Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift: Which Is Right for You?

My Columbia patients often choose breast augmentation surgery with implants for its ability to reshape their bodies and boost their confidence. Breast augmentation is equally popular with my Baltimore area patients and women around the country. Although many women want to increase the size of their breasts with implants, they may also struggle with loose, saggy skin that should be corrected with breast lift surgery.

Choosing the right breast enhancement procedure is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs, and you may be unsure of which approach would work best for your unique situation. Both breast augmentation and breast lift surgery create satisfying, flattering results. But when choosing between procedures—and deciding if you should combine them—there are a few things to keep in mind.

What are all the benefits of breast augmentation?

The main goal of breast augmentation is to increase the size and fullness of the breasts. The procedure works by placing breast implants directly under the breast tissue or behind the pectoral muscle wall. Surgery can correct the “deflated” look that often develops after pregnancy or help small breasts look more proportional with the rest of the body. Breast implants create a beautiful, feminine boost that you can enjoy for years to come.

How much does a breast lift help?

As the name suggests, breast lift surgery is used to raise sagging breasts and create a more youthful, lifted appearance. The procedure removes excess skin and places the breast higher along the chest wall. These adjustments correct droopiness related to weight loss, breastfeeding, or age. It also relieves mild neck and back pain caused by the heavy weight of sagging breast tissue. It is so effective at lifting the breasts that the procedure earned a 94% “Worth It” rating on RealSelf from women who’ve had the procedure.

The Solution for Many: Combining Procedures

Often, women turn to breast enhancement surgery to address multiple issues at once. Many issues—such as sagging and “deflating” after breastfeeding—overlap between the two procedures. Because of this, combining a breast lift with implants frequently creates the best results. With combined breast augmentation and breast lift surgery, the lost volume is restored and excess skin is removed, helping you reclaim a curvier, more youthful shape.

Combining procedures provides other perks, too, such as lower costs and less recovery time. Browse our before-and-after gallery to see examples of real results from my own patients.

If you’re ready to explore your breast enhancement options at a highly regarded Columbia, MD, plastic surgery practice, please request a consultation online. You can also contact either of my two convenient offices by phone at (410) 884-4200 (Ellicott City) or (410) 751-2348 (Westminster).