If you think you need a cosmetic plastic surgery for your breasts, you may be wondering which procedure is right for you – a breast augmentation (breast implants) or a mastopexy (breast lift). These two procedures are completely different and give completely different results. Before deciding which procedure is right for you, it’s important to have a better understanding of both.

Breast Implants

Breast implants add volume to the breasts by inserting synthetic shells through a surgical procedure into the breasts. For women who want larger, fuller breasts bigger, breast implants are the way to go.

The most common breast implants are filled with silicone and saline. Saline implants are shells filled with sterile salt water; silicone implants are shells filled with gel. Saline implants are less expensive than silicone but the latter offers a more authentic feel. Both types of implants can be adjusted to fit your personal shape and specifications.

Finally, breast implant procedures using saline implants require a smaller incision than with silicone implants. If a breast implant leaks, it can collapse and require corrective surgery. Saline implants are more likely to collapse after a leak than silicone implants.

To perform a breast augmentation, a plastic surgeon makes an incision either under the breast or in the armpit and inserts the implant. Scarring is not usually noticeable because the incisions are located under the breast or in the armpit – areas that are not so easy to see. While there implants to do not come with expiration dates, most come with a warranty – usually 10 years depending on the type and manufacturer.

Implants are also known to wear over time, as well as deflate (saline) or rupture (silicon), although they are more sturdy than one might think. That’s why it’s important to have frequent check-ups and keep a close watch for anything out of the ordinary with regard to your implants. Many women opt to have their implants replaced based on their warranty.

Breast Lift

Unlike breast implant surgery, breast lift procedures do not add volume to the breasts. Rather, it helps to reduce a breasts’ droopiness. As women age, it’s quite common that their breasts lose their elasticity and firmness.

The procedure focuses on changing how the current breasts are shaped and how they sit on the body. If the nipples are facing down or where the breasts are drooping downward, it’s called breast ptosis. To fix breast ptosis, the plastic surgeon makes multiple incisions in different places on the breast to lift it up. This results in perky, non-sagging breasts. A breast lift procedure is more extensive than a breast implant procedure. More incisions also are required.

The type of procedure you need depends on the results you are looking for. If you like the size of your breasts but want them to be perkier, a breast lift may be the solution for you. However, if you want larger breasts, then a breast lift won’t get you that. In fact, it’s common to lose volume in breasts after a breast lift because excessive skin and mass are removed.

Sometimes, women get both procedures if they need more volume and a lift.

Contact the Breast Surgery Center Today

If you are considering breast surgery, you should talk to an experienced, skilled, caring plastic surgeon. Our experts at the Breast Surgery Center offer trustworthy advice and have a wealth of experience performing breast surgeries.

Call us today at (646) 475-2099 to schedule a consultation and find out what we can do for you. You can also fill out our simple online appointment request form to get started. We look forward to helping you look and feel simply spectacular.