Breast lift and breast augmentation are aesthetic surgical procedures that are used to change the appearance, shape and size of breasts. These surgeries are considered for various reasons including aesthetic preferences, to improve confidence and for reconstructive purposes after weight loss or pregnancies. Although this is a very popular surgery many questions still arise regarding breast lift and breast augmentation.

What is the difference between a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation ?

Many of those who are planning for breast enhancement surgery still are not aware of the difference between breast lift and breast augmentation. Breast lift is aimed to raise and firm the breasts without essentially increasing their size while breast augmentation aims to increase the size of breast by using implants to make them look more fuller. Before going into the differences between them it is essential to know the proper definitions of these two surgeries.

What is a Breast Lift ?

A breast lift, medically termed as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that is used to correct the malpositioning of nipples at or below the inframammary fold also known as breast ptosis. This is performed on patients who want to change the shape and appearance of their sagging breasts by raising them to make it more firmer and aesthetically more pleasing.

What happens in a Breast lift ?

Breast ptosis can be attributed to a number of issues that happen gradually as a woman ages. Over the years the natural elasticity of breast tissues decrease due to loss of proteins like collagen and elastin. Gravity also adds to this by pulling the breast downwards. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight gain and weight loss are other factors that can cause the change in shape and size of breast tissues.
Breast lift surgery is used to address these issues. During the surgery, incisions are made on the breasts according to the lift technique and excess skin is removed. The breast tissues are reshaped and lifted and the nipples and areolas are moved to a more higher position on the chest. The size of the areolas can also be reduced if the patient wishes. The incisions are then closed. The recovery varies among patients however they are advised to avoid strenuous activities until the breast tissues are fully healed.

What are the risks of Breast Lift surgery ?

As with any surgical procedure, there are a few complications associated with breast lift surgery. There are chances of infection at the incision site, but this can be usually managed with antibiotics. Bleeding or hematoma can also occur after a breast lift. This might require additional surgery to drain the blood. One might experience change in sensation like numbness, tingling and increased sensitivity in the breasts or nipples. This might gradually decrease over time or may cause permanent change. Another common issue is scarring. The extent and visibility of scarring depends on the surgical technique and individual healing patterns.

What is Breast Augmentation ?

Breast augmentation, medically termed as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is used to enhance the size, shape and fullness of the breasts by placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. This is considered as one of the most famous plastic surgery options worldwide as it helps to boost confidence, regain lost breast volume and to increase the overall aesthetic appearance.

Types of Breast Implants used for Breast Augmentation.

There are mainly two types of implants used for breast augmentation surgeries.
Saline implants are filled with different amounts of sterile salt water depending on the size, shape and the feel of the breasts. Silicone implants on the hand are filled with a silicone gel and it might feel more like natural breasts. The choice of the implant is entirely depending on personal preferences and medical advice.

How is Breast Augmentation Performed ?

Breast Augmentation is performed by making an incision either under the breast (inframammary), around the nipples (periareolar) or under the arms (transaxillary). Once the incision is made, the breast tissue is separated from the muscles and connective tissues in the chest making a pocket behind or in front of the pectoral muscles. The implant is inserted into this pocket and is positioned behind the nipple. After this, the incision is closed by sutures. Swelling and soreness of the breast is common after the surgery.

What are the risks of Breast Augmentation surgery ?

The most common risks associated with breast augmentation surgery are asymmetry, breast pain, leakage of the implant, delayed healing, infection, irritation, enlargement of the lymph nodes, necrosis etc. One of the major risks identified with use of breast implants is a form of cancer called Breast Implant Associated- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It occurs in the scar tissue around the breast. Surgery is required to remove the implant and the cancerous tissue. It is always essential to carry out routine checkups with your healthcare team.

Longevity of Results

Breast lifts can typically last for years if a healthy lifestyle is maintained. However natural aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding and gravity can affect breast position and contour and eventually lead to sagging. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can prolong longevity.
Breast augmentation can also last a long time but it depends on the type of implant, lifestyle and weight changes. Additionally implants might need to be replaced after a while due to issues like leakage or if the patient requires a change in preference.

Why combine breast lift with breast augmentation ?

One of the most common concerns of a patient while doing breast enhancement surgeries is whether to do a breast lift, breast augmentation or to combine them. Breast augmentation increases the size of the breasts but does not address issues like sagging, uneven breast positioning, stretched nipples and so on. Breast lift, however, solves these issues by removing excess skin, tightening tissue, and repositioning the nipples. But, lifts alone cannot increase the breast volume. However, patients who adopt both these surgeries can obtain the best of both; an improved breast shape with more fullness and youthful look.

Another advantage of combining breast augmentation and a breast lift is that patients are likely to experience a quicker recovery period than if each treatment were performed separately.

It is also important to note the additional risks like longer surgery time, increased scarring and other complications that are associated with both the methods.

What is the cost of Breast Surgery in India ?

The cost of breast lift and breast augmentation in India can change depending on the location, the cosmetic surgeon, the type of implant used, hospital facilities, the extensiveness of the surgery etc. The cost of breast lift or mastopexy alone is an average of 1 lakh to 2 lakhs while breast augmentation alone can cost about 1 lakh 50 thousand to 3 lakhs depending on the breast implant. A combined breast lift and breast augmentation can cost up to 4 lakhs.

In conclusion

Breast enhancement surgeries, such as a breast lift, augmentation, or a combination of the two, provide women with a safe and effective approach to regain shape, symmetry, and confidence. Modern surgical techniques and innovative implants have made these treatments more precise, natural-looking, and durable than ever before.

Breast operations, when performed by a trained and experienced plastic surgeon, have high success and satisfaction rates, allowing women to feel more natural, confident, and beautiful in their own flesh.

Finally, breast surgery is about more than just improving your looks; it's about boosting your self-esteem and restoring harmony between how you seem and how you feel. With the right care, realistic expectations, and post-surgical care, you can have results that look and feel completely natural for years to come.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, increases breast size and volume using implants. A lift improves position, while augmentation enhances fullness.

2. Who is an ideal candidate for a breast lift or augmentation?
You may be a good candidate if you are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by sagging, loss of shape due to breastfeeding, or small breast size. Women who have experienced changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding weight loss, or aging often benefit most.

3. Can a breast lift and augmentation be done together?
Yes, it is possible. Many women choose to combine both procedures. A breast lift combined with augmentation restores youthful firmness, shape, and volume in a single surgery, reducing recovery time and providing balanced results.

4. Will there be visible scars after a breast lift or augmentation?
Some scarring is inevitable after a breast lift due to incisions, but they usually fade significantly over time. For augmentation alone, scars are minimal and often hidden under the breast fold, around the areola, or in the armpit.