When performed by a skilled surgeon, breast lift (mastopexy) surgery and breast augmentation are both great ways to improve your shape. Before you consider either procedure, however, you’ll need to understand what makes them distinct: Knowing the difference between breast lift and augmentation surgery is a necessary part of preparing for your aesthetic consultation.

If you’d like to discuss these procedures directly with Dr. David Gerth, feel free to contact our Miami clinic by phone at (305) 493-8340. We’ll be happy to clear up any confusion you have about breast lift and augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation

During breast augmentation, Dr. Gerth inserts FDA-approved medical implants filled with saline (saltwater) or cohesive silicone gel into the breasts to increase their size. Modern silicone implants feel and behave like natural breast tissue, so they’re an excellent option if you want to achieve fuller, rounder breasts with more visible cleavage. Breast augmentation is probably the right procedure for you if you have good skin elasticity and you want to either increase your breast size or correct breast asymmetry.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift surgery improves the shape and elevation of the breasts without making them larger. The primary objective of mastopexy is to eliminate ptosis (sagging) by removing excess skin, but this procedure can also make the breasts and areolas more symmetrical. Women typically pursue breast lift surgery after losing breast volume during breastfeeding, weight loss, or menopause.

Some signs that you’re a good candidate for breast lift surgery include:

• Having nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease
• Having breasts that look flat or deflated
• Having areolas that appear stretched and distorted

Is It Possible to Combine Breast Lift and Augmentation Surgery?

Sometimes, inserting implants into deflated breasts will give them a round, lifted look, because breast implants occupy loose skin and provide support for existing breast tissue. If you’re experiencing advanced breast sagging, however, implants might not be enough to restore your youthful contours; instead, you’ll need to add a breast lift to your augmentation surgery. 

This combined procedure combines the placement of implants and breast tissue remodeling into a single operation to lower costs and reduce patients’ total recovery time. Dr. Gerth usually recommends this procedure to women who want to restore lost breast volume while simultaneously addressing stretch marks, poor nipple position, and other signs of breast aging.

Arrange a Breast Surgery Consultation With Dr. David Gerth in Miami

Only a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can tell you whether you need breast lift surgery, breast augmentation, or both procedures. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact our friendly boutique clinic in Miami to receive personalized advice.