Women choose to undergo breast lift surgery for many reasons, but primarily to boost their confidence (and their breasts) because age or significant weight loss combined with gravity has caused their breasts to droop. Once you’ve decided to get a breast lift, one of the choices you’ll make is whether or not to add breast augmentation to your procedure. In this blog, we’ll go over the benefits of adding breast augmentation to your breast lift, as well as the pros and cons, so that you can make an informed decision for your surgery.
Breast Lift Basics
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Over time, factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause your breasts to lose firmness and migrate downward on your chest. A breast lift restores your breasts to a perkier and more youthful position by removing excess skin and tightening and sculpting breast tissues.
At a glance, a breast lift can:
- Elevate your breasts to a higher, more youthful position on your chest
- Reshape and firm your existing breast tissue
- Reposition your nipples if they have started to point downward
- Reduce the size of stretched-out areolas
While a breast lift significantly improves breast shape and position, it does not increase your breast size, although it may minimally add fullness to the upper pole of your breasts. This is where breast implants come into play.
Breast Augmentation Basics
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries available and involves placing silicone or saline implants to enhance the size, shape, and fullness of your breasts.
At a glance, breast augmentation can:
- Increase breast size
- Improve breast symmetry
- Restore lost volume, particularly in the upper part of your breasts
- Enhance your overall breast shape
Breast implants alone cannot correct sagging. However, when combined with a breast lift, they can add both lift and volume.
Do I Have to Get Implants With My Breast Lift?
The short answer is no, getting a breast lift does not require that you also get implants. Whether or not you wish to add implants to your breast lift procedure depends on your cosmetic goals and current aesthetic breast concerns.
A breast lift alone is an excellent choice for women who are happy with their current breast size and simply want to correct sagging breasts. If you still have sufficient breast volume and want a more natural look without added fullness, you will likely be happy with just a breast lift.
However, if your breasts are sagging and you have also lost volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, adding breast augmentation to your breast lift may be the best solution for you. It can provide a more ideal result. Combining a breast lift with augmentation can give you a fuller, rounder breast shape and enhance your cleavage. It can also restore volume to the upper pole of your breasts, eliminating the “deflated” look that decreased volume can leave you with. If you’re looking for both lift and volume, a breast lift with breast augmentation will give you the results you desire.
An alternative to a lift without an implant that could still give a bit more superior pole fullness to the breasts is transferring your own fat after liposuction to the areas of deflated breasts. This, however, may not give you as much volume needed for the most ideal shape of the breasts.
Pros and Cons of a Breast Lift Without Implants
There are several pros and cons associated with undergoing a breast lift on its own. Because no implants are placed in the body, the risk of complications related to breast augmentation (like capsular contracture or leaking) is eliminated. However, without adding implants to your breast lift, you may still be unhappy with the volume, size, and fullness of your post-lift breasts. Moreover, a lift without an implant can lead to longer incisions as more skin needs to be tucked during the operation.
Pros and Cons of a Breast Lift With Implants
A breast lift with implants also offers pros and cons. Adding implants to your breast lift will increase fullness, volume, and cleavage, while also improving the overall shape and symmetry of your breasts. However, undergoing breast augmentation along with a lift also means that you may experience complications related to the implant and will likely need to replace the implants at some point in the future. Since implants are usually placed under the muscle, you may experience a bit more discomfort initially after your operation.
How to Decide Which Breast Procedure Is Right for You
The best way to determine whether you need a breast lift by itself or a breast lift with augmentation is by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast procedures. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your breasts, assess your skin elasticity, and discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals before recommending the option that will provide your desired results. Some of the factors to consider as you make your decision include:
- Your Desired Outcome: Do you want larger breasts with added volume, or are you happy with the current size of your breasts?
- Current Breast Volume: Do you have sufficient breast tissue, especially in the upper portion of your breast, or do you need to add volume to breasts that look flattened?
- Personal Preferences: Do you prefer to avoid implants in favor of your natural breasts, or do you want to enhance the overall appearance of your breasts?
Learn More About a Breast Lift With Implants in Newport Beach
If you are looking to improve sagging and reshape your breasts without changing their size, a breast lift alone can be an excellent option. However, if you want to add volume and fullness or increase your breast size, undergoing a breast lift with implants may be the best solution. Whatever you choose, it’s time to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Keyian Paydar, MD. Dr. Paydar is an expert in breast procedures, combining skill and artistry to give you gorgeous results. To learn more and explore your breast enhancement options, call our office today at (949) 755-0575 or complete the online contact form.
