Breast Implants vs. Breast Lift: Which is Right for Me?

Breast augmentation or enhancement is a popular choice in plastic surgery today, but it can be difficult to know which procedure will provide you with the best results. Many patients question whether they are better suited for breast implants Vs a breast lift. Which procedure is right will depend on the current appearance of your breasts and the specific results you are hoping to achieve.

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What are Breast Implants?

Implants are the preferred choice for creating fuller breasts and a larger cup size. This breast augmentation procedure involves the placement of silicone implants inside the breast tissue, either over or under the chest muscle. Implants come in a wide range of sizes and styles, allowing surgeons to customize the procedure to a patient’s specific desires and unique body shape.

Breast implants may be recommended for the following:

• Breasts that are too small for the rest of the body profile
• Breasts that are asymmetrical (different sizes)
• Nipples that are centrally located on the breast
• Breasts that have minimal drooping or sagging

What is a Breast Uplift?

Over time, a woman’s breasts may begin to droop and sag, due to breastfeeding, gravity and the aging process. A breast uplift is a surgical procedure that restores sagging breasts to their original, youthful position. A breast lift may be performed alone, or in combination with breast implants or breast reduction to further enhance the patient’s results.

• A breast uplift may be the right choice for the following concerns:
• Breasts that are sagging below their original position
• Nipples that point downward
• Breasts are already a satisfactory size
• Skin below the breast is irritated due to chaffing
• Excess skin

Is a Breast Lift Worth it?

A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that the number of women preferring a breast lift vs breast implants increased by a huge 70% from the year 2000. Whether this is due to women preferring an augmentation procedure that doesn’t involve inserting a foreign body into the breasts or whether it’s because a similar look for them can be achieved with the breast lift surgery remains to be seen.

Is a breast lift safer than implants?

Both procedures are invasive surgeries so carry around the same risk, depending on the desired result, your surgeon, lifestyle and a whole variety of other things. If you have an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon performing your surgery then your risk is greatly reduced.

How long does a breast lift last?

It really depends on a variety of factors. Breast lifts can be permanent for some patients, while others may want to touch up or revise the surgery after a number of years.

The factors that come into play in determining the longevity of this breast augmentation are the following:

• Genetics – some people’s skin will just hold better genetically
• Skin Elasticity – again, mostly to do with genetics but looking after your skin by not spending too long in the sun, taking supplements like vitamin C and E (as well as using creams that contain the two)
• Not wearing Proper Support – A properly fitting bra is essential for maintaining the result of your breast augmentation. Especially during exercise where the breasts can experience lots of movement without a supportive bra. This can pull your breasts down and negatively impact your lift
• Gaining or Losing too Much Weight Quickly – Rapidly gaining or losing weight doesn’t give the skin time to catch up. This can have a negative affect on your breast lift augmentation

Should I get Implants With my Breast Lift?

For some, a combination of implants and a breast lift will provide them with the best of both worlds – and the best possible results from their augmentation procedure. As the breast lift can correct issues that the breast implant doesn’t and vice versa.

Making the Choice

Women who are primarily concerned about the size of their breasts will likely be satisfied with the results of breast implants. However, women who have experienced sagging or are unhappy with the placement of the nipple and areola may find a breast uplift is the better choice.

Sometimes a combination of the two breast augmentation procedures will be recommended by your plastic surgeon.

Choosing breast enhancement surgery is a highly personal decision that should be made between the patient and her doctor. At Linia, we specialize in helping women achieve the fuller, more beautiful breasts they have always dreamed about and making sure the procedure is right for your desired look.

Whether you are looking to increase your cup size, correct asymmetry in the breasts or create a more youthful body profile, we can help. Contact our staff at 0800 170 71 71  to learn more about your options for breast augmentation and enhancement today.

Posted In: Body Treatments Blogs

Written By: Dr Azhar Aslam