Breast surgery is widely popular all over the world. Patients seek out breast surgery for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason for opting for breast surgery, it’s important to understand your different options and how breast surgery can differ. Keep reading to find out the difference between breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reductions.
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the top surgical procedure in the UK in 2021 was breast augmentation, followed by breast reduction. Every year, breast surgeries continue to make the top of the list as some of the most popular surgical procedures.
Breast Lift
Also known as a mastopexy, a breast lift targets saggy breasts. By removing excess skin and lifting the breasts into a new, higher position and tightening the surrounding tissue, breasts are much higher. A breast lift can create a more rejuvenated and youthful shape. Several factors contribute to sagging breasts like weight, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, and genetics.
There are several types of breast lift depending on the severity of sagging:
- Doughnut – for mild to moderate breast sagging
- Anchor – for serious sagging
- Crescent – this is for milder sagging
- Lollipop – for a moderate amount of sagging
Breast Reduction
For patients who feel like they have overly large breasts, a breast reduction may be suitable. The procedure removes excess fat, tissue and skin. Breast reduction surgery aims to achieve a smaller breast size that looks natural and in proportion with the body. Some patients opt for a breast reduction as overly large breasts can contribute to back and neck pain and make exercise uncomfortable.
Breast Implants
Through breast augmentation, you can increase the size of the breasts. You can do this through either breast implants or breast fat transfer surgery. Breast implants can change the size and shape of the breasts using implants.
There are several advantages to breast enlargement with implants, including:
- Boost in self-confidence
- Implants typically last 10 years
- Correct breast asymmetry
- Have a sizeable increase while retaining a natural look
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
With fat transfer breast augmentation, fat is removed from one part of the body and inserted into the breasts carefully. Typically, breast fat transfer surgery is a more natural way to increase breast size without using implants.
If you don’t like the idea of getting breast implants, fat transfer is a good option. The main difference between using fat grafting techniques and implants is that, in general, fat transfer results in a smaller size increase. You also need to have some fat on the body, so this is something to consider. Breast fat transfer results can be long-lasting and natural-looking.
Hybrid Breast Augmentation
Hybrid breast augmentation combines breast fat transfer and breast implants in one procedure. It’s a hybrid approach to breast augmentation that’s gaining popularity. If a patient didn’t have enough natural breast tissue, a hybrid approach would mean that you could create a much more natural-looking result. If you have breast asymmetry and lack natural breast tissue, your breast surgeon may suggest a hybrid approach to achieve the best result.
Breast Lift with Breast Implants or Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
You can also combine a breast lift with breast implants or fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure is known as an augmentation-mastopexy. By combining the two procedures, you benefit from lifting the breasts into a higher, more youthful position at the same time. There are various types of breast lift techniques, so depending on your specific case, your plastic surgeon will choose the best approach for you.
Can You Combine Breast Surgeries?
With all breast surgeries, you will need to be a healthy, stable weight without any medical conditions that put you at risk for surgical complications.
So, can you combine breast surgeries? The answer is yes. It’s normal to combine a breast lift with both breast augmentation and breast reduction if you’re trying to achieve a specific look. Combining a breast lift with another cosmetic procedure is an excellent way to get the most out of one surgery and recovery time, as you can get it all done simultaneously.
How to Choose the Right Breast Surgery for You?
The right breast surgery for you depends on your goals. If you have overly large breasts, then naturally, you would consider a breast reduction. But if you would like a lift at the same time, it makes sense to combine a breast lift and reduction. For those looking for a natural increase in breast size, breast fat transfer may be more suitable.
There’s a big range of breast surgeries available, and it’s hard to know which is the right for you. You may start your journey thinking that breast implants are absolutely perfect for you. But you may discover that fat transfer breast augmentation with a breast lift is much more suitable. It’s important that you go into your cosmetic surgery consultation with an open mind. While it’s useful to research your chosen surgery beforehand, it’s a good idea to let your plastic surgeon guide you on the safest path.
Consider the following when you’re choosing the right breast surgery for you:
- Recovery time
- Results
- Implants vs no implants
- Breast surgery scars
Breast Surgery Before and After at the Harley Clinic
As you begin to research your Harley Street breast surgeon, you will come across plenty of breast surgery before and after images. Here are some from the Harley Clinic to give you a good idea of what to expect during your research.
Choosing the right breast surgery comes down to choosing the best plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will guide you on the journey to select the most suitable procedures for your individual needs and desires. It’s important to know that all breast surgeries come with their own risks, pros, and cons. So, by gaining a complete understanding of your options, you can begin to familiarise yourself with the procedure, potential risks and results.
Book a consultation today or contact the team at the Harley Clinic to talk about your options, ask any questions you have and get started on your breast surgery journey.
