Do I Need a Breast Lift or Implants?

Posted December 24, 2024 in Breast Implants, Breast Lift

close up of a female holding one side of her breast

Choosing to have cosmetic breast surgery can be life-changing for many women. Two popular procedures are breast lift surgery and breast augmentation, and many individuals wonder which option will deliver the results they desire. Each procedure addresses different aesthetic and structural issues, and the right choice depends on your goals, anatomy, and expectations. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between breast lifts and implants, who they’re ideal for, and how to decide which one is for you.

5 Min Read:

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift can restore youthful-looking breasts that sag due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or natural aging. This procedure can also relocate the nipple-areolar complex to a higher position.

Why Have a Breast Lift?

Women choose a breast lift when:

Their breasts have sagged due to aging, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations.
The nipples point downwards or sit below the breast crease.
They want a more youthful and perky look without adding volume.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift is for women who:

Don’t wish to add volume to their breasts but want a more lifted shape.
Are in good health and have realistic expectations.
Have sagging breasts.

What Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are silicone shells filled with saline or cohesive silicone that increase the size and enhance the shape of breasts that are considered too small or asymmetrical. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles. Dr. Christopher Patronella developed the True Form Breast Augmentation® approach, which utilizes cutting-edge, precise techniques and provides patients with the best possible results.

Why Get Breast Implants?

Women choose implants to:

Add or restore breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Improve breast symmetry.
Improve breast shape.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is for you if:

You want larger or fuller breasts.
You have small or asymmetrical breasts.
You are in good health and have realistic expectations.

Breast Lift, Implants, or Both?

The choice between a breast lift and implants, or both, depends on your goals and body. Many women choose to do a breast lift with implants to get fuller, perkier breasts to address both sagging and insufficient volume at the same time.

Combination Benefits

Complete transformation in size, shape, and position.
Less overall recovery time than doing two separate surgeries.
Balanced, youthful results that give you volume and lift.

Sagging Breasts

If your breasts are drooping significantly, a breast lift may be needed to achieve more youthful upper body contours. Implants don’t address sagging and may even make it worse if the skin is loose.

Breast Volume vs. Breast Position

Female holding both breast in her hands

If you’re happy with your breast size but want a more lifted breast appearance, a breast lift may be enough, but if you desire both bigger and perkier breasts, a breast lift with implants may be the best option.

Think about how you want your breasts to look and feel. A breast lift restores natural perkiness, while implants increase your breasts’ size and enhance their shape. Combining augmentation with a lift may be best for those who want both.

Nipple Placement

Nipple position can also help guide your decision. If your nipples point downwards or have sunk below the breast crease, a lift is usually needed. Implants alone won’t raise the nipple or areola position.

Skin Elasticity

If you have good skin elasticity, implants may give you the lift and volume you want without needing a lift, but if your skin is stretched out, it may be necessary to add a breast lift to get the best results.

How to Decide Between a Breast Lift and Implants?

Deciding between a breast lift, implants, or both can be overwhelming. However, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you figure it out. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, skin, and goals to recommend what’s best for you.

During your consultation, you will discuss:

Your goals and desired results.
Breast measurements, including nipple position and skin elasticity.
Implant options (silicone vs. saline, size, and profile) if augmentation is part of your plan.
The surgical technique to get your desired results.

Recovery After Breast Lift or Implants

Breast Lift Recovery

Timeline: One week of recovery.
Pain Level: Mild to moderate, managed with pain medication.
Activity Restrictions: No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks.
Scarring: Breast lift surgery typically requires an anchor incision that extends from the nipple to the base of the breast and along the crease, and scars may take longer to fade.

Breast Implant Recovery

Timeline: Most patients can go back to work in five to seven days.
Pain Level: Moderate discomfort, especially in the first few days.
Activity Restrictions: Same as a breast lift, no heavy lifting or strenuous activities for four to six weeks.
Scarring: Breast augmentation involves an inframammary (under the breast) incision.

Breast Augmentation With a Lift Recovery

Combining a lift with implants also requires an anchor incision and may add a little extra recovery time, but most patients feel it’s worth it for the comprehensive results.

Longevity of Breast Lift Results

Breast lift results typically are long-lasting, but they can’t stop gravity and natural aging from continuing to affect the breasts. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing a supportive bra will help extend your results.

Augmentation With Breast Lift Surgery Results

Combining breast augmentation with a lift can provide the best of both worlds. The decision between a breast lift, implants, or both depends on your individual needs and goals. If sagging is your main concern, a lift may be the way to go. If you want more volume and fullness, implants may be for you. If you want all these benefits, then combining the two can deliver the results you desire.

Implants and Breast Lift Surgery in Houston, TX With Our Award-Winning Surgeon

Dr. Patronella is a highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon who offers advanced breast augmentation and breast lift surgery in Houston, Texas.

Before and after photo of Dr. Patronella's breast lift with implants surgery.

He created True Form Aesthetic Breast Surgery® to provide outstanding cosmetic breast surgery results.

Call our Houston office at 713-799-9999 to schedule your breast lift, augmentation, or combination consultation.