Improving the Appearance of the Breasts: Breast Augmentation vs. Lift
Weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, the aging process, and genetics can all affect the appearance of the breasts, causing some women to feel insecure about their appearance. Breast enhancement can help those who are unhappy with their breasts achieve a fuller bust line for added confidence and improved appearance. In some cases, the size of the breasts aren't an issue, but sagging of the breasts is a problem. Fortunately, breast augmentation and breast lift surgery can address such issues.
During personal consultations, Dr. Stephen P. Hardy explains the difference between breast augmentation versus breast lift to find the right treatment for each patient. Contact our Missoula, MT practice to schedule your personal consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn more about breast augmentation and breast lift surgery.
Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift
Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are not one in the same and cannot provide the same results. Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation cannot significantly lift sagging breasts, making it ideal for those who wish to increase their cup size.
Those who wish to improve the appearance of sagging or drooping breasts are best served by a breast lift, or mastopexy. Breast lift surgery is used to remove excess breast tissue to create a lifted, more youthful bust line; the procedure does not add volume to the breasts. Breast lift surgery may also be used to reduce the size of the areolas and improve the position of the nipples.
With that said, breast augmentation and breast lift surgery may be combined to increase the size of the breasts and lift the bust line for a complete transformation of the breasts.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Candidates for breast augmentation should be healthy enough to undergo surgery and be free of such medical issues as uncontrolled diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as these can lead to complications. Ideal candidates should also be non-smokers and have a healthy relationship with plastic surgery. Candidates may also include:
- Those who wish to increase the size of their breasts
- Those who want to improve the shape, or roundness, of their breasts
- Those who have lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
- Those who have asymmetrical breasts
Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
As with breast augmentation, candidates for breast lift surgery should be in good general health, free of serious medical conditions, and not smoke. Candidates should have realistic expectations of what breast lift surgery can achieve and may include:
- Those who have sagging, drooping breasts
- Those who have pendulous breasts
- Those with stretched breast skin as experienced with weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
- Those areolas and nipples point downward
Learn More about Your Treatment Options
You deserve to feel confident in your skin. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, breast augmentation or breast lift surgery may be right for you. For more information about breast surgery options, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Hardy today.
