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

By Dr. Gina Maccarone, MD, FACS, FAACS

If you’ve noticed changes in your breast shape, size, or firmness, whether from pregnancy, weight loss, or simply time, you’re far from alone. These are some of the most common concerns I hear in my practice. The reassuring news? There are safe, beautifully effective procedures available to help you feel more confident and aligned with your body goals.

Two of the most popular options are breast augmentation and breast lift surgery. While each offers a unique benefit, they can also be combined for a more comprehensive transformation. But first, we begin with one key question: What would you like to change?

If your main goal is increased volume or fuller breasts, breast augmentation may be the right choice. In 2024, it was the most performed cosmetic breast surgery, with 306,196 implant procedures reported, nearly twice the number of lifts performed that year (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2024). This procedure uses implants, either silicone or saline, to enhance shape and size. During your consultation, we’ll walk through choices like implant material, size, and placement, all tailored to your body proportions and lifestyle. I often use the inframammary incision, placed discreetly under the breast fold, for its precision and minimal scarring. In general, I advise staying within about two cup sizes of your natural volume to maintain balance and ensure your results look elegant, not overdone.

Breast Augmentation

Now, let’s talk about breast lifts. If sagging or drooping is your primary concern, especially after weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging, a lift can restore shape without adding volume. In 2024, there were 153,616 breast lifts performed, about one-third of implant procedures (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2024). This surgery repositions and reshapes your natural tissue, creating a firmer, more youthful silhouette. A simple self-check: if your nipples sit below the breast fold or point downward, you may be a good candidate for a lift.

There are several lift techniques depending on the degree of correction needed. For mild sagging, a periareolar lift involves an incision around the areola and works well for subtle reshaping. For moderate droop, the vertical (“lollipop”) lift includes an incision down the breast to allow greater lift and contour. For more significant sagging, the inverted-T (“anchor”) lift adds an incision along the breast fold, offering the most comprehensive reshaping. Each approach is chosen based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, focusing on restoring balance, proportion, and confidence.

It’s also worth noting that breast lifts are growing in popularity, especially due to weight loss from medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which can mimic post-pregnancy changes such as drooping and volume loss. Some women are even opting to remove implants and choose a lift instead, while others benefit from auto-augmentation techniques that use reshaped breast tissue to create fullness without an implant. Many surgeons are embracing these natural-lift methods to preserve volume and create a youthful appearance.

Breast Lift

While breast augmentation remains more common, the combination of augmentation and lift, known as an augmentation-mastopexy, is increasingly sought after. This dual approach is ideal for women aiming to restore both volume and lift, and is particularly effective for mothers addressing post-pregnancy changes. Together, these procedures offer a harmonized result that elevates, enhances, and balances to help you feel like the best version of yourself.

In my practice, I specialize in both breast augmentation and lift procedures, tailoring each surgery to your unique body, lifestyle, and long-term goals. I understand that every patient’s journey is different, whether you’re seeking a subtle boost in volume or a more dramatic reshaping to restore youthful contours. That’s why the most important part of this journey is you. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so I take the time to listen carefully and learn about your anatomy, lifestyle, and personal vision. Together, we’ll create a custom plan that combines surgical precision with a personalized touch, aiming for natural, harmonious results that enhance your confidence and help you feel like the most elevated, refreshed version of yourself.

Whether you’re leaning toward augmentation, a lift, or both, you deserve to feel empowered and excited about your upcoming transformation. I’m here to guide you with expertise, kindness, and confidence every step of the way.

Xo, 
Dr. G.