Surgical interventions to improve the appearance of the breast are one of the most popular surgeries in the world, being on average 22% of the total number of surgical procedures performed in 2020 according to the ISAPS survey [8]. This includes those related to breast lift or breast augmentation, but how to choose the best one?
Patients should be clear that each procedure has its own objectives and it is the plastic surgeon who will be able to determine the best option for each case. However, we have compiled the most important differences so that you arrive at the medical consultation informed of both procedures.
Which is better: breast lift or breast augmentation?
Neither is better than the other. Actually, this decision will depend on your own medical needs and specifications. Breast augmentation surgery is intended to increase breast volume through breast implants [4] while breast lift is intended to restore natural breast enhancement [5].
There is also the possibility that the patient may need the benefits of these procedures in the same session, or perhaps the implementation of a reduction mammoplasty with the option of breast implants afterwards. Whatever the diagnosis given, no one type of breast surgery is better than another because all of them are complementary to each other [6].
Differences between breast lift and breast augmentation
To be more specific, we summarize the main items where these procedures differ in the following chart:
| Breast Augmentation | Breast Lift | |
| Purpose | Increase breast volume enhancement | Restore natural breast enhancement |
| How to work? | The use of breast implants plus the incision technique chosen by the plastic surgeon according to the case. | The incision technique chosen by the plastic surgeon is used according to the case. |
| Reasons to apply | Small breasts or mismatch in proportions | sagging breasts due to aging, breastfeeding, flaccidity |
Now if you want to decide which of the two procedures is more convenient for you, there is a quick test to determine it. This will only give you an idea but it will not replace the medical diagnosis made by your plastic surgeon.
It is said that if the nipple is at the bottom of the breast and pointing downward, or your breast is above a B cup, an implant alone will not be able to create enough lift in the long term [7]. So it will be necessary to implement a breast lift with breast implant option for enhancement.
How is the recovery after breast lift or breast augmentation?
For both procedures, the patient can go home the same day of surgery and resume daily activities the next day, if desired. However, he/she must follow all the medical recommendations given [2].
During the recovery time, it is suggested to wear a post-surgical bra [1] with clasps at the front, avoid sun exposure, do not perform demanding physical exercise for a couple of weeks or go to the beach or swimming pool, apply postoperative massages such as lymphatic drainage in the breasts, drink plenty of water and make gentle movements in shoulders and arms to promote blood circulation in the area.
You may also be interested in reading: The DO’s and DON’Ts of breast augmentation postoperative care
In summary
Breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries are compatible with each other to improve the appearance of this area of the body but different in their purpose. The former is in charge of increasing breast volume, while the latter focuses on enhancing the bust in a natural-looking way.
Both could be performed in the same surgical intervention if the plastic surgeon deems it necessary and the recovery is quick as long as the patient follows the medical recommendations.
If you want to know more about breast surgeries and their postoperative care, write to info@bettermegroup.com and receive personalized assistance to start your pre-consultation process. We connect you with the best plastic surgeons and arrange every detail of your plastic surgery in Colombia.
Another post you might want to read: Breast reduction is not the same as breast lift?
_______________________________________________
References:
[1] BetterME – Become your best self. 2022. Mamoplastia de aumento. [online] Available at: <https://bettermegroup.com/es/mamoplastia-de-aumento/> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[2] BetterME – Become your best self. 2022. Mastopexia. [online] Available at: <https://bettermegroup.com/es/mastopexia/> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[3] JALLALI, N., 2018. Breast implants vs. breast uplift. [online] Top Doctors. Available at: <https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/breast-implants-vs-breast-uplift#> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[4] Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Breast augmentation – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[5] Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Breast lift – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-lift/about/pac-20393218> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[6] Salemy, S., 2018. Breast lift vs breast augmentation vs breast implants – what’s the difference?. [online] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/breast-lift-vs-breast-augmentation-vs-breast-implants> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[7] Somayazula, R., 2020. How to decide if you need a breast augmentation or breast lift. [online] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-to-decide-if-you-need-a-breast-augmentation-or-breast-lift> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
[8] Isaps.org. 2021. ISAPS INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON AESTHETIC/COSMETIC PROCEDURE performed in 2020S. [online] Available at: <https://www.isaps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ISAPS-Global-Survey_2020.pdf> [Accessed 12 August 2022].
