There are many factors to consider when choosing between breast lift surgery and breast implants. Despite having similar purposes, these very different procedures can bring dramatic results, each with pros and cons since one size does not fit all.
This article compares the two procedures to help you understand the best scenario for your surgical needs.

Understanding Breast Lift

The Belvedere Clinic

Leading experts in cosmetic surgery and breast surgery for over 35 years.

Breast ptosis (sagging breasts) is common in aging women, those who have given birth, and those who have lost weight or inherited the genres. A lift is a reasonable procedure to address these “imperfections.”
A breast lift is a corrective procedure meant to restore a more youthful bosom appearance by raising the breasts. This corrective process reorganizes the breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. It can help solve;

nipples pointing down
nipples stretched out or elongated, and
soft breasts

Ptosis occurs when the breast or its position changes. The nipple test is one method that can help determine the extent of drooping breasts.
There are three types of breast lift surgeries. Your choice should be influenced by the extent of your ptosis.

Note: A breast lift has no implants but the procedure will make your breasts perkier.

The Periareolar incision makes the most of your natural anatomy and is typically best for large areolas and minimal breast sagging.
The vertical breast reduction approach involves an elliptical incision that starts from the bottom of the areola, passes across the areola (similar to the periareolar method), and extends down from the areola. This incision allows for a greater lift when moderate drooping is common.
The inverted-T incision doesn’t deviate much from the two approaches above since it includes an incision within the breast fold. However, you get a maximum breast lift.

Breast lifts are not entirely permanent. You can go for touch-ups or additional surgeries after 2 to 3 years.

Who Needs A Breast Lift

Healthy mothers no longer having kids and want to lift drooping breasts after breastfeeding due to loss of shape and volume.
Healthy women with unpleasant nipple location.
Healthy women with naturally sagging breasts who want to raise them to a higher and firmer position.
Healthy women who experience irritation due to chaffing on their skin below the breasts.

Understanding Breast Implants

Breast implants take care of breast size and shape. You can choose breast augmentation surgery if you want a larger, more proportioned, or symmetrical breast size. Do not expect to alter the position of your breast when undergoing breast augmentation.

So, breast augmentation solves two issues:

The size of the breasts
The fullness of the breasts

There are three types of breast implants:

Saline
Traditional silicone gel
Highly cohesive, form-stable silicone gel

Each of these procedures has its benefits and demerits. For starters, all patients must be over 18 years old. Younger patients can only have saline implants and qualify for silicone once they turn 22.

Saline Implants

Saline are a good choice if you have ample breast tissue. The reason is that they can add volume and shape without altering or compromising the feel of the breasts.
The good news is that you can achieve an equally natural look with saline implants if your breasts have enough tissue. Your body can also safely absorb saline components should it leak or ruptures inside your breast.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are more expensive, complex and require a larger incision than other implants. However, they have a more natural feel and are the best choice if you have very little natural breast tissue. To fit well, silicone implants come prefilled and take up more incision space than saline implants.

Highly cohesive, form-stable silicone gel

This implant looks like gummy bears and is quite similar to traditional silicone. Their form-stable filling material sets them apart, making them less likely to ripple inside the pocket. It also comes in several shapes and sizes. The highly cohesive, form-stable silicone gel is popular among patients undergoing breast reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer treatment.
Before the plastic surgery, you surgeon will highlight the concerns and assess your anatomical characteristics, personal preferences, and aesthetic goals. Besides that, keep these in mind.

Incision

The incisions options for breast augmentation are:

Inframammary takes place below the fold of your breast
Trans-axillary takes place inside your armpit
Periareolar goes around your nipple

Proportions

Keep it reasonable when picking the size and the shape of your implants. Choosing more than two cup sizes is going overboard and will likely overwhelm your general appearance.
There are three popular approaches to placing breast implants.

The sub-glandular, which is no longer advisable.
The sub-muscular technique is ideal for patients with little breast tissue (so they make the implant less conspicuous)
The sub-fascial approach combines the merits of the sub-muscular procedure with manageable pain during your recover

Who Needs a Breast Implant?

