Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift: What’s the Difference?

While often confused for one another, breast augmentation and a breast lift are very different breast surgery procedures. While breast augmentation and a breast lift can be used together to create beautiful aesthetic results, not all patients are candidates for both and may only need one of these surgical procedures. Learn the key differences below:

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Ideal Candidate:

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery is ideal for individuals who desire fuller, larger breasts and want to increase their breast volume to better fill out clothing. Many patients choose this cosmetic surgery to improve breast shape, enhance upper breast fullness, and achieve a more youthful breast contour.

What it does:

This surgical procedure uses an FDA-approved breast implant, either silicone breast implants filled with cohesive silicone implants or saline implants filled with sterile saltwater, to increase breast size and projection. Implant placement can be tailored to the patient’s goals and anatomy, with options to enhance the breast mound and adjust breast position for optimal symmetry.

Implant types:

Silicone breast implants: Silicone breast implants, filled with cohesive silicone gel, closely mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue, making them a popular choice in breast augmentation surgery for enhancing breast shape, breast volume, and upper breast fullness.

Saline implants: Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing for adjustable sizing and immediate detection if a rupture occurs. Common in breast surgery for mild to moderate sagging breasts or combined augmentation mammoplasty and breast lift mastopexy.

What it doesn’t do:

While breast augmentation focuses on increasing breast size and refining breast contour, it does not address sagging breasts or correct breast ptosis caused by aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or fluctuations in breast tissue volume.

Recovery time:

Anywhere from 1-5 days, depending on several factors.

Cost

Ranges from $6,000 to $8,000.

Breast Lift Surgery

Ideal Candidate:

Ideal candidates often have breast ptosis caused by weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or natural changes in breast tissue over time. This breast procedure can also address enlarged areolas, changes in breast position, and loss of upper breast fullness that may affect body image.

What it does:

During a breast lift, an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon removes excess skin and, if necessary, repositions breast tissue to create a lifted, perkier breast mound. The nipple-areola complex is often repositioned higher on the chest wall for a more balanced breast profile, and incisions may be made in patterns such as a vertical lift, an anchor lift, or a circular incision, depending on the degree of sagging.

What it doesn’t do:

While a breast lift effectively improves breast position and corrects drooping breasts, it does not significantly increase breast size or add breast volume. Patients seeking larger breasts or enhanced upper breast fullness may benefit from combining a breast lift with breast augmentation surgery to address both excess skin and volume loss.

Recovery Time:

Anywhere from 2-5 days, depending on several factors.

Cost:

Ranges from $3,500 – $8,000.

The best way to find out whether you require a breast augmentation or a breast lift is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation here.

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