Are breast lift and breast augmentation the same

Having access to social media content mostly surrounding issues of body image at the end of your fingertips for 24/7 will somehow influence our view on what’s being considered as the ideal face or physical appearance. In 2016, the number of breast lifting session have surpassed rhinoplasty as the 5th most popular procedure for the year, with liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tuck in the 1st to 3rd places respectively. However, bear in mind that aesthetic surgical procedures are not meant to increase your level of self- esteem.

Types of breast surgery

1. Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty is performed to enhance the size and fullness of a woman’s breasts. Reason being:

• Breasts are too small in relation to their body size.
• Size loss is commonly associated with pregnancy, lactation or weight loss.
• A desire to correct an asymmetrical breast size.

The procedure involves placement of silicone, saline or alternative composite breast implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue. Implants last from 7 to 12 years on average.

2. Breast reconstruction

This procedure aims to recreate the breast with the desired appearance, contour and volume with implants or with a woman’s own tissue. The nipple-areola component also is recreated. It is most commonly done upon request by breast cancer survivors who have had their affected breast removed via mastectomy. The type and size of tissue for recreating the new breast are retrieved from part of the lower abdominal wall, back muscle and skin or a segment of a buttock.

3. Breast lifts

A breast lift helps to restore the improved a previously drooping or sagging breast due to loss of breast volume especially among ageing or breastfed women. As a consequence, the excess skin as compared to breast tissue is not strong or resilient enough to support the weight of the breast, causing the breasts to sag. To help lift the breast for a perkier appearance, excess skin needs to be removed. That’s when mastopexy or breast lift procedure comes in handy.

Which one is suitable for me?

It depends on what outcome do you look for. In short, breast lifts focuses on the position of the breasts whereas breast reconstruction and augmentation focuses on the appearance of your breasts. A breast lift can also be combined with augmentation or reduction to achieve the desired breast size as well as shape.

What’s the recovery like for breast surgery?

In the case of breast lift, most patients return to their daily activities within a few days or a week after surgery. Meanwhile, for a patient who went through breast augmentation, she may feel sore the first week or so and will need to limit strenuous exercise for about 2 to 4 weeks.

Seek immediate care if you experience symptoms and signs below post-surgery:

• Any sign of infection, such as fever, or warmth and redness in the breast area.
• Chest pains, unusual heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

Before going on this procedure, please make sure to do thorough research regarding breast surgery. As with any surgery, there are always risks and complications. However, a satisfactory outcome can only be achieved if the procedure is done by board-certified cosmetic surgeons.