When it comes to enhancing the appearance of your breasts, two popular surgical options are breast augmentation and breast lift (mastopexy). While both procedures aim to enhance breast aesthetics, they address different concerns and yield distinct outcomes. Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed decision about which procedure aligns best with your goals.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance breast size and shape.1 This is typically achieved with implants—either saline or silicone—or, in some cases, with fat transfer from another area of the body.
Patients often choose breast augmentation to:
- Increase volume and projection
- Improve symmetry between breasts
- Restore fullness lost due to weight changes or pregnancy
- Enhance the balance between the breasts and hips
Types of Breast Implants:
- Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the shell leaks, the saline is safely absorbed and expelled by the body.2
- Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue.
What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that elevates sagging or deflated breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.3 This is a common solution for women experiencing changes due to aging, pregnancy, gravity, or fluctuations in weight.
Benefits of a breast lift include:
- Raising breasts to a more youthful position
- Improving symmetry
- Reducing and repositioning the areola
- Tightening the tissue for a firmer contour
While results are immediate, final shape and positioning continue to settle in the months following surgery. Scars are permanent but typically fade significantly over time.
Can Breast Augmentation & Lift Be Combined?
Many patients—especially those who’ve experienced pregnancy or significant weight loss—benefit from a combined procedure known as augmentation mastopexy.4 This approach enhances both volume and lift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.5 It’s common for breast lifts performed alone to result in a decrease of approximately one half to one full cup size. When combined with implants, however, volume is restored while also addressing sagging or asymmetry.
Making Your Decision: The Importance of Consultation
Selecting the right procedure is a personal decision and should be made with the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will:
- Discuss your goals and review your medical history6
- Assess skin quality, breast volume, and tissue laxity
- Explain surgical options and what to expect
- Review potential risks and set realistic expectations
- Emphasize pre-operative steps, such as smoking cessation, to support healing
A comprehensive consultation ensures you’re empowered with the information needed to make a confident choice.
Learn More About Your Breast Surgery Options
At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to helping you achieve results that enhance your self-image and boost your confidence. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore the best path for your unique aesthetic journey.
Sources
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Augmentation. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation. Accessed July 9, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What types of breast implants are available? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants. Accessed July 9, 2025.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Lift. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-lift. Accessed July 9, 2025.
4 Cleveland Clinic. Mastopexy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23298-breast-lift. Accessed July 9, 2025.
5 PRS Global Open. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7647657/. Accessed July 9, 2025.
6 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Augmentation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11024-breast-augmentation. Accessed July 9, 2025.