Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation

I often encounter patients who are unsure about the differences between breast augmentation, mastopexy, and augmentation mastopexy. These procedures, often referred to as "boob job", "breast lift", and "breast lift with implants" respectively, offer different solutions to various aesthetic concerns.
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure that aims to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. This is typically achieved through the use of implants. The procedure is ideal for individuals who are unhappy with the size of their breasts or those who have experienced volume loss due to factors such as weight loss or pregnancy.
Mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, is a procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. The procedure can also reduce the size of the areola if it has become enlarged over time. A mastopexy does not significantly change the size of the breasts, but it can offer a more youthful and uplifted breast profile.
An augmentation mastopexy, or a breast lift with implants, combines the benefits of both a breast augmentation and a mastopexy. This procedure is ideal for individuals who wish to increase the size of their breasts while also addressing sagging. By combining these procedures, patients can achieve a more youthful, fuller appearance with improved breast shape and position. This is sometimes done in two stages.
Each of these procedures offers unique benefits and can be tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of the patient. It's important to have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals and determine the best approach for you.

A breast lift is really a nipple lift. The question we really need to answer here is: is the nipple at the correct position above the inframammary fold. How do we find the inframammary fold? Place a pen under your breast where your breast meets your chest. Using a mirror, is your nipple above or below the pen? If the nipple is above the pen then you can get a breast implant to enhance your breast. If the nipple is below the pen then you should consider getting a breast lift with or without implants.

This is a very common question in my clinical practice as lots of patients are not sure if they need only augmentation or uplift or both. this is very much dependent on their breast shape and volume and their expectations from surgery. IF you are only looking for increase in volume and you are happy with nipple positions and size of areola, then you need only breast augmentation with implants. IF you are happy with overall volume and size of breast and would like areola made smaller and nipple at a higher position and tightening of breast skin, then you would benefit from an uplift procedure. IF you are looking for increase in breast size as well and bringing the nipple up and skin tighter, then you might consider an augmentation mastopexy at the same time. In some case where there is a very small descent of nipple position and overall lack of volume, then you can achieve desired result from only an augmentation using a higher profile implant. Please discuss with your consultant to discuss different options available and see before and after pictures of different patients to get a realistic idea of what to expect from different procedures.