Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation: Making the Best Choice for Your Body

Featuring Frank Ciminello, M.D., FACS

When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your breasts, two of the most common procedures women consider are a breast lift and breast augmentation. While both can improve confidence and rejuvenate your silhouette, they serve very different purposes.

“A breast lift primarily restores a youthful position and shape by addressing sagging,” shares Dr. Matthew Lynch, a surgeon with The Plastic Surgery Center. “A breast augmentation, on the other hand, enhances size and fullness with implants.”

Deciding between the two—or determining if a combination is the best option—can feel overwhelming without the proper guidance and information.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

A breast lift (mastopexy) and a breast augmentation are two distinct procedures designed to address different concerns, though they are sometimes performed together. A breast lift aims to improve breast shape and position to create a more youthful contour.

“Breast lifts are often recommended for patients experiencing sagging due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy,” Dr. Lynch explains, “especially when breast volume is adequate but the shape has changed.”

In contrast, the purpose of a breast augmentation is to use implants or fat transfer to increase breast size, enhance fullness, and improve symmetry. This procedure is best suited for patients who feel their breasts are too small, disproportionate, or have lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss.

Unlike a lift, augmentation does not correct significant sagging, but it is ideal for overall enhancing volume and projection.

What to Expect with a Breast Lift Procedure

Performed under general anesthesia, a breast lift gently reshapes the breast tissue, removes excess skin, and repositions the nipple and areola to a higher, more youthful position. It usually takes a few hours, with most patients returning home the same day. While some swelling and soreness are common initially, most women return to light activities within a week or two.

With advanced techniques to minimize scarring and personalized care at every step, the surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Center are dedicated to results that look and feel natural. “Whether a patient is looking to restore youthful positioning, enhance fullness, or both, we help patients choose the procedure that best matches their goals,” Dr. Lynch encourages.

What to Expect with Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is also performed under anesthesia and takes one to two hours. Using carefully placed incisions—often along the breast crease or around the areola—your surgeon inserts implants or transferred fat to achieve your desired shape and volume.

Most patients go home the same day after a breast augmentation procedure. Some initial swelling and firmness are expected immediately following the procedure, but they will gradually soften as the breasts settle into their new shape. Many women can resume light activities within a few days, while exercise and heavy lifting are postponed for several weeks.

Choosing Between Breast Lift and Augmentation

Deciding between a breast lift and breast augmentation is highly personal, and the right choice depends on factors such as age, body shape, lifestyle, and individual goals. “Some women are mostly concerned with sagging and want a more youthful position, while others are just looking for added volume and fullness,” shares Dr. Lynch.

You may be a strong candidate for a breast lift if:

• You are happy with your breast size but want a firmer, more lifted shape.
• Your breasts have begun to sag due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy.
• You experience stretched skin or enlarged areolas.
• Your nipples sit below the breast crease or point downward.

You may be a strong candidate for breast augmentation if:

• You feel your breasts are too small or out of proportion with your body.
• You’ve lost breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
• You want to improve breast symmetry or enhance overall fullness.
• You wish to increase projection and enhance the contour of your chest.

Schedule Your Consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center Today

If you’re considering a breast lift, breast augmentation, or a combination of both, the team at The Plastic Surgery Center is here to guide you every step of the way. With convenient locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, we’re dedicated to delivering natural-looking breast augmentation results that align with your unique goals.

We invite you to schedule your personalized consultation today and discover how our expert breast surgeons can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and empowered in your own skin.

Take the first step towards a more confident you by scheduling a consultation for a breast procedure online or calling us at 833-615-2618 to schedule an appointment.