What is the difference between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift?

It is not uncommon for women to feel unhappy with the look of their breasts. Numerous women wish to change the look of their breasts. Some want them to be larger and shapelier, while others may want them more lifted and in a perkier position. According to a study published by health.com, an online resource for accurate and up-to-date information on health and medical news, a whopping 71 percent of women report feeling unhappy with the appearance of their breasts. The way a woman feels about her breast can have a positive or negative impact on her self-esteem and overall emotional state.

Thankfully, for women who are unhappy with their breasts, cosmetic surgery, namely a breast lift or breast augmentation, can help. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, choosing the right breast procedure is very important so you can achieve your goals. So, what is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?

BREAST LIFT

In short, a breast lift is ideal for women with breasts that have lost their elasticity, which is often a byproduct of getting older.  Patients feel that their breasts have sagged and “gone south.”  It can also happen following childbirth. It is worth noting that this cosmetic procedure is not aimed at increasing the size of a woman’s breast. Moreover, a breast lift helps restore the natural positioning and shape of the breasts.

WHAT DOES A BREAST LIFT PROCEDURE ENTAIL?

During a breast lift, the cosmetic surgeon will begin by removing excess skin from the breast and then tightening the skin that remains. In some cases, the procedure will also involve reducing the size of the areola, which is the darker-pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. On average, a breast lift, which is an outpatient procedure, takes about 3-4 hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation is ideal for women that desire larger, fuller breasts. Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation entails inserting a silicone or saline-filled implant shell inside of a woman’s breast to alter its shape or size.

WHAT DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE ENTAIL?

During a breast augmentation procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will place either the saline or silicone-gel implant behind a woman’s breast tissue. The implant can also be placed under her chest muscle. In either case, breast augmentation surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. On average, this outpatient procedure takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete.

COMBINATION SURGERY

Depending on a woman’s needs and the goals that she would like to achieve when it comes to the appearance of her breasts, some physicians, including Dr. Jonathan Berman, a double board-certified plastic surgeon based in Boca Raton, FL, will recommend undergoing both a breast lift and breast augmentation. This combination procedure can be done in a single session and further ensures that a woman can achieve the breasts of her dreams.

BOTTOM LINE

Breast augmentation and breast lifts are two great ways to transform a woman’s breasts and even boost her self-esteem in the process. To learn more about these procedures, consider scheduling a consultation with Berman Plastic Surgery and Spa today.

Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.

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