Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: How to Choose the Right Option for You

If you’re considering breast enhancement, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should I get a breast lift, breast implants, or both? You’re not alone. Many women experience changes to their breasts over time due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetics—and deciding the right surgical approach can feel overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision. From understanding what each procedure does to identifying which one matches your goals, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.

What Does a Breast Augmentation Do?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. It’s ideal for individuals who want to:

• Enhance naturally small breasts
• Restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss
• Correct mild asymmetry in breast size
• Improve overall breast contour

What it doesn’t do:
While implants add volume and can subtly improve mild sagging, they do not raise the position of the breast or nipple. If your breasts have noticeable droop, augmentation alone likely won’t give you the lifted, youthful shape you’re after.

Learn more about Breast Augmentation in San Diego

What Does a Breast Lift Do?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a procedure designed to reposition the breast higher on the chest and reshape sagging tissue. It’s especially useful if you:

• Have nipples that sit below the breast crease
• Notice your nipples point downward
• Experience stretched or flattened breast tissue
• Feel your breasts look “deflated” even if you’re happy with their size

During a lift, excess skin is removed, the breast is reshaped, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned for a perkier, more youthful look.

What it doesn’t do:
A lift reshapes and raises the breasts, but it does not significantly increase size or fullness in the upper portion of the breast. If you’re also looking for a fuller appearance, you may need both procedures.

Explore Breast Lift options in San Diego

Signs You May Need a Lift, Augmentation, or Both

Here’s a simple way to think through your options:

You may benefit from augmentation only if:

• You’re happy with your breast position but want more volume
• You have mild volume loss but no noticeable sagging
• Your nipples are above or at the level of the breast fold

You may need a lift only if:

• You’re satisfied with your size but not the shape
• Your nipples sit low or point downward
• You experience sagging but don’t want larger breasts

You may need both if:

• You’ve lost volume and your breasts droop
• Your nipples are low, and you want a fuller size and shape
• You want to correct changes after pregnancy or major weight loss
  

Can Implants Lift Sagging Breasts?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The answer: not always.

Implants can provide a slight lift in women with excellent skin tone and minimal sagging. However, if the nipple sits below the fold of your breast, an implant alone will not achieve a natural-looking result. In those cases, a lift is usually necessary—either on its own or in combination with augmentation.

Trying to correct significant sagging with implants alone can lead to a “bottomed out” look or nipples that point too low. That’s why your surgeon will carefully assess your anatomy to recommend the safest, most flattering solution.

Combining a Breast Lift with Augmentation

Many patients benefit most from a combined procedure, which lifts the breasts while simultaneously restoring or adding volume with implants. This approach allows you to:

• Address both sagging and loss of fullness
• Reshape the breast while increasing size
• Restore a youthful contour in a single surgery

Benefits of combining procedures:

• One anesthesia and recovery period
• Balanced results (lifted and full)
• More comprehensive enhancement

Your surgeon will help you choose the right implant type and size, along with the ideal incision pattern based on your breast tissue and goals.

What to Expect with Scars and Incisions

Scarring is a normal part of any surgical procedure—but your surgeon will take care to place incisions where they’re least visible.

• Augmentation-only procedures often involve a small incision hidden in the breast fold or around the areola.
• Breast lifts require more extensive incisions. These may include:
  • Periareolar incision: around the nipple
  • Lollipop incision: around the nipple and vertically down the breast
  • Anchor incision: includes horizontal incision under the breast (for more severe sagging)

While lift incisions may sound intimidating, they heal well over time, and most patients report that the scar is worth the improvement in shape and confidence.

Recovery Time: Lift vs. Augmentation

Both procedures are outpatient surgeries, and recovery tends to be manageable. Here’s a general comparison:

Procedure	Light Activity	Return to Work	Full Recovery
Augmentation	~1 week	5–7 days	4–6 weeks
Lift	~1–2 weeks	7–10 days	6 weeks
Both	~1–2 weeks	7–10 days	6–8 weeks

During recovery, you’ll need to:

• Wear a surgical bra for support
• Avoid heavy lifting or chest workouts
• Sleep on your back to reduce pressure on your chest
• Attend follow-up visits for incision care and healing checks

Your surgeon will give you a personalized recovery plan based on your procedure and lifestyle.

Will My Breasts Sag Again?

Breast surgery creates long-lasting results, but no procedure can stop the effects of aging, gravity, or future life changes. That said, results typically last 10+ years, especially with good support and skin care.

Tips to preserve your results:

• Wear a supportive bra—especially during workouts
• Maintain a stable weight
• Avoid smoking (it weakens skin and slows healing)
• Use SPF on your chest when exposed to sun

Your surgeon can guide you on long-term care to make your results last as long as possible.

How Much Do These Procedures Cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s a good thing. Costs vary based on the procedure, implant type, your anatomy, and what your goals are. But here’s what most patients can expect in our area:

• Augmentation on its own: $7,000–$9,000
• A breast lift by itself: $8,000–$10,000
• Doing both? You’re likely looking at $11,000–$13,000+
  

These numbers usually include the full picture: your surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility costs, and your follow-ups. When you come in, we’ll walk you through a full breakdown — no surprises, just clear numbers tailored to you.

What If I’m Planning on Having Kids?

If pregnancy is on the horizon, it might make sense to hold off on surgery. Breast changes during and after pregnancy can undo some of the results you’d get from a lift or augmentation.

That said, not everyone wants to wait. Some patients go ahead with surgery, especially if they don’t plan to start a family anytime soon. In your consultation, we’ll talk through timing and what makes the most sense for your goals.

How to Know What’s Right for You

The only way to know for sure whether you need a lift, implants, or both is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your visit at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, Dr. Laverson will:

• Evaluate your breast shape, skin elasticity, and nipple position
• Discuss your goals for size, contour, and appearance
• Recommend the procedure—or combination—that suits your anatomy
• Explain implant options, incision locations, and recovery details

Whether you want subtle enhancement or dramatic transformation, we’re here to guide you with expert care and personalized recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose nipple sensation after breast lift or augmentation?

Temporary changes in nipple sensation are common after surgery, especially with a lift. Most patients regain feeling within months. Permanent loss is rare but possible, depending on technique and anatomy.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation or lift?

Yes, many women can still breastfeed. Implants placed under the muscle usually don’t interfere. A lift may slightly reduce milk supply if ducts are affected, but risks are low when done carefully.

What’s the best age to get a breast lift or implants?

There’s no ideal age. Breast enhancement is common from the late 20s to 50s. If sagging or volume loss affects confidence, and you’re healthy, it may be the right time.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Implant size depends on your body type, chest width, and goals. Your surgeon will guide you using measurements, photos, and trial sizers to help you find the best match.

Is it safe to combine a breast lift and augmentation?

Yes, combining both procedures is common and safe when performed by a qualified surgeon. It allows one recovery and can deliver more balanced, natural-looking results.

How long does recovery usually take?

Most people feel okay getting back to regular stuff in about a week or so, but it depends. You’ll still have some swelling or tightness for a few weeks, and it can take a few months to fully settle. Just follow your surgeon’s aftercare tips — that makes a big difference.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

There’s no one reason people look into breast surgery. It could be about comfort, restoring what’s changed, or just wanting to understand what’s possible. What matters is that it feels right to you.

If you’d like to talk, Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery can walk you through the options. No pressure, just clear answers so you can make a choice that fits your unique preferences.