Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction: Which is Right for You?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a combined half a million breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgeries are performed each year. Consistently among the most popular cosmetic procedures for decades, they are all used to help patients achieve their ideal physique, whether that ideal is more volume, less volume, or a youthful refresh. While these procedures are common, you may be wondering which one would be best suited to meet your individual needs. If you’re considering one of these surgeries but aren’t sure where to start, let’s talk about how they compare.

Breast Augmentation: For Volume and Fullness

This procedure is what you might think of as a classic breast enhancement used to increase the size of the breasts using silicone or saline implants. Modern breast augmentation offers an incredible amount of customization. Implants can be selected based on overall volume, projection, shape, and feel for a completely tailored outcome. Along with dozens of different implant options, the placement of the implant–subglandular or submuscular–is chosen based on specific aesthetic goals and lifestyle considerations. The type of incision will also be determined with careful consideration.

In general, breast augmentation is for patients who want to increase the volume of their breasts. This may be simply because they want a fuller look, or when volume has been lost due to factors like weight loss, breastfeeding, or aging. This surgery can also be used to make uneven breasts more symmetrical.

Breast Lift: For Elevated Youthfulness

The goal of a breast lift is to address sagging, drooping, deflated breasts and restore a perky, elevated appearance. Breasts often sag, known as breast ptosis, due to breastfeeding, pregnancy, or aging, and there comes a point for many women where even the best bras won’t create the lifted, refined look they would like to see in the mirror. This procedure works by removing excess skin and tissue as well as reshaping the remaining skin and tissue for a sculpted, refreshed appearance.

Breast lift is best for patients who are satisfied with the size of their breasts but would like to improve their position and shape. This procedure typically involves repositioning the nipple and can also address asymmetry in the breasts.

Breast Reduction: For Relief and Balance

While breast reduction is most commonly used to treat functional concerns such as back pain, it can also achieve aesthetic goals for women whose breasts are disproportionately large. Pain in the back, neck, and shoulders is common for some women with large breasts, which can be chronic and interfere with daily life. Women with large breasts and a small frame may feel that their breasts are too large for their body type and would prefer smaller breasts for aesthetic reasons. Reducing the size of the breasts by removing skin, fat, and breast tissue can relieve body pain and provide a balanced look.

Whether for functional or cosmetic reasons, when smaller breasts are the goal, breast reduction is the ideal choice.

Combining Procedures For Comprehensive Results

All three of the breast surgeries that we’ve covered can be used as standalone methods for those seeking specific results. They are also often combined for results that check multiple boxes. A breast lift procedure is frequently combined with either an augmentation or as part of the reduction for women who want to add or reduce volume and also address sagging simultaneously.

Choosing Your Ideal Procedure

When you’re deciding which one of these cosmetic surgeries may be right for you, there are a few things to take into consideration. First, what is your main concern? Is the focus size, shape, or discomfort? Whatever your main concern is, this should point you toward the best procedure for your needs. You should also keep in mind that to really achieve ultimate goals, many patients do need to opt for combined procedures. Finally, it’s important to remember that all of these procedures are fully customizable and can be tailored to your specific needs. So, while selecting a procedure is part of the process, know that these are not cookie-cutter solutions.