The goals of a breast augmentation are actually quite different than the goals of a breast lift. Before undergoing your own cosmetic surgery, it is important that you understand some of the pros and cons of these two popular procedures so you can make the best choice for your own personal needs.

The Perfect Candidate

Almost any changes to a woman’s weight or hormones will affect the size, shape and position of her breasts. For many women, this takes place immediately following a pregnancy or after breastfeeding multiple children. Other women will gain or lose weight over the years, and this can result in asymmetrical breasts.

While the two sides of our bodies will never be identical, many patients become unhappy with their appearance when their breasts are noticeably different. For these individuals, now is the perfect time to start looking at surgical treatment options.

Breast Lifts

Also known as a mastopexy, a breast lift is carried out to alter the shape and position of the breasts. The actual size of the breasts will not change, and this means most women will not have fuller breasts or more cleavage after a mastopexy. The ideal candidate for a breast lift is a woman who is unhappy with the appearance of her breasts due to drooping tissue or the placement of her nipples. This particular procedure generally results in a subtle change to a woman’s bust line.

Breast Augmentation

This is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, with over 280,000 surgeries carried out every year. Unlike a breast lift, which only changes the position of the breasts, breast augmentation will alter the size of each breast. Patients who are interested in breast augmentation will need to choose between saline and silicone implants.

During your consultation with our surgeon, you will be given a full list of the advantages and disadvantages of each of these substances. You will also be given a closer look at your options for the total size of each implant.

Choosing a Procedure

This is a personal choice that women will have to make after speaking with our surgeon. Typically, patients who want subtle changes to the position of their breasts will benefit from a breast lift. For women who are not experiencing sagging and simply want larger breasts, augmentation might be an ideal choice. The results of both procedures will last for a similar amount of time.

Can They Be Combined?

Yes! Many patients benefit from having both of these treatments carried out at the same time. While the procedure itself might be slightly longer, the results are often better. When the surgeries are combined, the recovery period will likely be no longer than having a single procedure. Our surgeon will also be given more control over the final results as they can make subtle changes to the size, shape and position of each breast.

Learn More Today

Located in Hanover, the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland offers breast lift and breast augmentation procedures for patients seeking to enhance their bust line. During your consultation with us, we can evaluate your breasts and discuss your cosmetic goals. We can then determine which procedure is best for your unique situation. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.