Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Edmonton Procedure Do You Actually Need?
TL;DR: Breast augmentation enhances breast volume and shape using implants. A breast lift (mastopexy) raises and reshapes the breasts, repositions the areolas, and removes excess skin without adding volume. The right procedure depends on your main concern. If increasing size or fullness is your priority, breast augmentation is usually the best choice. If sagging or nipple position is the main issue, a breast lift is typically recommended. When both volume and sagging are concerns, a combined augmentation-mastopexy often gives the most balanced result. Simple self-checks like the pencil test or checking your nipple position can offer helpful clues, but only a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can confirm which option is right for you.
Breast lifts and breast augmentations get confused more than almost any other in cosmetic surgery. They sound related, and they're often mentioned together. But they solve different problems.
Understanding the distinction before your consultation saves time and sets realistic expectations. Here's how to tell them apart, and how to figure out which one applies to you.
What is the Difference Between a Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation, and Which Procedure Do I Actually Need?
A breast augmentation increases breast volume using implants; a breast lift (mastopexy) repositions the breast and removes excess skin without adding volume. Which one is right for you depends on whether your concern is size, sagging, or both, and many Edmonton, AB, patients ultimately combine the two.
What is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is about volume. It uses implants to increase the size and projection of the breasts, and it's tailored to each patient.
What it can do:
Increase breast size and fullness
Improve symmetry between sides
Restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss
What it can't do:
Lift breasts that have sagged significantly
Reposition a nipple that sits below the breast fold
Remove excess or stretched skin
What is a Breast Lift (Mastopexy)?
A mastopexy reshapes and raises the breast. It removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipple to a more forward-facing, elevated position.
What it addresses:
Breast sagging (ptosis) after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Nipple position, particularly when the nipple points downward or falls below the breast crease
Excess, stretched skin that hasn't responded to other changes
What it doesn't do: add volume. Patients who want both lift and fullness need a combined approach.
How Should You Decide Which Procedure Fits Your Goals?
A few practical assessment points surgeons use:
The Pencil Test
Place a pencil under your breast where it meets the chest wall. If the breast holds the pencil without it falling, there's a degree of ptosis (sagging) present. This suggests a lift may be relevant.
Nipple Position
If your nipple sits at or below the breast fold, a lift is likely needed. Augmentation alone won't correct this.
Skin Laxity
Significant skin looseness doesn't tighten with implants. In some cases, adding volume to a sagging breast makes the sagging more visible, not less.
When the Answer is Both: Augmentation-Mastopexy in Edmonton
Many patients, particularly those seeking cosmetic surgery in Edmonton after pregnancy or as part of a mommy makeover, need both procedures. Augmentation-mastopexy combines implant placement with a lift in a single surgery.
It's a more complex procedure than either alone, but it addresses both volume and position at the same time. This is worth a dedicated conversation with your surgeon.
What an Edmonton Consultation Reveals
A physical assessment is the only reliable way to determine which procedure is appropriate. During a consultation, your surgeon will:
Evaluate breast position, nipple location, and skin quality
Take clinical photographs for surgical planning
Discuss your aesthetic goals and what's realistically achievable
Recommend a single procedure, a combination, or a staged approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a breast lift leave scars?
Yes, a breast lift (mastopexy) leaves scars, as the procedure requires surgical incisions to reshape and elevate the breasts. The scars are carefully placed to be as discreet as possible, typically around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease itself. While they never disappear completely, most scars fade significantly over 12 to 18 months and can be further minimized with proper aftercare and scar treatments. Your surgeon will discuss the specific incision approach best suited to your anatomy and goals during consultation.
Will a breast lift or augmentation affect breastfeeding?
Most women can still breastfeed after a breast lift or augmentation, but it depends on the technique and how much breast tissue and milk ducts are affected. Discuss your breastfeeding plans at the consultation.
How much does a breast lift cost in Edmonton?
The exact cost of a breast lift in Edmonton varies depending on the surgeon, the technique used, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with breast augmentation. It is not covered by Alberta Health, and a personalized quote is provided during your consultation.
Contact Joshua DeSerres Plastic Surgery to Book a Consultation for Breast Procedures in Edmonton
Whether you are considering a lift, augmentation, or a combination of both, a thorough consultation is the best way to determine the right path for your goals. Contact Dr. Joshua DeSerres, MD, FRCSC, online or call (780) 483-6400, directly to book your consultation and explore more about our breast procedures.
