Breasts are a defining feature of the female form, yet they’re not immune to the effects of body changes, time and gravity. Over the years, the breasts lose elasticity and begin to sag and droop, losing their shape and firmness. Many women find themselves yearning for an improvement to elevate their breasts back to their normal position and restore volume, fullness and shape. When one begins researching breast lift benefits they come to discover that there are many options for regaining their breast volume, fullness and shape.
But what’s the right path? Who is the “winner” in the breast lift vs. implant debate? The decision isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about YOUR aesthetic goals. It’s about confidence, self-image, and feeling at home in your own skin.
Educating yourself on the differences between breast lifts vs. implants is essential, as each procedure offers unique solutions to different breast-related concerns. You may also benefit from having both procedures; a breast lift with breast implants to give you the look that you want and to meet your aesthetic goals.
Let’s dive into the world of breast enhancement and unravel the mysteries of lifts and implants.
Your perfect silhouette might be just a decision away — schedule a consultation in our Philadelphia PA and Marlton NJ plastic surgery offices today to start your breast enhancement journey with Dr. Adrian Lo today!
Understanding Breast Lifts vs. Implants
To make an informed choice, it’s important to understand what each procedure involves.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, focuses on lifting and reshaping the breasts by removing the loose skin.
Its primary goal is to restore the breast to a more lifted position and elevate the nipple position to the center of the breast. A breast lift is indicated if there has been breast sagging due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding or aging.
Breast lift benefits include improved breast shape, enhanced nipple position and increased firmness, addressing common concerns associated with post-pregnancy changes, weight loss or aging.
Breast lift surgery involves strategic incisions, usually around the areola, down the breast and in the breast crease from side to side, to remove excess skin, reposition the nipple and lift the breast. This technique not only restores a youthful breast shape but also improves firmness and symmetry.
Patient testimonials comparing breast lifts vs. implants report feeling significantly more confident after their lift, often citing an impressive satisfaction rate post-surgery.
A breast lift can also help simplify bra shopping, as the bra fits properly after a lift, thanks to the newly lifted breast position on the chest and the elevated nipple position. If you’re looking to regain the youthful perkiness of your breasts, a lift may be the ideal solution for you!
Take a look at our breast lift before-and-after photos and breast augmentation with lift before-and-after photos to see how our clients have transformed their look and felt more confident!
What are Breast Implants?
Breast implants, on the other hand, are designed to increase breast volume and enhance overall shape and contour. Breast implant surgery and other breast augmentation options encompass a variety of implant types, sizes, and placement techniques, allowing for customized solutions to achieve the desired breast volume and contour.
Breast implants are available in different sizes and shapes, offering many options to attain a patient’s aesthetic aspirations. You are able to choose from different implant shapes, sizes and profiles to best fit your body type and meet your goals.
Breast implants come in two primary types: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, while silicone implants contain silicone gel designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. Both options may be inserted through small incisions under the breasts or with Dr. Lo’s scarless breast implant technique through the armpit, providing a customizable approach to achieving your desired breast size.
Comparing Breast Lifts and Implants
When weighing your options, it’s important to evaluate personal goals and lifestyle choices. A comprehensive comparison of breast lifts and implants involves evaluating factors such as desired outcomes, potential risks, recovery time, and long-term maintenance requirements.
Aesthetic Results
A breast lift enhances firmness and repositioning of the natural breast tissue, while implants can provide dramatic volume increases, a more rounded shape and fullness to the breast.
Many patients prefer a combination of both a breast lift and breast implants for a more optimal aesthetic result. It is possible to have a breast implant procedure with a breast lift at the same time. Patient preference and desired outcomes plays a crucial role in this decision, so it is always helpful to look at before-and-after images of breast lifts and breast lifts with implants. Seeing real results can often provide clarity on what’s attainable through either procedure. It may be recommended by your breast lift specialist to have breast lift surgery with breast implants to give you the lifted look, fullness and breast size you desire.
Recovery Time
Generally, recovery from a breast lift takes longer than a breast implant procedure, about one to two weeks, with restrictions on physical activities lasting several weeks. Breast implant augmentation surgery typically requires less recovery time and most patients are back to work within a week.
Post-surgery recovery for breast lifts versus implants differ in terms of duration, physical restrictions, and potential complications. This means you need a clear understanding of each procedure’s healing process, like the choice between anesthesia or sedation, etc. which can impact the recovery process.
