What Is the Difference Between Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift?

Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery both help to reshape the breasts, but they do so in different ways. At Plastic Surgery Vegas in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael C. Edwards, Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins, and Dr. Andrew G. Silver help patients understand whether they need added volume, improved position and shape, or both to achieve their ideal silhouette. Breast augmentation enhances fullness using implants, while a breast lift repositions and reshapes the nipple and areola and breast tissue for a more lifted and youthful contour. Some women benefit from one procedure alone, while others choose a combined approach for the most harmonious result possible. It depends on what the patient's goals are and what they have to start with. Take a closer look here at how breast augmentation vs. lift compares. 

How does breast augmentation change the shape of your breasts? 

Breast augmentation is designed to add volume, refine shape, and create fuller curves. Many women consider this procedure when naturally smaller breasts limit their confidence or when they've been left with smaller breasts after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. Our team at Plastic Surgery Vegas offers a full range of breast implant options to help patients personalize their results. Some of the aspects of breast appearance that breast augmentation is most often used to enhance include:   

• Breast fullness, particularly in the upper pole of the breasts 
• Breast projection  
• Breast symmetry  
• Line or curve of the breast 

What can a breast lift do? 

A breast lift focuses on repositioning the nipple and areola and breast tissue while reshaping the overall contour of the breasts. Over time, the breasts may shift lower on the chest due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or natural aging. A breast lift addresses this by tightening the surrounding tissue, removing excess skin, and elevating the nipple to a more youthful position. Unlike breast augmentation, the goal of breast lift surgery is not to increase cup size but to restore balance and firmness. In some cases, a result may give the look of a smaller yet augmented breasts, depending on the density and feel of your breast tissue.

Do I need a breast lift or implants? 

The right approach to breast enhancement surgery in terms of lift vs. augmentation depends largely on whether your primary concern is volume loss, sagging breasts, or both. If you like your breast size for the most part but want a higher, perkier look, a breast lift alone may achieve your goals. On occasion fat can be removed from elsewhere on your body and transferred to the breasts for additional fullness without an implant. If you want more fullness and a larger breast size in general, augmentation may be more appropriate. For women experiencing both volume loss and drooping breasts, combining breast augmentation plus lift surgery can reshape and resize the breast with what is often considered the most comprehensive and compelling result. During your consultation, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Higgins, or Dr. Silver will evaluate your anatomy, skin elasticity, and overall goals to recommend the most suitable plan for your unique situation. 

Love your feminine, youthful look with personalized breast enhancement surgery in Las Vegas, NV 

Choosing between breast augmentation, a breast lift, or a combination lift plus augmentation procedure can feel overwhelming, but having an experienced team makes the process easier. At Plastic Surgery Vegas in Las Vegas, NV, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael Edwards, Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins, and Dr. Andrew G. Silver provide personalized guidance to help women achieve a breast shape and size that feels natural and confidence-boosting. If you are ready to explore which option aligns with your goals, contact our team to schedule your private consultation for Las Vegas breast surgery today.