Posted by Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 17/11/2023
You want to improve the appearance of your breasts, but you’re not sure which surgery is best for you, whether a breast lift or breast augmentation. Today we’re going to clarify what these two procedures involve and what you should consider when choosing between them. Learn the details of each to make the best decision.
Definition and purpose of a breast lift
Within the field of breast surgery, there are various procedures designed to improve the appearance of the breasts. One of them is a breast lift, also known as mastopexy. This surgery restores sagging breasts to their original position.
Women who undergo this surgery have experienced breast sagging due to age, pregnancy and sudden weight changes, or having naturally large breasts.
Thanks to a breast lift, it’s possible to restore firmness to the breasts and raise them to their original position. This surgery does not involve increasing breast size; however, it is possible to place implants if the patient desires.
What does breast augmentation involve?
This surgery is also known as augmentation mammaplasty and its goal is to improve the shape and size of the breasts. To do this, breast implants are placed, which can be made of silicone or saline solution.
There is also another technique for breast augmentation that involves injecting the patient’s own fat into the breast. In this case, liposuction is performed prior to augmentation to remove fat from those areas that you wish to contour.
If what you’re looking for is larger breasts, then breast augmentation is for you.
It is generally thought that this surgery is done only for aesthetic reasons, but there are other reasons why a woman chooses this procedure. For example, if she has lost volume after breastfeeding or due to drastic weight change. Also in cases of breast reconstruction or asymmetry.
Considerations before choosing
It is common for patients to be confused when they approach a consultation interested in aesthetic breast surgery. Choosing between breast augmentation or a breast lift in Madrid will depend on the goals you want to achieve. Let’s look at it in more detail.
Evaluating your health and expectations
First of all, it’s normal to have doubts about the best type of breast surgery if you’re not familiar with the different procedures. Many times it is believed that breast augmentation is the solution, not only to enlarge them, but also to restore them to their original position; however, this is not the case.
The surgeon you choose will evaluate your case and advise you on the best procedure for you. To do this, they will assess the shape and volume of your breast and listen to what your expectations are. In this way they will decide what is best to improve the appearance of your breast.
Decide what bothers you about your breasts: is it their shape, that they are sagging, or that they are too small? The answer to this question is fundamental to making a decision. You may be unhappy with both the size and the position. In this case, it is possible to combine augmentation or reduction mammaplasty with a breast lift.
Apart from evaluating your expectations, the surgeon will ask you for details of your medical history and conduct preliminary exams to assess your current health status.
Factors to consider: age, skin type and anatomy
There are a number of factors to consider before undergoing aesthetic surgery, such as the patient’s age. It is recommended to wait for the breasts to develop completely before any breast surgery. That is, after 17 years of age.
The techniques for performing both procedures will be the same regardless of the patient’s age. And the results can be optimal in any case.
Another important aspect in deciding the ideal time for surgery is whether you wish to have children. Neither breast lift nor breast augmentation affect the milk ducts. Therefore, it is possible to have either surgery before having children. However, it is recommended to wait one year after surgery to become pregnant.
As for having breast surgery during pregnancy, it is not recommended. The best thing to do in this case is to wait until breastfeeding is complete before undergoing surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding affect the shape and size of the breasts. For this reason, many women prefer to have these surgeries when they decide not to have more children.
The surgeon will also look at the quality and elasticity of your skin. Skin quality affects the results of surgery and influences the healing process. In general, younger people have more elasticity because they have more collagen, which helps the recovery process to be faster.
To decide the appropriate breast size, it is important to consider the patient’s anatomy. In this way, a more harmonious result will be achieved.
Procedures and techniques
Choosing between a breast lift and breast augmentation also involves learning how both surgeries are performed. Below we explain each one.
Breast lift techniques: what you should know
During breast lift surgery, excess skin in the breasts is removed, which is what causes sagging. This surgery corrects breast ptosis, which is the drooping of the breast due to loss of elasticity. Additionally, it may involve repositioning the areola and nipple.
There are different degrees of ptosis, and according to this, the surgeon will determine the best way to perform the surgery.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. First, the surgeon will make an incision in the breast to remove excess skin and fat, and tighten the underlying tissues. Then, the areola and nipple are repositioned to a higher position.
The techniques used for this surgery are:
- Periareolar incision: the incision is made around the areola. It is the most conservative technique and is used for mild cases of breast sagging.
- Vertical incision: an incision is made around the areola and then another vertical cut downward. It is applied when breast sagging is moderate.
- Inverted T-shaped incision: to the vertical incision mentioned above, another horizontal cut is added across the inframammary fold. It is applied in severe cases of breast sagging.
Breast lift surgery can be performed without implants or with implants, depending on whether the patient also wants breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation methods and implant options
Breast augmentation also lasts approximately two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The most common method is the insertion of implants that can be silicone bags or saline solution placed under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle.
Another method used is autologous fat transfer extracted from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or other parts of the body.
There are three methods for placing implants:
- Inframammary incision: the incision is made in the inframammary fold.
- Periareolar incision: it is performed around the areola.
- Transaxillary incision: this incision is made in the armpit. It is a less common technique, but it can leave less visible scars.
Implants can be round or anatomical. The latter provide a more natural appearance to the breast.
Recovery and postoperative care
After surgery, the surgeon will provide recommendations for postoperative care. These include rest during the first few days after the operation, incision care, and medications to relieve discomfort and prevent infections.
In the first weeks after surgery, the patient should wear a compression garment that will help reduce swelling and keep the breasts in place. Also, she should avoid strenuous activities and sun exposure, as the latter darkens scars.
Recovery from breast lift and breast augmentation can take between 6 to 12 months. The surgeon will indicate when you can return to normal life, perform vigorous exercise, and how to care for the scars.
Results and patient satisfaction
The results of both breast lift and breast augmentation are long-lasting, and generally patients are satisfied. These surgeries have a positive effect on the self-esteem of women who undergo them, as they achieve a more sculpted breast. This way, they feel more comfortable and confident with themselves.
Patient satisfaction in breast surgery also depends on the expectations you have. That’s why it’s important to talk with the surgeon beforehand and be clear about the limitations of the procedure.
Conclusion: final advice
If you want to improve the appearance of your breasts, it’s important to understand the difference between breast lift and breast augmentation. In addition to examining your breast to understand what you need, there are some questions that will help you make a decision:
- What do you want to achieve with surgery?
- Do you want to lift sagging breasts or increase their size?
- How will the surgery affect your lifestyle?
You should also understand the purpose of each of these surgeries. With a breast lift you can lift sagging breasts, improve their shape, and reduce areola size. Whereas with breast augmentation you achieve more volume in the breast, correct any asymmetry that may exist, and fill the breasts after weight loss or breastfeeding.
We hope this information helps you choose between breast lift and breast augmentation. Both surgeries are designed to improve the appearance of the breast, but it’s important that you know the goals of each one to choose the one that suits you best.
