Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation – What’s the Difference?

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation are two popular cosmetic breast procedures. Although they are related, they do have distinct purposes, which will benefit different patients depending on their concerns and desired outcomes.

Breast Lift

Also known as a Mastopexy, a Breast Lift or Uplift is a surgical procedure which improves the position of the breasts, lifting them higher up the chest. Excess skin and breast tissue are removed to allow the breast and nipple to be repositioned, tackling the common concern of sagging breasts, which is often caused by ageing, weight changes, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breast Lift is suitable for patients who:

• Wish to tackle loose breast skin and downward-pointing nipples
• May have concerns about breast asymmetry
• Aren’t concerned about increasing the size of their breasts
• Are hoping to achieve a subtle, natural-looking result

Mastopexy surgery is popular with patients who wish to address ageing and pregnancy-related breast concerns and is often performed as part of a Mummy Makeover procedure.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is currently the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the UK, making up nearly 10% of all surgical procedures among BAAPS surgeons in 2024. Also known as Breast Enlargement or colloquially as a boob job, Breast Augmentation involves increasing the volume of the breasts using either breast implants or fat grafting.

Breast Augmentation is suitable for patients who:

• Are primarily concerned with increasing the size of their breasts
• May have some minor concerns about the tone of their breasts
• Are looking for a highly versatile procedure which can produce a more natural or more dramatic result

Adult patients of all ages opt for Breast Augmentation to increase the volume and improve the tone of their breasts.

People consider breast procedures for many reasons. Life changes such as ageing, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all impact the shape, position and volume of the breasts, impacting confidence and quality of life. Finding well-fitting clothing, participating in activities such as exercise, and general mobility can all become challenging due to many common breast concerns.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss different breast procedures that can effectively address your concerns and meet your needs.

Can You Combine Mastopexy and Augmentation?

As well as the two specific surgeries, Breast Lift and Breast Enlargement can also be combined in a procedure known as Augmentation Mastopexy or Augmented Mastopexy. This involves removing the excess skin and breast tissue, allowing the position of the breasts to be lifted, whilst also inserting breast implants or using fat transfer techniques to increase the size of the breasts.

There are many reasons a patient may choose to combine Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift:

• They are concerned about sagging breasts and excess skin, but don’t want to lose any size or volume
• They have previously had a Breast Augmentation, but over time, their breasts have sagged, and they wish to replace their breast implants while also improving the position of their breasts
• They are looking to achieve fullness in the upper part of their breasts as part of a Breast Lift
• They are looking for a comprehensive breast procedure which addresses several common breast concerns in one surgery

Your surgeon will discuss whether Augmentation Mastopexy is a suitable procedure for you during your consultation, based on your discussion and examination.

What is the Difference Between Breast Lift With and Without Implants

Does Breast Augmentation Include Lift?

Standalone Breast Augmentation does not usually include a Breast Lift. While Breast Enlargement with implants may improve the lift of the breasts slightly, it is not necessarily an effective method for addressing cases of significant breast sagging.

For patients who are concerned about minor drooping breasts, Augmentation with Implants can slightly lift the breasts by increasing the volume of deflated breasts. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is less effective for lifting the breasts, as the results are typically less dramatic, and the same level of volume increase isn’t possible.

Do I Need Implants with a Breast Lift?

Whether you need a Breast Lift with implants will be determined by your concerns and desired results. It is important to remember that during a Breast Lift without implants, the removal of excess skin and tissue can reduce the size of the breasts. For patients who want to maintain or increase their breast size, a Breast Uplift Augmentation procedure may be suitable.

A Breast Mastopexy with implants is also suitable for patients who are concerned about their breasts looking deflated due to weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding, which can also exacerbate the appearance of sagginess.

Your surgeon will take into account all of the issues you wish to address to create a bespoke surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Breast Lift vs. Implants – Differences in Recovery

When considering any breast procedure, although it is important to understand your recovery timeline, you should prioritise your final results when making the decision about which procedure is right for you.

There are differences in the recovery periods for Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation, and your surgeon will discuss this with you to ensure you are prepared ahead of your surgery.

Typically, a Mastopexy is a more invasive procedure, which also takes longer to complete than Breast Augmentation. This means that the recovery time is slightly longer for Breast Uplift. Following Breast Augmentation, you can expect to recover within 6 weeks, whereas with Breast Uplift and Augmentation Mastopexy, it can be up to 8 weeks.

There are several factors which influence the recovery processes for all of these procedures:

• The extent of the surgery: Breast Uplift procedures, which involve removing significant amounts of excess skin, may require more extensive incisions, resulting in a longer recovery time.
• The placement of implants: For any procedure involving breast implants, whether the implants are positioned above or below the muscle is a key consideration. Under the muscle breast implant placement is more invasive and can have a longer recovery time.
• Treatment for associated concerns: If you are undergoing breast implant replacement, your surgeon may need to perform a Capsulectomy, removing excess scar tissue which has formed around the original breast implant. This may increase the recovery time.

Regardless of the procedure you opt for, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s recovery and aftercare guidelines to ensure you achieve the results you are hoping for and to reduce the risk of complications.

These instructions will be designed to apply specifically to you, but will typically include:

• Wearing a suitable recovery bra: This will support your breasts and, if implants are involved, will maintain their position during the recovery period.
• Avoiding strenuous activity: You will be asked to avoid strenuous activity, including exercise and lifting heavy weights, for at least 6 weeks following your surgery. This prevents strain from being placed on the surgical site and reduces inflammation during your recovery.
• Sleeping position: Following most breast procedures, you will be asked to sleep on your back for at least 2 weeks after your surgery. This maintains the shape of your breasts and helps to reduce swelling.
• Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in nutrients, protein, and fibre will help to fuel your body’s cells to heal and recover following surgery. This should include a balance of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and wholegrains.

If there are any recovery factors which apply specifically to you, your surgeon will ensure that they are considered and included in your recovery plan.

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