“I need a boob job” is something we hear all the time. But it’s not quite as simple as that. There’s not just one surgical procedure that can enhance the look, shape, symmetry, profile, height and feel of the breasts. Breach enhancement surgery can come in the form of a breast lift, breast implants or a combination of the two, with each procedure better suited to achieving different goals.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between the two procedures and discuss the advantages, costs and recovery time of each. We also look at the results you can achieve by combining a breast lift with implants in the same procedure.
Breast lift vs. implants: What’s the difference?
Breast Lift
A breast lift or breast uplift, known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to lift sagging or drooping breasts and give them a more youthful appearance, often after pregnancy. The procedure does not involve any implants at all. Instead, the surgeon will reshape and lift your breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding skin and tissue. They will also move your nipple into a higher position.
A breast lift doesn’t make your breasts bigger or increase your cup size like breast implants, but it does improve sagging, give them a more youthful contour and correct any mild asymmetry due to pregnancy, age or illness. The result is more subtle than breast implants. It’s like turning back the clock to a time when your breasts were firm and perky.
A breast uplift might be the best option if you have:
- Drooping or sagging breasts
- Uneven breasts
- Excess or loose skin around the breasts
- Breast asymmetry
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Signs of ageing
Breast implants
If you want bigger breasts, breast augmentation, known as an augmentation mammoplasty, is the procedure to choose. It uses implants to create fuller-looking breasts, increase the cup size, enhance the projection and give you more volume at the top of the breast.
When performing breast augmentation, the surgeon will make an incision under the fold of the breast (inframammary), in the armpit (trans-axillary) or around the nipple (periareolar). At Enhance Medical Group, we prefer to use the inflammatory incision technique, as it provides excellent access to the breast tissue, has the least chance of complications and hides the scars from the procedure.
You also have to think about the size, shape and type of implant. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you and consider factors such as your body form, chest wall shape and goals to help you achieve a result you are happy with.
Breast implants might be the best option if you have:
- Small breasts
- Breasts that are of different sizes
- Breasts that are disproportionate to the rest of the body
- A lack of fullness after pregnancy or weight loss
- Breasts that sag a little
The two procedures provide different benefits so you can combine them very effectively. The implants add volume and shape while the breast lift addresses stretched skin and sagging. Having both procedures is popular after pregnancy, as it addresses both the deflation of the breast that often occurs after breastfeeding and the sagging caused by the extra weight of the boobs.
You can combine the procedures in a single surgery. The benefit is that it’s just as safe as a single surgery but the recovery time is shorter than if you had the two surgeries separately.
Breast lift vs. implants recovery
Breast lift recovery time
There’s not a huge amount of difference between the recovery time for a breast lift and an augmentation. Generally speaking, a breast lift takes a little longer to recover from due to the larger incisions. After a breast lift, you’ll likely need two weeks off work and your breasts will be quite sore, particularly for that first week. By the end of the second week, you should be able to move normally and by week four, you can resume light exercise. By week six, you should be fully healed.
Breast augmentation recovery time
Breast augmentation is a less invasive surgery, so your recovery should be quicker and a little less painful. You will probably be sore for up to a week but you might be able to return to work after week one. You should still limit your activity for up to a month after the procedure but you can expect to be fully healed after between four and six weeks.
As part of our aftercare service, your surgeon will closely monitor your recovery and provide tailored advice based on your progress. We also provide a 24-hour emergency contact number that you can use in the unlikely event that you have any complications or concerns.
Breast lift vs. implants cost
At Enhance Medical Group, the cost of breast augmentation surgery starts at £4,250, compared to £5,950 for a breast uplift. The extra cost of a breast lift is due to the nature of the surgery.
Performing a breast lift is a more complex procedure and usually takes longer to complete. It also requires more skill, as the surgeon has to remove tissue from the breasts and lift them into a higher position. A breast lift may also be a longer-term investment, as you can enjoy the results for up to 15 years. Breast implants typically last at least 10 years, although for many patients they can last longer.
Breast lift vs. augmentation consultation
Every patient has an initial consultation with one of our highly qualified and fully licensed surgeons. If you’re unsure, they will help you decide which procedure is the right choice for you based on your anatomy and goals.
As part of the consultation, your surgeon will also evaluate your general health status, including any pre-existing conditions or risk factors. They will then examine and measure your breasts and take photographs for your medical records.
In a breast augmentation pre-assessment, you will be able to choose the size, type and profile of the implant and your surgeon will provide recommendations and discuss the results you can expect. In a breast uplift consultation, your surgeon will measure your breasts, assess their shape and nipple position and mark where they’ll make their incisions on your breasts
Which should I choose?
The right procedure for you depends on the results you want to achieve. If you want bigger breasts, implants are the best option, but if you’re worried about sagging breasts, opt for a breast lift. If you have uneven breasts, you have several options. You could enlarge both breasts using different-sized implants or use a breast lift so the breasts hang evenly. These are all things we will discuss during your free consultation.
Find out more about breast surgery with Enhance Medical Group, including breast enlargement and a breast lift, and then get in touch to arrange a free consultation with our team.