Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: What's the Difference?

Age, genetics, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and simple gravity can all cause changes to your breasts over time.¹ If these changes have left you unhappy with the size, shape, or position of your breasts, you're not alone.

According to the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, breast augmentations continue to rank in the top five cosmetic procedures performed each year. While far fewer breast lifts are performed annually, the procedure still ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery for breasts and has seen a 65 percent increase over the past two decades.¹

So, if you wish your breasts were a little higher, fuller, rounder or maybe just more like they used to be, then a breast lift or breast augmentation surgery may be worth considering.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure designed to change the position of the breast.

A breast lift procedure can be useful for improving the appearance of droopy, sagging breasts due to some of the following common causes:

• Weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Skin elasticity
• Hormonal changes

A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola, which can become enlarged over time. A breast lift may be a procedure to consider if you're satisfied with the cup size and volume of your breasts, but unhappy with the position of your breasts.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery, sometimes referred to as a “boob job," focuses on increasing the size and shape of the breast by using saline or silicone implants. While a breast implant can improve the fullness of the breast, which may provide the appearance of lifting, a breast augmentation on its own will not adjust the position of your breasts.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Key Differences

While both procedures may often get categorized under a “boob job," breast lifts and breast augmentations are separate procedures, each with their own benefits, depending on your cosmetic goals and personal preferences. Keep in mind that both breast lifts and breast augmentation are surgical procedures that involve incisions; however, the scars are usually minimal and fade to a thin line over time.

While they are unique procedures, it is important to note that both can be performed in the same surgery to help achieve your desired results. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

Preparation

Preparation for both procedures is quite similar. Before deciding whether a breast lift or breast augmentation surgery is right for you, it is recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

If you are preparing for breast augmentation surgery specifically, this is where you may discuss and choose your type of breast implant including the style, size and profile for your augmentation. Beyond that difference, preparation for both breast lift and breast augmentation surgery may include:

• A pre-op appointment
• Getting a baseline mammogram
• Avoiding aspirin or any other medications or supplements that may increase bleeding during the operation.

Key Takeaway: Preparation for a breast lift and a breast augmentation is very similar.

Procedural differences

Breast Lift: During a breast lift, once anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will make incisions to remove excess skin, tighten surrounding breast tissue and (if needed) reposition and reduce the nipple (areola) to create a more youthful, contoured look. Once the procedure is finished, the surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the area. A breast lift usually takes two to three hours.

Since some skin is removed, the breasts may appear fuller and shapelier as a result of a lift. However, it is important to note that a breast lift is not designed to significantly change the size of your breast.¹

Breast Augmentation: During breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon will make incisions under the breast, under the arms, or around the areola depending on the type and size of the implant, your body type and the least conspicuous area for a scar.

Once the implant has been inserted, the surgeon will close the incisions and bandage the area. A breast augmentation procedure usually takes one hour.

Key Takeaway: Breast lift surgery may take slightly longer than a breast augmentation procedure.

Recovery time

Breast Lift: After a breast lift, you'll need to wear a support bra or elastic bandage to help reduce any swelling and provide support for your breasts as they heal. Some surgeons may also place a thin tube from an incision site to drain excess fluid that may collect. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions on medication, activity level and how to care for your drain.

Many patients report that a breast lift is less painful than they anticipated, with discomfort mainly at incision sites. Patients will typically take one week off from work after a breast lift and have reduced activity for up to three weeks. After initial swelling from the procedure, you should see the final results of your breast lift within six to 12 weeks.

Breast Augmentation: After the implants have been inserted, the surgeon will close any incision with sutures. Some surgeons wrap the breasts with an ace bandage and provide you with an elastic support bra to help minimize swelling.

The pain from a breast augmentation can depend greatly on the placement and size of the implant. On average, a full recovery from a breast augmentation usually takes about four to six weeks.

Breast augmentation recovery can be made easier by following tips such as completing any physically strenuous exercise before the surgery, having low-maintenance food available post-surgery, and using a recliner or wedge to sleep at an incline for the first few weeks after the post-operation.

Key Takeaway: Recovery time for a breast lift and breast augmentation is similar. Post-operative pain may be slightly higher for breast augmentation surgery. Some surgeons use the Quick Recovery Method which greatly accelerates healing by avoiding trauma to the ribs during surgery.

Cost difference

For a detailed breakdown of the costs related to each of these procedures, read our article about costs, financing, and insurance coverage for breast surgery. Below, we provide a high-level overview of costs.

Breast Lift: The average price of a breast lift is about $5,000.²

Breast Augmentation: The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516.³ However, that price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses. Depending on your geographic location and the experience of the surgeon though, the total price of a breast augmentation may jump from $6,000 up $12,000.⁴ Also keep in mind that breast implants may need to be replaced over time.

Key Takeaway: Breast augmentations cost less than a breast lift, but prices can vary greatly based on geography and surgeon.

How to Choose Between a Breast Lift and a Breast Augmentation

While breast size and nipple position often dictate which breast surgery is right for you, many patients opt to undergo both cosmetic procedures at the same time. A consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine whether a breast lift or breast augmentation procedure — or both — makes the most sense for your situation and desired goals.

Financing a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for breast lifts or breast augmentations and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a plastic surgeon who has been serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota areas for over 35 years. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he has expertise performing a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, as well as non-surgical treatments designed to rejuvenate and enhance your natural features without the recovery time associated with major surgery. Dr. Joe specializes in Quick Recovery Breast Augmentation and is adept in a number of other procedures, including rhinoplasty, gynecomastia, labiaplasty, abdominoplasty, liposuction and much more.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.