Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift Procedure

You’ve come to the point where you know you’d like to make a change in the way you look. Now you need to weigh the pros and cons of a breast augmentation vs. breast lift.

Dr. Reynolds performs both procedures and believes that you should have all the information you need to make the best decision for you. Here are the differences, benefits, and tradeoffs between a breast augmentation and a breast lift.

Breast Augmentation

The breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in America, and refers to an enlargement of the breast with an implant. The implants are filled with either a saline solution or silicone gel. While saline implants are less expensive than gel implants, the important difference between them is how they feel once the implants are placed.

Besides the choice of implant, the other important decision to make in a breast augmentation is whether you want the implant to be placed above or below the pectoral muscle. Interestingly, the natural position of the breast is above the muscle. Some patients wanting to look “more natural” consider above-the-muscle placement. Above-the-muscle placement is a technically easier procedure with reduced recovery time. However, with time (and gravity), above-the-muscle placement of implants can be expected to drop (ptosis) as with natural breasts.

On the other hand, below-the-muscle placement can help keep the breast implant from dropping as much as above the muscle placement—if the lower part of the pectoralis major muscle (the portion of the muscle that is attached to the rib cage) is not divided. Dr. Reynolds will help you weigh the option of saline versus gel and above-the-muscle or below-the-muscle placement. Also, this helpful video provides additional information to help in making your decision.

Breast Lift

The medical term for a breast lift is a mastoplexy. The breast lift procedure can tighten, tone, and lift your existing breast tissue (the breast and skin envelope covering the breast) to give you a more natural projection. This procedure is often performed alongside a breast augmentation to improve both the size and shape of the breasts.

Whether you have recently lost weight, given birth, or have experienced sagging due to aging, a breast lift is a procedure that places the nipple-areolar complex and the natural breast tissue into a more youthful position.

While this guide may have answered many of your questions, Dr. Reynolds will be able to guide you through the rest of the process and answer any further concerns you might have. Schedule a consultation with us here or call us at (417) 823-9777 and we’ll help you find the way to your new look.