Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Is the Best Option For Me?

Breast enhancement can mean many things. You might be getting tissue removed, implants added, or repositioning done. The type of procedure you get should be based on what you want your final results to look like.

At Laughlin Plastic Surgery, in Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Daniel Laughlin can help you decide if you need a breast lift or a breast augmentation to achieve your desired outcome. Here’s the information that can help you make an informed choice.

Breast lifts

A breast lift is also known by the medical term mastopexy. It does what it sounds like: lifts your breasts into a higher position. There’s no volume added during a breast lift. 

Reasons to get a breast lift

You might want a breast lift because your breasts have started to sag and droop with age. As collagen and elastin in the skin decrease over time, breast tissue can drag down and stretch the skin, resulting in drooping breasts and nipples that point downward instead of outward.

You might also want a breast lift if you have very heavy breasts, or if you lost a lot of weight and your breasts are now sagging due to excess skin and lack of support. A breast lift can address all of these issues without adding implants.

How breast lifts work

A breast lift can remove excess skin and shift tissue so that your breasts sit higher on your chest. If you have unevenness, such as one breast sitting higher than the other, a breast lift can correct this as well. Dr. Laughlin can also reposition your nipples so your breasts have a perky, youthful look.

Breast augmentation 

Breast augmentation is also known by the medical term mammoplasty. Since 2006, breast augmentation has consistently made the top five list for the most popular cosmetic surgeries. 

Reasons to get breast augmentation

Some women seek out mammoplasty simply because they want to make their breasts larger. Others want to correct asymmetrical breasts, for example if one is much bigger or smaller than the other.

How breast augmentation works

While breast lifts reposition breast and nipples and get rid of excess skin, breast augmentation changes the size of your breasts. Dr. Laughlin will work with you to understand exactly what you want your breasts to look like. 

Depending on the type of augmentation you’re getting, Dr. Laughlin may go under your breasts to insert implants and hide the incision under the curve of your breasts. Alternatively, he can go in from the side under your armpit. In some cases, the incision can be done around the areola to minimize visible scarring. 

You’ll choose from either silicone or saline implants, and agree on the size and positioning before the surgery. Dr. Laughlin will also make sure you are getting breast augmentation because you want it, and that you aren’t being pressured by anyone else to change your body with surgery.

To learn more about breast lifts and breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Laughlin by calling 410-205-5629, or visit the contact page for more information.