lift can rejuvenate your breasts, making them perky and youthful again.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation uses implants to increase the size of the breasts. During this surgery, a plastic surgeon places silicone or saline breast implants either under or over the chest muscle.
You may want breast augmentation if:
- You want your breasts to be fuller and larger
- Your breasts are different sizes
- Your breasts have lost volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- You want to restore balance to your figure
So, while a lift reshapes the breast tissue you already have, implants enhance size and fullness.
Key Differences Between Lifts and Augmentation
Here is a comparison of some of the main differences:
| Breast Lift | Breast Augmentation |
| Reshapes saggy breasts by tightening skin and tissue | Increases breast size with implants |
| Can reduce areola size | Usually leaves areola unchanged |
| No foreign objects are inserted | Requires breast implants |
| Shorter recovery time | Longer recovery time |
| Produces perkier, uplifted breasts | Makes breasts bigger and fuller |
As you can see, their purposes are quite different. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have both procedures.
Do I Need A Breast Lift Or Just Augmentation?
Choosing between a lift and implants comes down to your cosmetic goals:
Breast Lift If:
- Your main aim is to elevate sagging breasts
- You are happy with your breast size
- Your priority is improved breast contour
Breast Augmentation If:
- You want to increase your breast size
- Your breasts have lost volume
- You want to balance out asymmetrical breasts
Breast Lift + Augmentation If:
- Your breasts have lost volume and are sagging
- You want larger, perkier breasts
- You need to correct asymmetry in shape/position
Getting implants along with a lift lets you both augment size and elevate position. Just communicate your goals to your plastic surgeon.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Lift or Augmentation?
The best candidates for a breast lift and augmentation are in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Be sure to discuss your medical history with your surgeon.
Ideal candidates:
- Do not smoke
- Have breasts that are fully developed
- Are you not planning to lose a significant amount of weight
- Do not have a family history of breast cancer
Bring any questions or concerns to your consultation. Your surgeon can advise if you are a good candidate.
What About Recovery?
It’s normal to have some pain, swelling, and discomfort during recovery from breast surgery. Here’s what to expect:
Breast Lift Recovery
- Duration: 2-3 weeks
- Activity: Light activity after 1-2 weeks
- Work: Return to work in 2-4 weeks
Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Duration: 6-8 weeks
- Activity: Light activity after 1 week
- Work: Return to work in 1-2 weeks
Recovery is a bit faster after a breast lift since it is less invasive. Follow all of your surgeon’s post-op instructions for optimal healing.
How Much Do They Cost?
The cost for a breast lift, augmentation, or combination procedure can vary significantly based on the surgeon, facility fees, extent of surgery needed, and geographic location.
Here are typical price ranges in the UAE:
| Procedure | Cost Range |
| Breast Lift | 25,000 – 50,000 AED |
| Breast Augmentation | 30,000 – 55,000 AED |
| Breast Lift + Implants | 45,000 – 85,000 AED |
As you can see, a breast lift combined with implants, also called an augmentation-mastopexy, is generally the most expensive option.
Keep in mind that prices don’t include additional costs for:
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescription medications
- Medical tests
- Compression garments
- Follow-up appointments
When budgeting for your procedure, be sure to account for both surgical and non-surgical costs so there are no surprises. The total fees can add up quickly.
During your consultation, your surgeon should provide a comprehensive quote outlining their specific fees so you know what to expect.
Which Procedure Is Right For Me?
The best way to decide if you should get a breast lift, augmentation, or both is to:
- Evaluate your goals – what you want to change vs maintain
- Assess your breast characteristics like volume, shape, symmetry, etc.
- Determine if those goals align more with a lift, implants, or both procedures
It also helps to bring photos so your surgeon can better understand the look you wish to achieve.
Conclusion
As you deliberate over the question, ‘Do I need a breast lift or just augmentation?’, remember that this decision is pivotal in achieving your ideal aesthetic. Both breast lift and augmentation have distinct objectives, yet they can be complementary in sculpting your dream silhouette. Focusing on your unique cosmetic aspirations and engaging in a transparent conversation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. Such a dialogue will assist you in determining whether you require a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both to fulfil your desires. Making an informed choice will ensure you select the surgery option(s) that align perfectly with your goals.
Still unsure about the differences between a breast lift and augmentation? Book a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tarek Bayazid of Dubai Plastic Surgery Institute.
With over 15 years of experience performing breast enhancement procedures, Dr. Bayazid will listen to your cosmetic goals and examine your breasts. He can then advise if you will benefit more from a lift, augmentation, or a lift combined with implants.
FAQs About Breast Lifts and Augmentation
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
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