Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?

For patients considering breast enhancement surgery, understanding the differences between a breast lift and breast augmentation is one of the first and most important steps in choosing the most appropriate procedure for your specific needs and goals. Each offers unique benefits and addresses specific concerns, whether related to the size, shape, or overall appearance of the breasts.

Generally speaking, patients who are satisfied with their breast size but want perkier breasts may be candidates for a breast lift, while those who simply want to add volume to their breasts may find breast implants suitable. At Maglic Plastic Surgery in Draper, UT, Dr. Dino Maglic provides patients with personalized guidance as they decide between breast augmentation vs. lift — or both.

What does a breast lift do?

A breast lift — formally known as a mastopexy — is typically reserved for women experiencing drooping or sagging breasts due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetics. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is tightened to elevate the breasts and nipples to a higher position. The primary goal of a breast lift is to achieve a firmer, perkier appearance.

Who needs a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, on the other hand, is designed for women seeking larger, fuller breasts. This procedure is typically performed using silicone or saline implants, though fat transfer may also be an option. Whether you're looking to enhance your natural breast shape with implants or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation may be an appropriate consideration.

Can breast augmentation plus lift be combined?

For patients who want to address both sagging and volume loss simultaneously, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation is often the most effective approach. This comprehensive procedure allows Dr. Maglic to enhance size while simultaneously lifting and reshaping the breasts to create a youthful, proportionate, and natural-looking result.

Is breast lift recovery shorter than recovery after breast augmentation?

The recovery process varies between a breast lift and breast augmentation, and can also differ from patient to patient. After a breast lift, patients typically experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which subside within a few weeks. Most patients can resume light activities within a week and return to regular exercise after about 4 – 6 weeks. Breast augmentation recovery may involve similar downtime, depending on the implant placement and the patient's overall health. Submuscular placement can lead to more muscle-related soreness compared to subglandular or subfascial techniques. Dr. Maglic provides detailed breast surgery aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and healing, and an ideal outcome.

Are you a candidate for a breast lift, breast augmentation, or both?

Determining the right breast enhancement procedure for you depends largely on your concerns and goals. A breast lift may be the ideal choice if your primary concern is sagging or drooping breasts. However, if you're looking to increase size or restore lost volume, breast augmentation may be more appropriate. For patients seeking a more complete transformation, combining the two procedures can deliver the most dramatic and satisfying results possible. Again, Dr. Maglic and our knowledgeable team will take ample time to discuss your available options and help create a customized surgical plan that aligns with your needs and desired outcome.

Enhance your confidence with personalized breast surgery in Draper, UT

Whether you're looking to achieve a lifted, more youthful contour or enhance your breast size and shape, Dr. Dino Maglic and our team at Maglic Plastic Surgery are here to help. With a personalized approach and advanced techniques, you can feel confident that your unique needs and goals can be met. Schedule your consultation for Draper, UT breast enhancement surgery to learn more about breast lift, breast augmentation —or a combined procedure — and take the first step toward the feminine look you've been dreaming of.