If you’d like to add fullness to your breasts with implants, you may have wondered about the similarities and differences between a breast lift with implants and traditional breast augmentation. Learn why you might choose to have breast augmentation with or without a lift.
Introduction to Breast Enhancement Surgeries
Breast augmentation and a breast lift are two procedures for improving your breasts’ shape and appearance.
- Breast augmentation adds volume with silicone or saline implants, making your breasts rounder and fuller.
- A breast lift enhances shape by correcting sagging, repositioning breast tissue, and tightening stretched skin without increasing volume.
Both procedures are customizable to your physique and desires. In the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Eric Pugash, the results are beautifully natural-looking.
Understanding Traditional Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape with implants. The goal is to enhance your femininity and body proportions.
You might choose to have breast augmentation if you are naturally small-breasted, your breasts have changed after weight loss or childbirth, or you believe larger breasts will improve your curves.
Breast augmentation is a highly customized procedure based on your body type and cosmetic ideals. You and Dr. Pugash have many options to tailor the procedure to your needs, including the following.
- Implant type – silicone vs. saline
- Shape – round vs. teardrop
- Placement – within your breast tissue vs. behind your chest muscles
Dr. Pugash will guide you through these choices and recommend the safest and most effective approach to deliver your desired results.
What Is a Breast Lift With Implants?
A breast lift corrects sagging, flattened breasts and raises the position of downward-pointing nipples. As a stand-alone procedure, a breast lift can restore a rounder, younger-looking profile, but it does not add volume.
A breast lift with implants combines a breast lift with breast augmentation to correct sagging and enhance your breast size. Pairing the procedures could be an ideal solution if your breasts are droopy, flattened, or elongated and you would also like them to be fuller and larger. A combination surgery gets you the results you want without undergoing two recoveries. Ask Dr. Pugash about incisions and implant placement recommendations during your comprehensive consultation.
Ideal Candidates for Each Procedure
Traditional breast augmentation with implants may be a good option for you If you would like larger, fuller, and rounder breasts, and do not have concerns like breast sagging or downward-pointing nipples.
A breast lift with implants is probably a better choice if you’d like to enhance your breast size and raise your breasts’ profile to correct sagging. Remember, breast augmentation alone won’t correct drooping, flattened breasts or reposition nipples that sit below your breast creases.
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation surgery, with or without a lift:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are at a healthy and stable weight, and are not significantly overweight
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are in good overall health
- Do not smoke, or can quit smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery
- Have realistic expectations for the results
- Are aware of the risks
Recovery and Aftercare Expectations
You’ll need to rest at home for a week or two after either procedure. It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. You will need to wear a compression bra as instructed to minimize swelling and promote healing.
Most patients return to work after one or two weeks, or a bit later if their work involves strenuous activity.
Dr. Pugash will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including when to return for follow-up visits. He and his staff are always available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
Long-Term Results – Breast Lift With Implants vs. Breast Augmentation
The results of either surgery are long-lasting when you partner with a surgeon of Dr. Pugash’s caliber. Modern implants are durable, and most remain intact for a decade or more. You can have your implants surgically replaced if a leak or rupture occurs.
With age, some sagging may recur a few years after your breast lift, but the changes made with the surgery typically last for 10 or 15 years. You can ensure long-lasting results by maintaining a stable weight.
Consultation and Considerations
Which procedure is better for you will depend on many factors – the size and shape of your breasts, your skin’s elasticity, whether your breasts show signs of sagging, and, of course, your hopes and aspirations for improving your appearance.
Your consultation with Dr. Pugash is pivotal in your decision-making process. He will tailor your augmentation or lift to your frame and your unique desires for change.
Choose a Vancouver Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust
Dr. Pugash has many years of experience with cosmetic breast surgery, including implants and breast lifts. His patients and their before-and-after pictures can attest to his superior results. Contact our practice today at (604) 522-5199 or send an online request to schedule a consultation.