What is the difference between a breast lift and breast implant?

• 4 September 2024
• Dr Joseph Rizk

Last updated on September 5, 2024

Not too long ago, patients that wanted to enhance their cleavage or correct the shape of their breasts automatically assumed that a breast implant was the only way to go.

Nowadays, more patients are exploring the possibilities of breast lifts; a procedure that can be done as a single procedure or in conjunction with a size-enhancing implant.

So what are the key differences between these procedures?

Breast Augmentation/Implants

Among the more popular plastic surgeries, a breast implant can markedly change the size and shape of the breast.

Using implants made from medical grade saline, silicone or a mix of both, this procedure involves inserting the implant into the existing breast before the surgeon makes final adjustments to create a symmetrical, balanced result.

Is this procedure right for me?

Breast implants work best for patients where:

• They want to increase the size and shape of their breast
• The nipple is near the centre of the breast, with skin visible underneath the areola when looked at straight on
• The nipple does not point downward

Benefits

Breast implants are very popular for a number of reasons:

• Scarring is usually limited to inconspicuous areas
• There is a variety of implant products available to help patients achieve their ideal look
• Patients have the freedom of choice when it comes to sizing

Negatives

Like all cosmetic procedures, there are some elements to consider:

• Implants cannot mimic the look, feel or response of a natural breast
• Weight gain or loss may impact the look of the enhanced breasts

Breast Lifts

Growing in popularity, breast lifts alone change the entire shape and look of the breast without adding volume.

Breast lifts are designed to correct pendulous or drooping breasts, or recreate youthful looking and perky breasts without the added addition of an implant. With this procedure, the surgeon reshapes the breasts using existing tissue to create a natural, symmetrical result.

Many patients combine a breast lift with augmentation to create a more dramatic result.

Is this procedure right for me?

Breast lifts work best for patients with:

• Moderate to severe drooping
• Downward-pointing nipples
• An overly large areola
• No desire to increase the size of their breast

Benefits

Patients that choose a breast lift procedure usually report:

• A more natural-style result
• Breasts that feel, look and move naturally
• A perkier profile, with nipples that are symmetrical and balanced
• Results that change to suit weight loss or gain
• When combined with augmentation, provide dramatic results

Negatives

There are a few factors to consider with a breast lift:

• Scarring is generally larger than during augmentation procedures
• Breast size does not increase without the addition of an implant
• Procedure is more beneficial for patients with medium to severe drooping

Creating the breasts that you have always wanted doesn’t have to be complicated or out of scope.

If you would like more information on whether a breast lift, augmentation or combined treatment is right for you, please contact Dr Joseph Rizk’s office on 1300 440 441 or visit www.DrRizk.com.au.

About The Author

Dr Joseph Rizk

Dr Joseph Rizk is a trusted advanced Plastic Surgeon based in Sydney. He has undergone significant training to become an expert in the fields of breast, face and body surgery.