When it comes to improving the appearance of your breasts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. Terms like breast implants, breast lift, and breast augmentation are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct procedures, each designed to achieve different results.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more women than ever are exploring breast enhancement. Breast lift surgeries are now being performed twice as often as implant procedures, showing a shift in what many women are looking for.
At Mentor Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vanek helps women understand these differences and choose the best option based on their goals, lifestyle, and body type. Let’s take a closer look at what sets each procedure apart.
Breast Augmentation: Boosting Volume and Shape
What is it?
Breast augmentation focuses on enhancing the size and fullness of your breasts, typically using silicone or saline implants. In some cases, fat transfer, which involves moving fat from another part of your body to the breasts, may also be utilized, though this is less common.
Who is it for?
This procedure is ideal for women who want larger breasts, more volume, or a more rounded shape. It’s also popular with patients who’ve experienced changes due to weight loss, aging, or pregnancy. To be eligible, patients must be in good health; saline implants are approved for women 18 and older, while silicone requires patients to be at least 22.
What results can you expect?
After augmentation, most women see a noticeable boost in volume and symmetry, with a rounder, fuller look. Many also find their clothes and bras fit better, and they experience a significant increase in self-confidence.
Breast Lift: Restoring Youthful Shape
What is it?
A breast lift—also known as mastopexy—doesn’t involve implants at all. Instead, it repositions and reshapes the natural breast tissue to correct sagging or drooping. It is an excellent option for women who want to improve the shape and perkiness of their breasts without increasing their size.
Who is it for?
If you’re happy with your current breast size but want to fix sagging or mild asymmetry, a breast lift might be the perfect solution. It’s especially popular among women who’ve gone through pregnancy or weight loss and want to restore a more youthful contour.
What are the results like?
This procedure delivers subtle, natural-looking results—firmer, perkier breasts without changing your cup size. However, if you’re looking to add upper fullness or increase your size, implants would be needed to achieve that.
Can You Combine a Breast Lift with Implants?
Many women, especially those who’ve had children, benefit from combining breast augmentation with a lift. The augmentation restores volume, while the lift repositions the breast tissue for a more youthful look.
Dr. Vanek often recommends this combination at Mentor Plastic Surgery and MedSpa for patients who want to improve their shape and size. It’s one of the most popular procedures among moms who’ve noticed changes in their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How Do You Choose What’s Right for You?
The best way to find the right option is through a personalized consultation with Dr. Paul Vanek. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, he’ll help you explore your options, set realistic expectations, and create a treatment plan that’s customized just for you.
Whether you’re considering a breast augmentation, a lift, or a combination of both, the Mentor Plastic Surgery and MedSpa expert team is here to help you look and feel your absolute best.
Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Vanek today and take the first step toward a more confident you.
