Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re considering cosmetic breast surgery, you may be wondering whether breast augmentation or a breast lift (mastopexy) is the right choice. While both procedures can improve breast appearance, they serve different purposes. Understanding their differences can help you determine which option aligns with your goals. Below, our Fall River plastic surgeon, Dr. Russell Babbitt, outlines the different procedures to aid patients in making an informed choice.

Breast Augmentation: Enhancing Size and Fullness

Breast augmentation focuses on increasing breast volume using implants. It’s ideal for individuals who want:

Larger breasts – For those who naturally have smaller breasts or want a more dramatic change.
Improved symmetry – Implants can balance uneven breasts.
Restored volume – Particularly after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

Silicone or saline implants are the most common method for augmentation, offering customizable shapes, sizes, and profiles.

Breast Lift: Restoring Shape and Position

A breast lift is designed to correct sagging and reshape the breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue and nipple. This procedure is recommended for those who experience:

Breast sagging (ptosis) – Often due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
Downward-pointing nipples – A lift repositions the nipples to a more youthful height.
Loss of breast firmness – Creates a perkier, more lifted appearance.

A breast lift does not add volume but can make the breasts look fuller by tightening and reshaping the existing tissue.

Can You Combine Both Procedures?

Yes! Many patients choose to combine breast augmentation with a lift to achieve both volume and an improved breast position. A breast lift with implants can be ideal for those who have lost fullness and developed sagging over time.

Which Option Is Right for You?

If your primary concern is size, augmentation may be best. If you’re happy with your breast volume but want a firmer, lifted look, a breast lift might be the right choice. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Babbitt can help you explore your options based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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