If you want to undergo a surgical change to adjust the size, shape or position of the breasts, you may have heard of a variety of breast procedure types. It can be a little confusing to decide if you need a breast lift or breast augmentation, based on your personal needs, and individual preferences.
In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation – two common types of breast procedures that are designed to address different aspects of the breasts.
Sometimes, these two procedures can be performed together, addressing multiple aspects of the breasts within the one procedure.
To discuss your breast procedure options, and find out which procedure may suit your needs, contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Andrew Broadhurst. Located in Brisbane, Dr Broadhurst is an experienced surgeon who can provide you with advice based on your individual circumstances and personal goals.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, technically referred to as a mastopexy, is a procedure that can remove excess skin (or skin laxity) on the breasts, lifting the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall.
Sometimes, during a breast lift, the position of the nipples and areolae may also be adjusted, particularly if they have begun to point downwards with skin laxity over time.
A breast lift is personalised, so that the breasts are lifted to a suitable position for each patient (according to their preferences, individual anatomy and level of skin laxity or excess skin).
The procedure can be combined with other breast procedures, such as a breast augmentation or removal of breast implants – which we will explain later on in this blog.
What is a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation, on the other hand, specifically focuses on adjusting the size, projection and shape of the breasts. The procedure uses breast implants to increase the size of the breasts, while considering their new shape and feel.
Breast implants are available in quite a wide variety of sizes, allowing every patient to choose a size that aligns with their unique features and personal preferences.
Implants are measured in CCs (Cubic Centimetres), and are also available in a variety of projections (how far the breasts will protrude from the chest wall).
They are also available in different textures, including smooth and textured, which each have their pro’s and con’s when it comes to the results and how they can impact the feel of the breasts.
As for shape, breast implants can be either round or anatomical (teardrop). Round implants can give patients more volume at the top of the breasts, while teardrop-shaped implants are designed to more closely mimic the natural shape of the breasts.
When you meet with your surgeon, you will discuss the results you want to achieve with a breast augmentation and be able to receive personalised guidance to help you choose a suitable breast implant option.
The key differences between a breast lift and a breast augmentation
The main difference between the two procedures is that a breast lift is focused on the position of the breasts, removing excess skin and repositioning the nipples and areolae, while breast augmentation is focused on changing the size and shape of the breasts.
Choosing between a breast lift and a breast augmentation will depend on your goals and your breasts’ current position. A breast lift cannot increase the size of the breasts, and an augmentation is not designed to lift them.
Although they can increase the size of the breasts and alter their shape, inserting breast implants alone will not provide a lift. If a lift is needed to achieve the patient’s expected results, a procedure designed to address the excess skin will typically be required.
A good, thorough consultation with your surgeon will help you to find which procedure is better suited to your needs. You’ll need to clearly communicate your goals for the procedure, so that your surgeon can help you to make the right decision and plan the procedure with the most suitable steps.
Should you want to address the shape and size of the breasts, as well as excess skin and the position of the areolae, you may need to consider the option of combining a breast augmentation with a breast lift.
Combining procedures: When can it be useful?
If a breast augmentation or a breast lift alone won’t address all of your personal concerns, then combining the two procedures may be a suitable option.
Combining a breast lift with an augmentation can allow your surgeon to address multiple aspects of the breasts within the one procedure.
If you’re interested in the option of combining the two procedures, you will need to discuss whether you are suitable for a combined approach during a consultation. There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to combining procedures, such as the need for a longer recovery period.
Just like before a breast lift or breast augmentation alone, Dr Broadhurst will need to thoroughly assess your health (including health history and current health), consider some lifestyle factors (such as if you are a smoker and if you are able to complete a recovery period after surgery), and your personal expectations when it comes to the procedure’s results.
Should you choose a breast lift, breast augmentation or a combined procedure? Schedule your consultation with Dr Broadhurst in Brisbane.
Whether you want to undergo a breast lift, augmentation or a combined approach, the decision will need to be carefully made during a consultation.
To talk about your personal goals, assess the condition of your breasts (such as the level of skin laxity, the position of the nipples and areolae and the current size), and discuss your options for treatment plans, get in touch with our team to book your consultation with Dr Broadhurst in Brisbane.
No matter which procedure you choose, you will receive personalised advice, a highly tailored procedure plan and unique results that align with your personal preferences, features and needs.
If you have any questions about the types of breast procedures that we offer, please contact our team.
