Breast Lift vs Augmentation: Should You Combine These Procedures?

One of the inevitable realities for women is that their breasts will begin to sag and lose their fullness at some point. This can occur after having children, when losing significant weight, or simply by aging. For some women, the main concern is restoring volume to breasts. Other women may prioritize fixing sagging breasts. The reality is that many women benefit from addressing both concerns. In most cases, women who want to regain the full shape and perkiness of their breasts benefit by combining breast augmentation with lift.

Should you choose a breast lift vs augmentation—or combine both procedures? Let’s explore what each procedure achieves and why combining both is usually a win-win.

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What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, commonly referred to as a “boob job,” is a cosmetic surgery that enhances breast size and shape and restores volume to breasts using breast implants or fat transfer. Breast implants are usually filled with saline or silicone gel. Depending on the type of implant you choose and your aesthetic goals, Dr. Gill will make incisions and place the implants in front of or behind the chest muscle. You can learn more about the breast augmentation process in our related blog post.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

A breast lift (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure that lifts or repositions loose, sagging breasts to help them appear more “perky” and youthful. The surgical approach and incisions used depend on the degree of sagging. Generally, the breast tissue is lifted higher, and sutures are layered to support the deep tissue and create desired breast contours. In many cases, Dr. Gill raises the nipple position and may also reshape the areolas.

Do I Need a Breast Augmentation With Lift?

One of the most common questions asked by women who are considering breast augmentation is if they can get the results they want without a breast lift. This is understandable because a breast lift surgery almost always involves additional incisions. The answer to this question depends on the laxity of the breast skin and the degree of ptosis—the clinical word for sagging. The truth is, even patients with mild sagging are usually better off combining a breast lift with augmentation. The reason is that breast implants may make the sagging worse without the support provided by a breast lift.

This can only be accurately determined through a physical exam during your consultation. You can learn more about the process in this RealSelf.com explanation.

Breast Augmentation With Lift Recovery Time

Many women wonder if breast augmentation recovery is impacted by getting a breast lift. While recovery time varies from patient to patient, recovery is not necessarily longer when combining the two procedures. We recommend that patients take about a week off from nonstrenuous jobs. If your work is more physically demanding, you must plan for additional time off.

During breast lift recovery, it’s critical to wear a surgical bra for added support and comfort as you heal. After 2 weeks, it’s typically OK to resume light cardio, no-impact workouts that don’t involve the upper body.

Achieving results requires time and patience. Bruising and swelling can take several weeks to resolve, and it generally takes 2 to 3 months for breasts to settle into place fully following surgery. However, most patients find that their results are well worth the wait!

Getting Started

For patients considering cosmetic breast surgery, the most important decision to make is choosing a skilled and qualified surgeon. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gill has performed numerous augmentation mastopexy procedures and has a deep understanding of the treatment and recovery process. We encourage you to view our breast augmentation with lift before-and-after photos featuring real patient results.

If you’re considering a breast lift, breast augmentation—or both procedures—in The Woodlands, TX, area, you can request a consultation using the online form or call us at (281) 853-5308 to schedule an appointment.