Breast Lift With Or Without Breast Implants

A breast lift involves adjusting the position of the breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping the tissue. While the procedure can be performed on its own, some patients also consider adding breast implants to increase volume at the same time.

Whether a breast lift is performed alone or alongside a procedure to place breast implants will depend on the individual and what kind of results they are hoping to achieve. The two procedures have key differences, both in how they’re performed and in the way that they will affect the appearance of the breasts.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between the two options and what to consider when making your decision.

What to think about when choosing a breast lift with or without breast implants

A breast lift focuses on repositioning the breasts by removing excess skin and adjusting the surrounding tissue. It’s not designed to add volume, so the overall size of the breasts won’t change significantly.

However, because the breast tissue is adjusted and lifted, it can create a different profile to some extent. Some patients may find that this is enough, while others might prefer to include implants for additional volume. For those considering implants, there are a variety of factors to consider and many options available.

Essentially, when weighing up your options, it’s helpful to think about the kind of results you want to achieve and if a breast lift alone will be enough. If you’re not sure, your surgeon can explain the results that a breast lift can achieve and help you to better understand your options.

How a breast lift is performed

A breast lift involves making incisions to remove excess skin and adjust the position of the breast tissue. The nipples are often also repositioned to suit the new shape of the breast.

The specific incision pattern will depend on the amount of skin that needs to be removed and the overall shape of the breast, but common approaches include a circular incision around the areola, a vertical incision down to the breast fold, or a combination of both of these placements.

Once the tissue has been adjusted and the nipple has been repositioned, the incisions are closed with sutures.

How a breast lift with breast implants is performed

When a breast lift is combined with implants, the procedure includes the same steps as a standard breast lift, with the addition of placing the implants either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The placement will depend on factors like existing breast tissue, implant size, and the features of each patient’s individual anatomy.

A breast lift with implants generally involves more adjustments to the breast tissue, as the lift needs to be balanced with the added volume. Breast implants take up additional space within the breast, which your surgeon will need to keep in mind when adjusting the tissue of the breast.

When it comes to placing breast implants, patients have a wide variety of options – including implant size, material, shape and projection. If you want to undergo a breast lift with implants, you’ll be able to discuss your options during your consultation.

Different types of breast implants can achieve different results, so your selections will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and what will align with your individual features.

How recovery can differ for each procedure

The recovery process will vary depending on whether a breast lift is performed on its own or with implants.

A breast lift alone usually involves less tissue disruption than when implants are added, which means recovery may be slightly less extensive – however, it will depend on the complexity of each individual case.

Swelling and bruising are expected after surgery, and while discomfort is common, it should gradually improve over the following weeks. For those who have implants placed, there may be additional tightness in the chest as the body adjusts.

This is because the breast tissue and skin will need to stretch to accommodate the implants.

Regardless of whether implants are included, following your surgeon’s instructions is important for recovery. These often include avoiding heavy lifting, caring for incision sites and gradually returning to regular activities as your healing progresses.

How to choose the right option for you

Deciding between a breast lift alone or a breast lift with implants will ultimately come down to whether adding volume will be part of your procedure goals.

Some individuals may find that a breast lift is enough to achieve the result they’re looking for, while others may feel that including implants would be suitable.

Choosing the right option can also come down to what may be most suitable for your body. During a consultation, your surgeon will assess factors like skin elasticity to help determine a suitable approach. They can then further explain the differences between the two options, and what would be realistically achievable.

Schedule a consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk on the Sunshine Coast

Offering a variety of surgical procedures focused on different areas of the body, including the breasts, Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Fraser-Kirk has years of training and experience.

Taking a supportive approach, he aims to understand the unique needs and expectations of each patient and tailor the procedure accordingly.

As a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk performs procedures that require a high level of skill and precision that must be gained through the right training and by obtaining important qualifications.

At your consultation for a breast lift, you’ll be able to discuss how your results may look with or without breast implants added to the procedure. Either way, your surgeon will plan a tailored procedure and outline what you can expect throughout the entire process.

When you’re ready to book your consultation, please contact our team so that we can help. We also welcome you to ask any questions you have about any procedures offered by Dr Fraser-Kirk, or any questions you may have about the surgical process.