Due to aging and the forces of gravity, many women are looking for ways to improve the lift and shape of their breasts. Some women can experience a change in breast shape or size after breastfeeding; losing volume or perkiness. Others may have breasts that are underdeveloped, or never developed proportionally.
If you find yourself in any of these categories, it can take a toll on your self confidence and make finding clothes that fit and look fabulous extremely difficult.
The good news is, this is fixable! But you need to make sure you get the right treatment for the right circumstance.
Choosing between a breast lift and breast implants can be a matter of confusion. We get questions all the time from women who are unsure of which treatment will bring them the best results. In this article, we'll explain each procedure so you can get a better idea of which treatment might be best to fit your needs.
Breast Lift vs. Breast Implants: Which is Best?
The truth is, both are very different from each other. Which procedure is best depends on the patient and the results they are looking to achieve. More than likely, you have specific results in mind, and you deserve to have the breasts you want.
What Is a Breast Implant?
A breast implant is a silicone rubber shell filled with either a cohesive gel or sterile salt water. Implants are used to enhance breast size and shape and require a surgical procedure to do so.
You can learn more about the safest types of implants here.
The Breast Implant Surgery
The breast implant procedure is usually performed as an outpatient surgery that lasts 1-2 hours.General anesthesia is most commonly used so you don't experience any pain during the surgery.
There are several incisions and implant placement options available to patients, and you should discuss those with your doctor before making a decision. Incision sites will depend on the placement and type of implant you choose, along with your personal preference.
Surgical incisions can be done:
- Below the breast
- Around the nipple
- Near the armpit
- In the navel
Surgery scars can be easily concealed with all of these methods, and a qualified plastic surgeon will have the ability to use as many of these techniques as needed to meet your individual needs.
Incisions for pre-filled, silicone implants are slightly larger than those of inflatable saline implants.
Breast implants are placed under your breast tissue, and the location of the placement can affect the final results and your recovery time. Choosing placement should be a decision you make with your surgeon, who will be able to recommend placement based on your desired results, the type of implant, your body, and your activity level.
Implants can be placed:
- Above the pectoral muscle
- Below the pectoral muscle
- Partially beneath the muscle
The Best Candidates for Breast Implants
Breast implants are for women who want to improve the shape of their breasts, restore lost volume, or gain a balanced figure with breasts that are proportionate to the body. If you're looking for some additional cleavage or want to have fuller breasts, implants may be the right option for you.
Patients must be at least 18 years old to get a saline implant, and at least 21 to get a silicone implant. Without additional procedures, breast implants will not correct sagging or reposition the nipples.
The Results from Breast Implants
Breast implants provide immediate results. However, the final results may take 3-6 months to realize.
Implants will increase size, create firmer breasts, and improve the shape. The results from silicone implants have a natural feel to them, but there will be a difference in the way your breasts feel immediately after surgery, compared to months later after the muscles and tissues relax and return to normal.
Read More: Recover From Breast Implants Article
Breast implants do have a limited lifespan, and the saline or traditional silicone implants may leak. While there is no real safety issue with either type of breast implants, you may be interested in reading about safety issues regarding breast implants here.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is an alternative to a traditional breast implant, but it targets a different set of needs and produces different results. This surgical procedure does include repositioning and may provide additional cleavage, but it doesn't increase the breast size on its own.
If fuller breasts are desired, an implant can be done in conjunction with the breast lift procedure.
The Breast Lift Operation
Breast lifts can be performed in several ways, and the option you choose will depend on the extent of a lift you desire. This procedure is usually an outpatient surgeryand may last a couple hours. General anesthesia is the most common option, but intravenous sedation is available for those who choose not to be under general anesthesia.
The incision site will depend on the degree of your lift and your personal preference. Your doctor will be able to discuss your expectations and help you decide on the best method.
Surgical incisions can be done:
- Around the nipple
- Vertically, from the nipple to the crease
- In the breast crease
Breast lifts do involve surgery scars that will be more visible than getting breast implants. With that in mind, you want to choose a highly qualified surgeon who can produce the best, natural results possible.
Your breast lift procedure will include lifting and removing excess skin and tissue to lift the breasts. The skin is then tightened around the breast to improve the shape. Underlying breast tissue may be reshaped as well.
The nipple areola will be elevated to the breast fold providing a perkier look.
The Best Candidates for Breast Lifts
Breast lifts are for women who have sagging or drooping breasts, when the nipple, areola, and/or lower breast tissue have dropped below the breast crease. Age, fluctuation in body weight, and nursing can all cause the breasts to sag and the skin to lose its elasticity.
If gravity is taking its toll on your breasts, surgery is the only way to restore the youthful look and feel along with a perkier position. While many of Dr. Fan's breast lift patients achieve the improved shape and projection associated with breast implants, breast lifts are not a way to increase breast size.
Age isn't necessarily a factor for breast lifts like it is for breast implants, but it's important that you're healthy and your breasts are fully developed before getting a breast lift procedure. No matter your age, it's best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who will honestly tell you if a breast lift is a goof fit for you.
The Results for Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lifts provide better shape, toning, and elevation of the nipple and areola for a more natural look. Your breasts will look younger, be perkier, and feel firmer. Breast asymmetry may also be corrected if needed. The longevity of the breast lift procedure depends on several factors.
Longevity Factors:
- Skin elasticity
- Tissue firmness
- Need for additional procedures
- Technique and talent of your surgeon
Gravity will still take its toll on your breasts over time, and you may need to consider another procedure down the road. Poor skin elasticity and lack of firmness will shorten the duration of your results.
Vertical breast lifts provide the best breast projection and have longer lasting results.
Combining Breast Implants with Breast Lifts?
In some cases, combining breast implants with a breast lift is needed to produce the best results.
If your breasts are sagging, and you're also hoping to replace lost volume or increase size, talk to your doctor about the possibility of having both procedures done. The increase of your breast size may benefit from the added support of a breast lift and by repositioning the nipple and areola, you can get more natural looking results.
It's important that you choose the procedure that is right for you and your individual needs. Consulting with a trusted plastic surgeon is the best way to decide if breast implants or a breast lift will produce the results you want.
To see some of the results you should expect from either, or both, of these procedures, check out these before and after photos of some of Dr. Fan's procedures. You can also get a free, virtual consultation here and have more of your questions answered.
