Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, or Both: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding on the perfect breast procedure is a deeply personal choice. Whether you want to enhance volume, improve shape, or both, the choice depends on your body type, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.

At TLKM Plastic Surgery, we understand that selecting the best procedure for you is an important decision, and we’re here to guide you through the process. In this blog post, we’ll explore breast augmentation, breast lifts, and combination surgery to help you determine which approach aligns with your needs and body goals.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of your breasts using implants. This procedure is popular among women who want fuller breasts, whether due to naturally small breasts, volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply personal preference. The key to deciding if breast augmentation is right for you is understanding how it can enhance your body shape.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation may be the option for you if:

• You want to increase breast size and your breasts display little to no sagging.
• Your breasts are asymmetrical, and you want a more balanced appearance.
• You desire a more proportional figure that complements your overall body shape.

This procedure is versatile and can be customized to achieve your specific goals.

Overview of Breast Implant Options

When choosing breast implants, there are several factors to consider, including the type of implant, the shape, and the size. Here’s a quick overview of the choices available:

• Material: Silicone and saline implants both feature a silicone outer shell but differ in their filling material: silicone implants are pre-filled with a cohesive gel, while saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after insertion.

• Profiles, Shapes, & Textures: Implant profiles refer to how much the breast will project outward from the chest. Implant shapes also vary, with round implants offering more fullness at the top of the breast and teardrop-shaped implants providing a more natural slope.

Implants are available in a wide range of sizes. Your surgeon will help you choose the best size based on your body type, chest size, and cosmetic goals. TLKM Plastic Surgery uses the VECTRA® 3-D imaging system to show you how different options might look on your body, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Learn more about the trade-offs between saline and silicone implants.

What is a breast lift?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, focuses on lifting and reshaping sagging breasts without significantly changing their size. This procedure is ideal for women who are happy with their breast volume but want to improve the overall shape and position of their breasts.

Who is a good candidate for a breast lift?

You might be a candidate for a breast lift if:

• Your breasts have lost their firmness and are sagging due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
• Your nipples point downward, or your areolas have become stretched over time.
• You want to restore a youthful appearance to your breasts without adding volume.

A breast lift can give you a perkier, more lifted look while enhancing the shape of your breasts. This procedure can be combined with breast augmentation if you desire both a lift and added volume, creating a more comprehensive transformation.

What is a combined breast lift with implants?

Also called augmentation mammoplasty, this is simply a breast lift combined with breast augmentation. If you want both increased volume and uplifted breasts/sagging correction, the appropriate approach is to combine a breast lift with a breast augmentation. In general, women who have had children or lost a significant amount of weight are good candidates for an implant with a lift. This restores the lost volume and uplifts and reshapes the breasts. This is a very popular combination for our Chicago breast augmentation and breast lift patients.

How To Decide Which Procedure Is Right for You

When you come in for a breast enhancement consultation, we start by asking what bothers you most about your breasts. Some women want larger breasts, while others just want a more lifted appearance. We take a complete medical history and pay particular attention to previous pregnancies and significant weight loss, both of which may be indicators that the breasts used to be much larger and have subsequently deflated. We then take a series of measurements to determine:

• Position of the breasts on the chest wall
• Amount of skin breast excess
• Current breast shape
• Capacity of the tissues to lift and fill out

Choosing the right breast surgery depends on your specific body goals and lifestyle. To help you decide, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you looking to increase breast size?
• Are you primarily concerned about sagging or the shape of your breasts?
• Would you prefer to combine multiple procedures for a more dramatic transformation?

Answering these questions can help you clarify your desired outcome. During your consultation with Dr. Mustoe or Dr. Sinno, we’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and help you decide which procedure or combination of procedures will provide the best results for your body type and lifestyle.

How does 3D breast enhancement imaging help?

The ability to 3D image your breasts is perhaps the most powerful tool we have to help determine which procedure is best for you. We can simulate what your breasts would look like with implants alone, a lift alone, or both procedures combined. After seeing a simulation of your breasts in all scenarios, you can communicate which result looks best and which procedure is right for you.

Plastic surgery can be intimidating, especially if the choice of procedures is confusing. With clear communication and an understanding of your goals and desires, an accurate history and physical exam, and 3D imaging, we can give you comprehensive aesthetic breast rejuvenation that meets (and exceeds) your expectations.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re still unsure which breast surgery is best for you, TLKM Plastic Surgery is here to help. Take the next step by requesting a consultation using the online form or by calling us at (312) 788-2560.