Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: What’s the Difference?

Enhancing the appearance of the breasts is a popular avenue of plastic surgery. Breast implants, lifts, and reductions are some of the most common cosmetic procedures performed worldwide, with thousands of women undergoing treatments that enhance their breasts and improve their confidence and happiness. As such, understanding the differences between breast augmentation and breast lifts is important when considering the most effective procedure for your goals. These two procedures often serve different aesthetic goals. Breast augmentation, which often incorporates the use of implants, increases the breast size and improves shape. On the other hand, a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, aims to reposition sagging breasts, creating a more youthful contour without changing size significantly.

The information presented in this article can help you learn more about these procedures and help you understand which is correct for you. If you would like to explore your options further, then please reach out for a consultation. Azad Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Kamran Azad, is one of Florida’s top breast surgery practices. Each patient begins treatment with a personal consultation with Dr. Azad, where they can discuss their goals and concerns and formulate a customized treatment plan that helps them achieve their desired breast image. Schedule your consultation online today or call our Orlando office at (407) 848-3400 to speak with one of our experts.

About Breast Enhancements

With many women seeking surgical options to improve their body image or restore fullness after pregnancy and aging, understanding the differences between a breast lift and breast augmentation is vital. The breast is composed of both glandular tissue and fatty tissue. Changes in breast appearance are normal over time. Factors such as aging, pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, weight loss, and lifestyle factors contribute to changes in breast size, shape, and firmness. Common concerns include sagging breasts, reduced volume, and lower nipple positioning.

Breast augmentation typically involves inserting silicone or saline solution implants above or below the chest muscles. ⁽¹⁾ This procedure can enhance breast size while maintaining proportionate body aesthetics.

Alternatively, a breast lift addresses the positioning of the breasts on the chest. ⁽²⁾ It may also involve nipple repositioning when necessary. Patients often undergo breast lifts to rejuvenate the breasts after changes caused by pregnancy or significant weight loss that results in stretched skin and loss of elasticity.

While these procedures are different and address different concerns, they can often be performed together. Women whose breasts have become ptotic–a medical term referring to sagging, deflated–can replace lost volume with implants while also removing excess tissue, raising the breasts, and tightening the chest muscles to better support the implants. ⁽³⁾

Benefits

Both breast augmentation and breast lifts offer women important improvements in their body image, mental well-being, and more. At Azad Plastic Surgery, our meticulous planning and commitment to patient satisfaction helps women experience advantages like:

Candidates

Ideal candidates for both breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are women who are in good overall health and are at least 18 years old. All potential candidates should have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure and be willing to communicate openly with Dr. Azad when planning their treatment.

Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Azad is one of the best ways to learn more about the differences between breast augmentation and breast lifts and to determine which treatment is best for your circumstances. During the meeting, you will review your medical history and undergo a physical examination focused on breast anatomy. Different techniques will be discussed based on your concerns and aesthetic goals.

To take the first step toward your ideal breasts, schedule a consultation online or call our Orlando office at (407) 848-3400.

Preparation

Once you have determined which procedure is correct for you, you will receive specific preparatory guidelines to follow in advance of your scheduled procedure. These may differ slightly for each patient depending on their medical history. In general, patients should avoid blood-thinning medications and substances, nicotine, and alcohol, for a period of time before undergoing treatment. You may be required to fast before the day of your procedure. Please arrange transportation to and from your procedure and schedule time away from work and social obligations.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the process of increasing breast size or enhancing breast shape through either implants or autologous fat transfers. ⁽¹⁾ Implants can be either saline or silicone, each offering its own unique advantages. Silicone implants mimic natural breast tissue feel and density better than saline implants. ⁽¹⁾

The type of incisions used will depend on your goals and unique anatomy; they can be made on the side of your breasts near the armpit, below the breast fold (inframammary), or vertically on top of the breast descending from the nipple. However, inframammary is the most common. After creating a pocket, he will place the implants and close the incisions.

In some cases, Dr. Azad can perform a fat transfer to increase the volume of the breasts. These procedures harvest your own body fat from a graft site, process it, and then inject the fat into your breasts. Many surgeons consider autologous fat to be the ideal filler medium because of its biocompatibility, ready availability, ease of use, and low risk for complications. However, implants are still the more common breast augmentation method as they often offer patients a more effective way to achieve their desired goals. ⁽¹⁾

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, helps patients address breast ptosis, a condition where breasts become sagging and deflated after aging, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, and more. ⁽³⁾ This is a common issue that affects many women, especially as they grow older.

After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Azad will make incisions to gain access to underlying muscular and connective tissues and to remove excess skin. Incision techniques vary, but they are often either periareolar (around the nipple), vertical (descending from the nipple, also called “lollipop”), inframammary, or “anchor,” which is a combination of these incisions. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Azad will remove excess breast tissue to address sagging. One of the adjustments that Dr. Azad can make during a breast lift is the tightening of the breast tissue. This creates a stronger foundation for the new breasts to sit upon, allowing them to retain a perky, youthful appearance for longer. If the nipples have descended significantly, Dr. Azad can reposition them during this procedure as well. Dr. Azad uses careful techniques to preserve nipple sensation. After achieving the desired look, Dr. Azad will close your incisions.

Recovery

Recovery time varies; typically, patients can resume light activities within two weeks but should avoid strenuous tasks for several weeks. Patients can manage discomfort with prescribed medication. Swelling and bruising are normal, yet will decrease over the following weeks. Patients may be required to wear supportive garments after both procedures. This helps minimize swelling.

Follow-up appointments will allow us to assess the healing process and ensure the best outcome.

Results

Results from breast augmentation or lift procedures become clearer as swelling subsides. The visual transformations contribute to improved aesthetics and renewed confidence. Scarring continues to fade over time, and most patients report high satisfaction levels with the achievements of the procedure.

Corresponding Procedures

Another procedure Dr. Azad offers is breast reduction. Many women struggle with breasts that are too large for their frame. Heavy breasts can put a strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. Overly large breasts can also affect many women’s self-esteem as they can impact one’s body proportions and the way clothing fits. Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, can effectively reduce the size of breasts with surgical excision techniques, allowing women to feel more confident and comfortable. If the cause of overly large breasts is fatty tissue, Dr. Azad may use liposuction techniques to remove excess fat.

Cost of Breast Augmentation and/or Breast Lifts in Orlando

Because each procedure performed by Dr. Azad is customized to meet each patient’s goals, pricing will vary. The total cost of your breast augmentation or breast lift will depend on the scale of your procedure, anesthesia, facility fees, measures necessary to achieve your desired results, and a handful of other factors. Once you meet with Dr. Azad and discuss your goals, you will receive a price quote. Azad Plastic Surgery also offers financing plans for our treatments to help patients achieve their goals without a financial burden.

If you would like to explore your various breast enhancement options further, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Azad. If you have any lingering questions, we encourage you to speak with one of our experts. Call our Orlando office at (407) 848-3400 to begin your breast enhancement journey.

References

1. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
2. Toomey AE, Cape JD. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. Published December 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK610682/
3. Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567792/