A breast augmentation is designed to increase the size and shape of the breasts using implants, but it doesn’t automatically include a lift.
While both procedures can be performed together, they serve different purposes. Understanding how they differ, and when one or both might be needed, can help you make sense of what each surgery can achieve.
What does a breast augmentation involve?
A breast augmentation involves inserting implants, either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The main aim is to increase volume, rather than alter the position of the breasts.
During surgery, your surgeon will create an incision before inserting the implant into a carefully created pocket. The implants themselves come in different sizes, shapes, and profiles, which can all influence how the breasts appear after surgery.
However, an augmentation doesn’t tighten stretched skin or reposition the nipple. This is where confusion often arises.
What does a breast lift involve?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, focuses on repositioning the breast tissue and removing excess skin. Unlike augmentation, it doesn’t add volume.
During this procedure, your surgeon reshapes the existing breast tissue, repositions the nipple and areola higher on the chest, and removes any skin that has lost elasticity.
There are different incision patterns used depending on how much lifting is required. The most common approaches include a circular incision around the areola, a lollipop-shaped incision extending vertically down from the areola, or an anchor-shaped incision.
When might both procedures be performed together?
There are situations where combining a breast augmentation with a lift makes sense. This is often recommended for patients who not only want more volume but also have breast tissue that sits lower on the chest due to weight changes, pregnancy, or natural ageing. Performing both at once allows the surgeon to address volume and position in a single operation.
When combined, the lift repositions and reshapes the existing breast tissue while the implants add volume. It’s a more complex operation than either procedure alone, as it requires careful planning to balance the placement of the implants with the new position of the lifted breast tissue.
Can an augmentation alone lift the breasts?
In some cases, a breast augmentation alone can create the illusion of a mild lift, but this depends on the patient’s anatomy. If the nipples still sit above or at the level of the breast crease and the skin retains its elasticity, the added volume from implants may provide enough upper fullness to make a difference.
However, for patients whose nipples sit below the crease or whose breast tissue has dropped lower on the chest, implants alone won’t provide a meaningful lift. This is why a lift is often recommended alongside augmentation in those situations.
How do surgeons decide which procedure is needed?
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess the shape, position, and quality of your breast tissue, as well as nipple placement and skin elasticity. These factors help determine whether augmentation, a lift, or both will achieve the most balanced result.
If your breasts have good tissue tone and the nipples sit centrally on the breast mound, an augmentation alone might be sufficient. If the nipples point downward or fall below the breast crease, a lift – either on its own or combined with implants – will likely be necessary. It’s also important that you discuss your desired size and shape in detail during this consultation, as this will influence the choice of implant and the surgical technique used.
What happens during a combined augmentation and lift procedure?
When both procedures are performed together, the surgeon will first reshape and lift the existing breast tissue, then insert the implants to increase volume. The implants are usually placed beneath the muscle, although this can vary depending on anatomy and personal preference.
Since both lifting and implant placement are involved, this type of surgery generally takes longer than an augmentation or lift performed alone. It also involves more extensive incisions, which can mean a slightly longer recovery time. However, many patients choose to combine them to avoid having two separate operations.
What can be expected during recovery?
Recovery after a breast augmentation and lift will depend on the extent of the procedure. Straight after surgery, you’ll likely have dressings and a support garment to help minimise swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Discomfort, tightness, and swelling are normal in the first few weeks.
Most patients can return to light daily activities after about a week, although anything that involves lifting or upper body strain should be avoided for several weeks. If both procedures were performed, your surgeon may recommend wearing a supportive surgical bra for several weeks to help maintain the new breast shape as the tissues heal.
Bruising and changes in nipple sensation are also common early on but typically improve as recovery progresses. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the implants are settling evenly within the new breast structure.
Plastic Surgeon Dr Norris: Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift Procedures at Form & Face Sydney
At Form & Face, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Benjamin Norris has decades of experience in performing breast procedures.
If you’re considering whether a breast augmentation, a lift, or a combination of both is right for you, arranging a consultation with an experienced surgeon can help you understand your options in detail. Dr Norris can assess your anatomy, listen to what you hope to achieve, and guide you toward a surgical plan that aligns with your goals.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr Norris, please contact our team in Sydney (Bondi Junction) or Bella Vista!
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