Cosmetic Surgeries: Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

What are your options if you’re unhappy with your breast size, shape, or droop? Several surgical procedures are available, including breast augmentation and breast lift. The best way to determine which method is right for you is to consult with a plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic breast surgery.

The Breast Lift Procedure

Loss of breast volume often leads to drooping breasts. This is especially evident in older women who fluctuate in weight or have been pregnant and have breastfed. A breast lift can help to correct this by reshaping the breasts.

The pencil test is one way to tell if you might need a breast lift. Place a pencil under the breast fold, as high as you can. If the pencil holds, then there is some drooping. If the nipple falls below the pencil, there is significant drooping, and you are likely a good candidate for a breast lift.

There are three types of breast lift approaches:

1. The Periareolar Incision Approach: Best for those with large areolas and minimal breast drooping. This approach follows the natural areolar shape. 
2. The Vertical Breast Reduction Incision Approach: This circles the areola like the periareolar but extends directly down from the areola, allowing for a greater lift in moderate drooping cases. 
3. The Inverted-T Incision Approach: This follows the path of the periareolar and vertical breast reduction incision; however, it also includes an incision within the breast fold.

The most common type of breast lift is the inverted-T incision, which is also the most predictable and allows for the most breast tissue to be lifted. The right technique for you depends on the amount of breast volume and tissue and the degree of ptosis (sagging) you have.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Are you looking for bigger breasts? If so, you’ll need to get augmentation surgery. When considering breast augmentation, you need to consider three things: where the incision will be placed, the size and shape of the implant, and the type of implant.

• Incision and implant placement

There are three main types of Breast Augmentation incisions: under the breast (inframammary), in the armpit (trans-axillary), or around the nipple (periareolar). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the patient, I will advise what technique will maximize results for that particular individual.  

• Implant size and shape

There are many factors to consider when choosing the size and shape of your breast implants. Your plastic surgeon will help you decide what size and shape will look best and make you happy. It’s advisable for patients not to go up more than two cup sizes, as anything larger can make your chest look too big. But, then again, it is a personal choice and much of it depends on what you want and your body frame.

• Implant types

There are several factors to consider when choosing between silicone and saline implants, including desired results, personal preference, and body type. Silicone implants tend to have a more natural feel and do not create ripples in the skin. Saline implants are a good choice because the plastic surgeon can fill them once they’re inside the body making the size more customized.

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

There are advantages and disadvantages to each surgical procedure. A breast augmentation will not correct drooping breasts but will change the size and shape of the breast. A breast lift focuses on breast position and not breast size.

It is a very personal decision to change your breasts. To ensure the best possible outcome, consulting with a plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery is best. 

If you have more clarifications about a tummy tuck procedure, give us a call at (310) 326-3636. At Peninsula Plastic Surgery, we can help you get the transformation you want! We are a plastic surgeon at Torrance, California, who offers tummy tuck, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and scar removal surgeries. We are the destination for mommies who want to transform their appearances!