Sagging breasts solutions: What’s the solution? Uplift versus Augmentation 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, going braless, hormonal shifts can all lead to sagging breasts (breasts ptosis). But are they deflated or droopy? That is the question. If you’re unhappy with the changed appearance of your breasts, the most important message is to go see a professional. An FRCS Plast plastic surgeon on the specialist register who specialises in breasts. There are several options for improving sagging breasts that work alongside boosting your self-image and self-confidence. 

The two most popular procedures that resolve the sagging breasts problem are breast lift (mastopexy) and breast augmentation (with implants or fat…or a combination). 

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Here’s what you need to know about the difference between a breast uplift and breast augmentation, as well as guidance re which procedure may be better for you: 


What is breast uplift surgery?

A breast uplift — also known as mastopexy — is a surgical procedure that raises the nipple-areolar complex and removes excess skin, to give you a  fuller, shapely breast, tighten the skin and reposition the nipple-areola.. Breast tissue is reshaped, tightened and lifted, restoring perkiness. A breast lift will reduce droopiness (ptosis) and in the right hands, create a more youthful breast contour, and will also raise the nipples and areolas into a more upward position. A breast uplift does not change the size of your breast, but will make them appear fuller and fit into bra cups differently.




When to consider a breast lift:

  • If you have droopy breasts, that have lost shape and upper pole volume

  • If your breasts appear longer and dangle

  • If your nipples point downward and/or fall below your breast crease

  • If one of your breasts falls lower than the other

  • After completion of your family otherwise pregnancy may bring unwanted changes to the breasts.

  • After weight loss

  • Hormonal fluctuations (menopause, illness, drugs)

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Breast lift results

When performed by a top-rated plastic surgeon, a breast uplift can be a rewarding procedure with long-lasting results. We say long-lasting and not permanent results because as you age, your skin will become less elastic, weight will change and sagging might recur. 

Your breast size is also a factor that affects the results: women with smaller breasts will enjoy longer-lasting results, because larger breasts are heavier and more likely to sag again.  Maintaining a stable weight will also help you retain your results.


What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation - also known as augmentation mammoplasty or breast aug or boob job - is a surgical procedure that increases the size of your breasts by using breast implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts, but performed along with a breast lift (a combined augmentation mastopexy), one can achieve your desired results with a single procedure and recovery. 




When to consider breast augmentation:

  • If you feel your breasts look “deflated”

  • If you’ve lost significant breast volume

  • If you want significantly larger breasts

  • If the upper pole has disappeared

  • If your nipple/areola is above the breast crease and pointing upwards, there’s just not enough breast tissue

  • Breast sizes differ



Main differences between breast uplift and breast augmentation:

A breast augmentation procedure focuses on the volume of the breast and does not correct drooping breasts, while a breast lift focuses on nipple areola position and tightening the skin envelope. It maintains the breast tissue you have, simply lifts, tightens and re-positions it, giving the appearance of a fuller breast.  




Which procedure is the right one for you

Choosing the right procedure depends on which aspects of your breasts you want to modify and by how much. if you just want to restore fullness, especially to the upper pole, consider augmentation with fat or implants. If you want to go significantly bigger and only need a small uplift of your nipples – then clever use of shaped implants can achieve that for you. 

If however, you need to achieve perkiness and more shapely, full breasts, opt for a breast lift. 

If you need a combination – talk to your surgeon about your priorities…and a combination of uplift, fat transfer and/or implants may be discussed. 

Every breast, every life and every decision is very personal, and priorities and choices change with time. For every concern there is a solution. Why not speak with confidence and candour to an expert plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and can guide you towards the best choice for you at this time.