Healthy women who have lost weight, stopped breastfeeding, or lost breast shape and volume.
Healthy women who prefer bigger cup sizes and/or volume of their breasts.
Healthy women with asymmetrical breast tissue.
Healthy women with centrally positioned nipples.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Implants

The merits include:

Proportions – You get to pick a size and shape that suits your body. Your only limit is the availability of the implants.

Safety – Generally, implants are safe, considering years of testing already carried out, especially with different types of implants.

Longevity – Although breast implants don’t last forever, 20 years is long enough before you can worry about replacing them (if you don’t experience side effects). Plus, replacement is less strenuous than the original implantation.

Cost – Implants are not as expensive as fat grafting, but it might be if you consider the cost of replacement, should you choose to replace them and not remove them entirely.
The demits include:

Recovery time – New implants will put you on bed rest for about three to four weeks before you can resume normal activities and exercise.

Look – It takes an excellent surgeon, quality implants, and a strict recovery routine to achieve the desired outcome. Lacking any of these can send you back under the knife for corrective procedure.

Dangers – All surgeries come with risks, especially when performed under general anesthesia. The risk of implant rupture or deflation is small, but increases as the implants age.

Scars – Breast augmentation results in small and inconspicuous scars in the incision sites. Scars take about a year to a year and a half to fully heal and fade. Initially, they may turn red but they improve as days go by.

Breast Implant FAQs?

Do breast implants go over or under the muscle?

The “over-the-muscle” position is optimal for women who plan to breastfeed in the future or who want flatter and less profile chest. This position reduces the active movement of the breast implant during regular activities and gives a more natural look.

Which brand choice is the best for breast implants?

There are several quality implants on the market. Your choice will ultimately narrow down to preference and cost.

What is the most popular breast implant?

The most common breast implant size is between 350–500 cc. You should discuss the best size for your body type with your plastic surgery London surgeon or any other to determine a volume that will fit your body type to achieve natural looking-breasts.

How often should I replace my breast implants?

The average replacement implant surgery usually takes place between 15 to 20 years after the original implant surgery, and if you haven’t experienced any symptoms or complications. However, expect a faster recovery and less discomfort after replacement implant surgery.

Can I experience breast implant displacement?

Displacement is one of the most common complications after breast implant surgery, in which the implants move from their original position, inward or outward. When this happens, arrange for a review with your surgeon.

Which Procedure is Advisable: Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?

While breast augmentation will increase the size and shape of your bust, it will not correct drooping breasts. On the other hand, a breast lift will address this problem through breast repositioning procedures that can dramatically change the appearance of your bust contour.
Either method is advisable, depending on what you seek to correct. The only difference is the procedure, recovery time, and cost. For complete satisfaction, you can go for both surgeries (augmentation/pexy) to get upper breast fullness together with repositioning sagging breasts and nipple areas.

Ultimately, a breast lift is less invasive and more natural than implant surgery; best of all, it preserves the natural feel of your breasts.

Note: If you have small breasts, you are still prone to losing elevation and lift. Therefore, combining both procedures can further improve the appearance of your chest. Because both procedures are invasive, you must undergo a breast imaging exam at least once in 3 years, according to the FDA.

Genetically, some people’s skins are likely to hold better than others after invasive surgery. However, ensure you invest in a properly fitted bra for vital support during and after your recovery. This is because engaging in vigorous activities can negate the gains of breast surgery without a supportive bra.

When making a major decision about the future of your body, it’s vital to get the facts and weigh your options before moving forward. Belvedere Clinic cosmetic surgeons can work with you to help you understand your aesthetic goals, create a treatment plan, and guide you during every step toward the body you’ve always wanted.

Conclusion

At Belvedere Clinic, we administer FDA-approved breast lift and implant plastic surgeries safely and professionally. We’ll use your medical history as part of your initial evaluation to ensure we can provide you with the safest, most effective surgery. Get a free appraisal at our cosmetic surgery London branch today.