Overview
Every woman's relationship with her breasts is unique and personal. Changes such as sagging or stretch marks are a normal part of life and can impact how some women view their bodies.
Whether you are considering breast augmentation or a breast lift, it is important to focus on your personal needs and what makes you feel most confident. Both procedures offer different benefits, and understanding the options available can help you make a choice that aligns with your body’s natural changes and your own self-image.
Key Differences Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
| Breast Augmentation | Effectiveness | |
| Goal | To increase breast size and volume | To lift sagging breasts and reposition nipples |
| Incisions | Can be made around the areola, in the underarm, or along the crease beneath the breast | Can be placed around the areola, vertically, or in an anchor pattern. |
| Implants | Silicone or saline implants | No implants |
| Recovery Time | Most patients can return to work after 2 to 4 days | Patients can often return to work within 2 to 4 days |
| Results | Larger, fuller, and more shapely breasts | Lifted, firmer, and more youthful-looking breasts |
| Average Cost | Ranges between $6,000 to $18,000 | Costs around $12,000 |
Who Should Consider Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation can be a great option for those who:
- Want larger breasts to balance their body proportions
- Are looking to enhance their breasts to boost self-confidence
- Want to restore lost breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Have unevenly sized or shaped breasts that they want to correct
- Want to change the overall appearance of their breasts
Who Should Consider a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is recommended for women who:
- Experience significant sagging or dropping of the breasts
- Want to restore the youthful firmness of their breasts
- Want to improve nipple position
- Are unhappy with the shape of their breasts
- Have some form of asymmetrical breasts
Can You Combine Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift?
Yes, breast augmentation and breast lift can be combined in a single procedure. This approach is ideal for women who desire both increased breast volume and improved lift. By addressing both concerns simultaneously, patients can achieve a more youthful and natural-looking result. This combined procedure can provide fuller, firmer, and more lifted breasts.
FAQs
Can breast implants lift sagging breasts on their own?
No, breast implants alone cannot lift sagging breasts. While implants can add volume, they do not address sagging tissue. For optimal results, a breast lift may be necessary in conjunction with implants to achieve a more lifted and youthful appearance.
What is the lifespan of breast implants?
Breast implants can typically last for about 10–15 years depending on the type of implant, the patient’s body, and lifestyle factors. Implant replacement may be necessary if complications arise such as ruptures, leaks, or changes in breast shape.
How long do the results of a breast lift last?
On average, breast lift results may last for about 10–15 years. Factors like ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, sun exposure, and lifestyle can impact the longevity of the results.
Final Thoughts
Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, making it a suitable option for individuals looking to increase breast volume or achieve a fuller appearance. In contrast, a breast lift focuses on improving the position and firmness of the breast tissue without altering breast size, catering to those seeking reshaping or repositioning. For individuals experiencing both sagging and a desire for increased volume, a combination of these procedures may be considered to achieve their aesthetic goals.
If you are unsure whether breast augmentation or breast lift suits your needs, our clinic is here to guide you. We offer expert consultations to help you make the best choice for your body and confidence. Whether you are looking to enhance your breast volume with breast augmentation or achieve firmer breasts with breast lift, our surgeon is committed to achieving your ideal result. Contact us today to book a consultation.
About Our Plastic Surgeon
Dr Colin Tham is an MOH-accredited plastic surgeon in Singapore with expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. After obtaining his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, Dr Tham specialised in plastic surgery. He set up the Aesthetic Centre in Singapore’s premier KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where he continues to serve as a visiting consultant. Dedicated to achieving natural-looking results, Dr Tham has been involved in the development of several non-invasive aesthetic procedures. He is also a sought-after trainer for doctors internationally.