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Breast Lift vs Implants – Which Breast Procedure is Right for You?

By February 24, 2022Blog
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If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or position of your breasts, breast cosmetic surgery could help you achieve the look you want. You may be asking yourself: Which breast surgery do I need? Each breast procedure offers its own set of unique advantages, so it can be hard to know on your one which one is right for you. But don’t worry, the board-certified team of experts at Arkansas Plastic Surgery in Little Rock is here to help answer your questions. Below, they breast down the difference between a breast lift and implants.

Breast Lift or Augmentation?

Two of the most popular procedures are breast augmentation and breast lift. Both procedures can help build your confidence, enhance your shape, and create better symmetry to the breasts.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation (also called breast implant surgery) uses silicone or saline implants to improve the size, shape, and upper fullness of the breast. It is useful for women who have small breasts or have loss of volume due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss.

A breast implant procedure involves:

  • Making incisions in inconspicuous areas (such as under the breast or along the lower border of the areola) to form a “pocket” to hold the implant.
  • Inserting the implant through the incision and into the pocket.
  • Filling the implant with saline (if a saline implant is being used).
  • Positioning the implant in the right place and closing the incisions.

It’s important to understand that breast implants alone cannot fix ptosis, also known as “breast droop.” Trying to get a breast lift by using a large implant is never very successful; patients usually end up with a large droopy breast.

What is a Breast Lift?

Patients who have the nipple and/or breast tissue that drops below the natural breast crease, will likely require a breast lift (also called mastopexy). The lift will reposition the nipple and breast tissue above the natural fold to produce a more youthful appearance. If the patient has the volume they want, but the breast just hangs down, then the lift alone may resolve the problem.

A breast lift procedure involves:

  • Making incisions under the breast, around the nipple areola, and vertically from the nipple to the breast crease.
  • Reshaping the breasts by moving the breast tissue higher on the chest and tightening the breast skin to hold the tissue in position.
  • Repositioning your nipple to a more natural height and reducing the size of your areolas (dark skin around the nipple).
  • Removing any excess skin and closing the incisions.

Keep in mind that a lift alone rarely achieves long-lasting fullness of the upper breast. Mastopexy alone will not increase breast size; usually after a mastopexy, the breast appears to be a little bit smaller.

Breast Lift and Implants

Most patients want to have both the upper fullness and the breast tissue lifted. Those patients will likely require breast implants to give them the fullness desired in combination with a lift to position the nipple and breast tissue in the proper location. These two breast procedures can help restore a more youthful bust. Breast implants with a lift can often be performed in one surgery, where it should take just a few hours, although some plastic surgeons will split them into two procedures depending on patient-related factors and surgeon preference.

The preoperative consultation is essential for you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. It is at that time that they can help decide whether you need implants alone, a lift alone, or a combination of the two.

Contact Our Little Rock Breast Plastic Surgeons

For over 20 years, our team has performed countless successful breast cosmetic surgeries. For help determining which surgery aligns with your goals, schedule a consultation with our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons. We can provide you with expert guidance and outstanding results — contact us to get started!

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