Have you noticed that your breasts don’t look the way they once did? Maybe age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations have left you with sagging tissue and a loss of youthful contour. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted fuller, rounder breasts that better fit your frame. If you have such concerns, you may consider breast surgery.
At Bellevue Plastic Surgeons, Dr. George Marosan, our board-certified plastic surgeon and Total Definer Grand Master, has helped countless women achieve their desired silhouettes. In this article, we break down the distinctions between breast lifts and implants so you can better understand what each option offers and whether a combination of the two may be best.
Primary purpose
Breast lift
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, focuses on improving the position and shape of the breasts. If your breasts sag or your nipples sit lower than you’d like, a lift repositions the tissue and restores a perkier, more youthful contour. The procedure removes excess skin, reshapes the breast mound, and can adjust the nipple-areola complex for better alignment. Importantly, a lift does not increase breast size: it reshapes what you already have.
Breast implants
Breast implants, used in augmentation procedures, aim to increase the size and fullness of the breasts. If your main concern is that your breasts feel too small or have lost volume, implants can give you a more proportional silhouette. With options in size, shape, and type (saline or silicone), implants allow you to customize your look to fit your lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Unlike a lift, breast implants don’t correct sagging; they primarily enhance volume.
Correcting sagging vs. adding volume
Breast lift
A lift is ideal for women who are satisfied with their overall breast size but dislike the appearance of drooping. Sagging often occurs after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or natural aging as skin elasticity decreases. A lift can make bras fit more comfortably, create a firmer look, and reposition nipples so they sit higher on the breast mound.
Breast implants
Implants primarily add fullness. They work best if sagging is mild to nonexistent or if you are combining implants with a lift. If your breasts appear smaller than you’d like or lack upper-pole fullness, implants can provide that boost. Many patients choose implants because they want their clothing to fit differently or they desire a curvier, more balanced figure overall.
Incisions and scarring
Breast lift
Breast lifts involve incisions that vary in size and location depending on the degree of sagging. The most common are around the areola (periareolar), vertically down the breast (lollipop), or combined with an incision under the fold (inverted-T). While scarring is unavoidable, most scars fade significantly over time and are easily hidden under bras or swimsuits.
Breast implants
Implant incisions are usually smaller and can be made in one of three locations: under the breast fold (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (trans-axillary). The inframammary approach is the most common and often heals discreetly. Because the incisions are shorter than lift incisions, scarring with implants alone is usually more limited.
Longevity of results
Breast lift
The results of a breast lift are long-lasting, but they aren’t immune to future aging, weight changes, or pregnancy. Most patients experience improvements for many years before natural aging gradually affects their breast position again. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help extend the results, but age will inevitably take its toll once more.
Breast implants
Implants are also long-lasting, but they may eventually require replacement. On average, implants last 10 to 15 years, but many patients can even keep them in place longer. Newer implant technologies ensure that today’s implants are more durable and natural-feeling than ever before. Regular follow-ups help ensure your implants remain in good condition.
Recovery process
Breast lift
Recovery from a breast lift typically involves one to two weeks of downtime before returning to non-strenuous activities. You may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, but most patients can resume normal routines within a few weeks.
Breast implants
Recovery from implants is often similar or slightly quicker, depending on placement. Most patients can return to desk work within a week, though soreness and tightness in the chest are common. Just like with a lift, strenuous activity is limited for several weeks.
Which breast procedure is right for you?
Deciding between a breast lift and implants comes down to your priorities. If sagging is your main concern, a lift is usually the best option. If you’re primarily interested in increasing size or fullness, implants may be a more suitable option. For many patients, the best results come from combining both procedures, known as augmentation with lift. This combination adds volume with implants while repositioning sagging tissue for a fuller, more youthful contour.
At Bellevue Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Marosan takes the time to listen to your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and create a customized treatment plan. With his advanced training and artistic eye, you can feel confident knowing your results will be natural, balanced, and tailored to your lifestyle. Schedule a consultation in Bellevue, WA, with Dr. Marosan to explore your breast surgery options.