Longevity of Results
Understanding the pros and cons of breast surgery is essential, as both breast lifts and breast implants offer unique advantages and potential drawbacks in terms of recovery, results, and long-term considerations.
Both procedures can provide beautiful results, but their longevity can differ.
While no procedure lasts forever, a breast lift offers long-lasting results, although factors such as aging and weight changes may affect appearance over time.
Conversely, breast implant surgery lasts a long time but implants are not considered lifetime devices. Breast implants may need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years but can certainly last for a much longer time. Breast implants do come with a limited lifetime warranty from the implant manufacturer. Lifestyle factors, including future weight changes or pregnancies, can also play a role in the longevity of results.
Effect on Nipple Positioning
Breast procedures may significantly impact nipple positioning. Breast lifts effectively raise the nipple for a more youthful appearance on the center of the breast. Breast implants will improve nipple positioning due to the additional weight and volume.
Patients should have a thoughtful discussion with their plastic surgeon about how different breast procedures will affect their specific outcome, including the possibility of altering nipple sensation. However with breast lift and breast implant procedures, nipple sensation and feeling is usually maintained and preserved.
Scarring
Scarring is an unavoidable aspect of both procedures. Breast lifts typically result in scars around the areola and beneath the breasts, while breast implant surgery have small scars in your armpit, underneath your breast in the crease or around the areola.
Scarring varies amongst individuals but is based on your genetics, how you heal and post-surgery incision care. There are many techniques that are used to minimize scarring, such as precise suturing techniques by an experienced plastic surgeon, proper incision care after surgery, use of silicone gel strips, hydrating creams and laser treatments.
Natural vs. Augmented Look
Aesthetic goals for breast surgery vary widely among patients, ranging from subtle enhancement to dramatic transformation, and will be discussed during your consultation to ensure optimal aesthetic goals.
Some women desire a more natural look with enhancement of volume without making it obvious they’ve had surgery. Others may desire a more pronounced change or augmented look.
Choosing the right size and type of implant can significantly impact achieving that natural versus augmented look, which is why proper breast lift and implant preparation are important. To know how to choose between a breast lift and implants, consider factors such as breast ptosis (sagging), desired volume increase, and potential scarring.
It is important to discuss these aspects thoroughly with a board-certified plastic surgeon during your consultation.
Compatibility with Active Lifestyles
For women who lead active lifestyles, it’s crucial to understand how each procedure will impact physical activities post-recovery. Many women find that breast lifts and breast implants are compatible with an active lifestyle. However, adjustments and modifications to workout routines will be necessary during the healing phase.
Many report that after the initial recovery window, they return to their normal fitness regimens. Consulting with your plastic surgeon about your specific activities is advisable for personalized guidance.
Impact on Breastfeeding
Both breast lifts and implants can potentially affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed in the future, although the impact varies depending on the specific surgical technique used and individual factors.
Breast lifts generally have a low risk of interfering with breastfeeding, especially if the nipple remains attached to the underlying breast tissue. However, some techniques that involve more extensive tissue rearrangement may have a higher likelihood of affecting milk ducts and nerves crucial for lactation.
Breast implants, particularly when placed through an incision around the areola or when placed under the breast tissue rather than under the chest muscle, may have a slightly higher risk of interfering with breastfeeding. This is due to potential pressure on milk ducts or damage to nerves responsible for lactation. Most women choose to have the armpit or crease incision and place the implant behind the muscle which allows them to be able to breastfeed as the breast tissue is not impacted.
Future Adjustments
For breast lifts, future adjustments are typically not necessary due to the procedure itself. However, the natural aging process, significant weight fluctuations, or pregnancy can affect the results over time. Some women may choose to have a “touch-up” procedure years later to maintain their results.
Breast implants, on the other hand, are not designed to last a lifetime. Most implant manufacturers suggest that implants may need to be replaced or removed after about 10-15 years, though many women have their original implants for much longer without issues.
Reasons for future adjustments with implants might include:
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Changes in personal preference for size or shape
- Implant displacement
- Desire to remove implants altogether
Breast Lift vs. Implant or Both: Decide on Your Perfect Choice With Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Adrian Lo!
If you’re ready to explore your options further, Dr. Adrian Lo is here for you! Your journey toward enhanced confidence and beauty starts with the right guidance, and Dr. Lo and his team are here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards the transformation you’ve been dreaming of!