Breast augmentation vs. Breast lift: Which is right for you?

Overview: Breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries offer different benefits depending on your goals, so which one is right for you? Discover the difference between these two procedures.

When considering cosmetic breast surgery, understanding the difference between breast augmentation and a breast lift helps you choose the right procedure for you. Both can enhance your appearance and confidence, but they serve different cosmetic goals.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift:

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation involves using implants filled with saline or silicone or transferring fat from another part of the body to increase breast size. This surgery is often performed after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or desire for increased breast size.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, procedure raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. Unlike augmentation, a lift does not add volume; it restores contour and adjusts nipple position.

Which procedure is right for me?

Choosing between a breast augmentation and a breast lift depends on your goals:

• Choose augmentation if you want to increase breast size or restore lost volume.
• Choose a lift if you’re satisfied with your breast size but want to correct sagging or reposition the nipples.
• Consider both if you want fuller breasts and a lifted appearance.

Request a consultation

Risks and recovery

Breast augmentation

Like all surgeries, there are some risks to breast augmentation. Though rare, these include bleeding, infection, pain, and implant leak over time. Your surgeon will review all risks in detail during your consultation, along with potential complications. While complications are rare, they’re important to consider.

Tips on preparing for plastic surgery

Everyone is different, so recovery time can vary. You should avoid swimming, strenuous exercise of lifting over 10 pounds for four to six weeks.

After surgery, it’s typical to experience some pain, swelling and bruising during the first week. By three weeks post-surgery, you’ll likely feel little to no pain and have reduced swelling. Once you hit six weeks, in most cases you’ll be fully recovered and can resume normal activities.

Breast lift

For a breast lift, the recovery time is typically 4-6 weeks. This time frame allows for the incisions to fully heal prior to putting excess pressure and movement on them. You may experience swelling, bruising and changes in nipple sensation during healing. Scars are a normal part of the procedure but typically fade over time.

Ready to take the first steps?

Start by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. At your consultation, the surgeon may ask about your medical history, surgery/aesthetic goals and if you have any concerns. Your surgeon can also help you decide which surgery is best for you and your goals and feel confident and informed before surgery.

Deciding if breast augmentation surgery or a breast lift is right for you is a personal choice, so take your time, ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable with your decision.

Schedule your consultation today

To learn more about plastic surgery procedures, visit Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne plastic surgery provider.