In this part of our ultimate guide to breast surgery, we’re looking at how to make the decision on whether to get a breast lift or breast enhancement. This is often something that patients deliberate so the information below should help you make an informed decision and choose the type of surgery that’s right for you.

Breast lift vs breast augmentation

A breast lift is usually sought out by women who are not happy with the shape of their breasts. Often this is because their breasts have begun to sag. This can be due to many factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, or just the natural process of aging.

Breast augmentation involves implants being placed to make a patient’s breasts larger. Breast augmentation is often desired because the patient is unhappy with the small size of their breasts and it impacts their self-confidence.

The truth is that breast lifts and breast augmentation are not always mutually exclusive. Often, implants are used in breast lifts to help the patient achieve the right type of look, mainly filling out the superior part of the breast that has taken on a concave look as the breast ages. This is usually left up to the discretion of the surgeon.

Types of implants

The two main types of implants used in breast surgery are saline and silicone. Each type of implant has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, silicone has a more natural look and feel and comes with less chance of rippling, whereas saline is less expensive and allows for a smaller scar.

Your surgeon will be able to discuss the pros and cons with you further and advise which implant is most suitable.

Are implants dangerous?

Sometimes patients can be afraid of getting implants because they’ve heard they are unsafe. The truth is that implants are generally very safe and the risk of complications is minimal.

Two main risks with implants are rupturing and rippling. In the early days of breast surgery, implants had a much thinner shells and therefore rupturing was more common. However, nowadays implants are made to a much higher quality and rupturing is fairly rare.

Generally the healthier you are and the better you follow the aftercare advice that you’re given, the less chance there is of any complications.

Previous – The Ultimate Guide to Breast Surgery – Part 1 – Deciding if breast surgery is right for you

Next – The Ultimate Guide to Breast Surgery – Part 3 – How breast surgery is performed