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According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most common plastic surgery procedure performed on women in the US each year. There are a number of different techniques for those patients looking to enhance their bust line, with the choice depending on the issues needing to be resolved and the desired end result. Two of the most popular procedures for breast enhancement are a breast lift and breast augmentation. If the goal is added volume and enhanced breast shape, breast augmentation would be the most appropriate procedure. If the desired result is a more youthful, lifted appearance, a breast lift may be the better choice. Will a lift alone achieve the look you are after? Or would the addition of implants be better suited for your goals? Below is a look at both procedures to help you differentiate between the two and determine which one is best suited for you and your goals.
Breast Augmentation: The main purpose of breast augmentation is to increase the breasts’ size and shape by way of surgically inserting saline or silicone implants under the chest muscle or breast tissue to increase the bust line in shape and volume. This procedure is most often performed on women whose breasts have always been small or underdeveloped or those who have experienced a loss in breast volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or natural aging. Saline implants are the more cost-effective option but due to the risk of saline implants leaking, many women choose to go with silicone for peace of mind.
Breast Lift: A breast lift raises and firms the breasts for better definition and to combat the natural effects of aging and gravity. This technique does not actually increase breast size. Rather, it is an effective solution for sagging, aging breasts. A breast lift necessitates repositioning of the nipple and, thus, involves more scarring than with breast augmentation. Because breast volume is not increased with a breast lift, some women are disappointed that the result is not as dramatic as breast augmentation.
The choice of undergoing breast augmentation or a breast lift is a personal one. They are two completely different procedures with the former focused on changing the size and shape of the breast while the latter is focused on correcting sagging breasts. You will work with your doctor to determine which procedure is right for you. In some cases, both procedures may be performed simultaneously for a more dramatic result.
You don’t have to accept the look of your breasts. Breast surgery can not only give you the look you have always desired, but increase your self-confidence as well. Whether you are considering augmentation, lift or a combination of the two, it is important that you talk with a plastic surgeon to educate yourself on all of the options. Contact our friendly, knowledgeable staff today at Emmett Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation and discover which breast enhancement procedure is the right one for you!
