Breast enhancements are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures on the market today. That being said, there are often a lot of misconceptions around each procedure and exactly what they provide to our patients. Today, Dr. Philpott wants to explain the differences between a breast lift and a breast augmentation, so you know exactly what you can expect during each procedure.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation
To understand if a breast lift can be done without implants, we first have to go over what a breast lift is in comparison to a breast augmentation.
A breast lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure in which excess skin around the breast is removed so the breast can be moved to a higher, more youthful position on the chest. A traditional breast lift does not add onto or take away from the volume of your breasts, rather it simply lifts them for a more shapely and perky appearance.
A breast augmentation, on the other hand, adds volume to the breasts to enhance their overall size and shape. Breast augmentation typically involves the use of silicone or saline breast implants, but can also be performed using body fat transfer techniques. A breast augmentation may give the breasts a lifted appearance because of the added volume, but does not remove skin or tissue to provide a lift.
Can a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation be Done Together?
Yes, a breast lift and a breast augmentation can absolutely be performed together. This is where a lot of the misconceptions of each procedures comes about. Combining a breast lift with a breast augmentation can ensure the patient gets the benefit of upper fullness with the help of saline or silicone breast implants, while getting the benefits of a lifted chest thanks to removal of excess skin during the breast lift portion of the procedure.
That being said, not all patients who want one breast enhancement procedure needs to undergo the second. For example, a patient who just desires their breasts to be lifted does not have to add extra volume to her chest with a breast augmentation as well. The patient can simply improve the position of the breasts without adding volume with implants.
Inversely, a patient can also simply enhance the size of their breasts without lifting them higher in the event they are already at a desired position on the body. A breast augmentation and a breast lift often complement each other, but it is not required to undergo both procedures to produce your desired results.
If you’re interested in learning more about breast lift or breast augmentation surgery, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Philpott today. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, discuss your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you reach all of our aesthetic goals. In light of recent events, we are also offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered in the comfort and convenience of your very own home.
