Breast Lift vs. Implants: Which Is Right for Me?

If you’ve noticed that your breasts don’t look as perky as you would prefer, whether as a result of aging, weight loss, or other circumstances, you may be searching for cosmetic surgery options that could address the problem.

Procedures that address how breasts look are very common throughout the country, with cosmetic surgeons having performed 306,196 augmentations and 153,616 breast lifts in 2024.

It’s not always easy to decide on the surgical procedure that can suit your needs best. When considering breast lift vs. implants, everything from your aesthetic goals to your body type can make a difference. Learn more about breast enhancements and which option may be most appropriate for you.

What Is a Breast Lift?

Understanding a breast lift procedure can help you decide whether it’s the best option for your goals. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that elevates and reshapes sagging breasts.

It repositions the nipples to a more natural and youthful location and can even reduce areola size. Sagging breasts are the result of volume loss and excess skin, so a lift helps to remove this extra tissue.

A breast lift procedure can be combined with an augmentation or breast reduction or can be performed on its own, making it a versatile option for those who would like to improve breast shape.

What Is a Breast Augmentation Surgery?

A breast augmentation involves the use of breast implants to improve breast size and shape. It typically involves inserting saline or silicone implants under your chest muscle or breast tissue. In some cases, it’s also possible to perform a fat transfer to accomplish the augmentation procedure.

To place the implants, your surgeon can make incisions below the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. Saline implants are very popular because they’re made with salt water, meaning your body can absorb them if they rupture. They also require smaller incisions to place because they are inserted empty and filled once they are in position.

Filling the implants after insertion makes it easier for surgeons to adjust the size to achieve the results you want. If you’re worried about asymmetry, these options make it easier to meet your aesthetic goals. They are also an option for women as young as 22. One drawback of these options is that they tend to require breast revision procedures more often.

Silicone implants tend to feel more natural. They are softer and have a texture that mimics breast tissue closely. You’re also less likely to experience rippling or wrinkling with silicone implants. That’s vital for people who have thinner breast tissue.

Silicone options have a low risk of rupture, and they have a longer lifespan than a saline implant. They require regular monitoring, however, and there may be age restrictions that could prevent younger women from being able to get them.

Breast Lift vs. Implants: How to Choose

When deciding on the right procedure for drooping breasts, symmetry issues, or other aesthetic concerns, there are a few things to consider.

Purpose

Why would you like to get a surgical procedure? This can give you a better idea of the options that you can benefit from. If you would like to maintain your natural breast size but would like to get rid of excess skin, a lift can be a better option.

If, however, you want to increase your cup size, breast augmentation surgery is the only real choice. An augmentation, however, won’t address drooping breasts.

Costs

Generally, an implant procedure will be more affordable than a breast lift surgery. The latter is much more complex because it requires removing skin and reshaping breast tissue to get the results you want. With an augmentation, the surgeon makes an incision, places the implant, and sutures you.

Speed of Results

The results of breast augmentation procedures take a bit longer to become visible. This is because the implants will need to settle, which could take between four and six months. With a lift, you will experience some swelling, but as soon as this resolves, you can see the final results.

With an augmentation, you may also need to learn how to get used to your implants. That’s especially true if you’re adding a substantial amount of breast volume via a large implant size. That’s not the case with a lift.

Need for Monitoring

No matter what type of implants you get, you will need to have them assessed regularly to ensure that they remain in place and that they don’t leak or cause any other issues.

Additionally, they have a shelf life. They last about 10 years and then require replacement.

With a breast lift, you don’t need this type of monitoring because the procedure will involve the removal of tissue and reshaping of the breast. There will be nothing that can rupture or deflate. This doesn’t mean, however, that the results will last forever. As you age, skin can get droopy again, and that could lead you to want an update.

Recovery Time

Consider how long the recovery process will be for each option. Typically, implants will require a longer recovery, especially those that are placed under the muscle. On the other hand, breast lifts require more substantial incisions, which can slow the healing process.

Surgeon Recommendation

Your surgeon can give you an idea of what procedure would suit your needs and goals best. Even if you’re a good candidate for both options, a professional will know what can benefit you most.

Can You Choose Both Procedures?

Many women opt to get breast implants and a lift at the same time. You can help give your breasts a more youthful appearance with a lift, which removes excess skin while adding volume and increasing your cup size. These procedures can also be performed together as part of a mommy makeover, which includes tummy tucks, liposuction, and many other options.

How to Get a Lift or Augmentation

If you’ve decided that you would like to undergo one of these procedures, the first step is to visit your cosmetic surgeon. They will need to assess your overall health and get a sense of what your aesthetic goals are. During this consultation, you will get instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

Preparation can include quitting smoking, stopping some medications, avoiding alcohol, and many other necessary steps. You will receive instructions on how to set up your recovery space, too.

The duration of the procedure will depend on its complexity and the individualized options you choose. You will need to have someone drive you home, however, because you will receive general anesthesia. Taking time to recover and following all of your surgeon’s instructions is vital to help you heal as quickly as possible and to get the best results.

Choose New Look New Life to Give Your Bust a Boost

If you would like to update how your breasts look, an augmentation or lift (or both) can provide the right results. At New Look New Life in New York City, our expert cosmetic surgeons can help you choose the best option. Book an appointment to speak with our team.

Learn more about breast lifts and implants on our YouTube Channel. Video links are below:

• What is a Breast Lift?

• Breast Implant Explanation