Breast Implants vs Breast Lift Surgery: Which is Right for You?

Do you need a breast augmentation with implants or breast lift surgery?

A common misconception is that breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are one and the same. This is not the case, and the procedures differ vastly in what they can offer a patient.

In truth, a boob job in the generic sense is to enlarge the breasts with silicone implants. However, breast lift surgery is an entirely different type of breast rejuvenation surgery.

In this week’s blogs we examine the two most popular types of breast surgery – breast augmentation using silicone breast implants and mastopexy (breast lift surgery).

What are the different types of breast rejuvenation surgery?

Generally speaking, breast rejuvenation surgery falls into two camps: augmentation to increase or reduce size, or uplift surgery to lift the breasts.

The most popular form of breast surgery is breast enlargement, which uses silicone implants and/or fat transfer to boost the size and shape of the breasts. Contrastingly, mastopexy is designed to lift the breasts. Hence the term breast lift surgery.

In some cases an implant will also be used in mastopexy procedures to provide volume. However, for those women seeking an uplift procedure, an augmentation with implants alone is rarely enough.

How do you know which breast rejuvenation surgery is suitable?

A one on one consultation is an ideal way to determine which type of breast rejuvenation surgery is most suitable. During a consultation your plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns and examine the breasts to provide his/her opinion.

The aim of the consultation is to make sure you’re a candidate for either breast lift surgery or breast augmentation, and to make sure your goals are realistic. You will then be told to take some time to consider your options and make a choice based on the information given.

You plastic surgeon will provide you with realistic expectations of what can be achieved with cosmetic surgery, as well as the risks and complications you should consider before committing to undergoing breast rejuvenation surgery.

Who is a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?

A breast augmentation is designed to add volume to the breasts, boosting the size with silicone breast implants. It’s suitable for women that wish to change the size of their breasts, but isn’t recommended for women that have sagging breasts, or wish to reduce the size of their breasts. In this instance a breast reduction is more likely to be suitable.

Who is a candidate for mastopexy or breast lift surgery?

Mastopexy is designed to lift the breasts into a more youthful position. Often older women choose this type of breast surgery. It’s also common amongst women that have breast fed or found their breasts have sagged as a result of pregnancy. Weight loss is another common factor for choosing breast uplift surgery.

This type of breast rejuvenation is intended to reposition the breasts, and may or may not include the use of silicone implants. Every patient should be offered a bespoke treatment plan that caters to their specific concerns.

More information

If you would like to find out more about any of the rejuvenative breast procedures offered by Mr Gary Ross please contact us. You can use the contact form or call the clinic directly.

Booking a consultation is the best course of action if you wish to discuss your concerns specifically with Mr Ross.

What to ask at a breast rejuvenation surgery consultation

The important questions to ask before undergoing breast rejuvenation surgery

If you are considering breast rejuvenation surgery the first step you’ll be making is booking a consultation. Mr Gary Ross is a leading breast surgery expert, consulting in Manchester.

In this week’s blog he reveals nine questions you should ask before deciding on cosmetic surgery, most specifically breast rejuvenation surgery.

How will this procedure benefit me?

It’s important you ask for the details of what your chosen procedure can do for you, especially when it comes to breast rejuvenation surgery. What are the benefits of undergoing a breast augmentation or breast uplift procedure? Ask how the cosmetic procedure will benefit you personally.

Is this cosmetic procedure right for me?

Not all breast rejuvenation procedures will be suitable, so it’s important to make sure the surgery you choose is right for your specific needs. If you want to lift sagging breasts a breast augmentation alone is unlikely to be enough. Be clear in discussing your goals and what you want to achieve before committing to a procedure.

Discuss your concerns and what you want to achieve honestly, and don’t be afraid to ask whether breast rejuvenation surgery is suitable for you in the context of your life and plans for the future.

How much will this cost in total?

All procedures cost different amounts; a breast reduction will not cost the same as a breast enlargement with fat transfer. Always be clear on the overall cost of treatment. Don’t forget this cost should include hospital fees and the time of an anaesthesiologist as well as your plastic surgeon.

Who will perform my surgery?

It’s perfectly reasonable to ask who will be performing your surgery. Patients often find at chain clinics that the person they consult with is not then the person performing the surgery. Ask who specifically will be performing your breast rejuvenation surgery.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

Asking how you can best prepare for surgery is a good way to make sure you have the best experience possible. You should be prepared to give up smoking and consider other health factors in advance of breast rejuvenation surgery.

What happens during my surgery?

It’s a good idea to ask more about what the surgery entails. Research your procedure and take some questions to your consultation if there’s any specifics you’d like to know. It’s an invasive form of surgery, so it’s important you understand what your chosen breast rejuvenation surgery involves.

What happens after my surgery?

Knowing what to expect after a cosmetic procedure is part of the process when it comes to safe surgery. Be aware of what you will need to do regarding leaving hospital and recovering at home. Ask about taking time off, how to care for your surgical scars, and when you’ll be required to revisit for check ups.

What is the recovery like?

In some cases breast rejuvenation surgery can require some weeks off work. Asking how the recovery will affect your day to day life is important so you can plan around the down time. This is a good time to ask about healing and pain management too.

What happens if I’m unhappy with the results?

It’s quite rare for a patient to be unhappy with the results of cosmetic breast surgery, but in this event it’s good to know where you stand. Ask your surgeon about the risks and complications of surgery, as well as what to do if you’re unsatisfied with the results.

Get in touch

For more information on planning your breast rejuvenation surgery please contact the team. You can book a consultation here if you wish to discuss your needs with Mr Ross.