Breast Enhancement: Key Differences Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lifts in Chattanooga, TN

Recent research suggests that more than 70% of women are unhappy with their breast size. That includes 47.5% who want larger breasts than they currently have and 23.2% who want smaller breasts — according to the international Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS), published in 2020.  That survey gives us a glimpse of a much larger problem. 

As there are millions of others who might be happy with the size but not the shape of their breasts.  Either way, it’s no secret that millions of women around the world are turning to breast surgery — such as a breast lift, breast augmentation or both — for enhancing the look and appearance of their breasts. 

These procedures are designed to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.  And we’re excited to bring that confidence and comfortability to our Chattanooga, TN community.  Here at Nease Cosmetic Surgery, we’ve helped thousands of women in the Chattanooga area make the same decision you’re making right now — and we’re just one phone call away if you need help, too. 

Breast Augmentation: Enhancing Volume and Shape

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty or a ‘boob job,’ is a procedure that involves placing implants behind the breast tissue or chest wall to create fuller, more symmetrical breasts.

There are three primary types of breast implants today: 

1. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They tend to feel softer and more natural than saline implants.

2. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water (saline). They provide a uniform shape and firmness and are typically less expensive than silicone implants.

3. Gummy bear implants contain a thicker silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the implant shell breaks, unlike saline or silicone implants.

Breast augmentation was the second-most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States in 2023 with more than 304,000 surgeries performed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).  The only surgery that was performed more was liposuction at nearly 350,000 procedures. It’s the ideal procedure for those looking to correct natural asymmetry, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply achieve a more proportionate figure. And Nease Cosmetic can help you get there!

Breast Lift: Restoring Youthful Positioning

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to support your desired breast contour. 

There are two primary types of breast lifts today: 

1. A crescent lift involves a small, crescent-shaped incision made along the upper edge of the areola, allowing for a discreet lift with minimal scarring.

2. A lollipop lift, also known as a vertical lift, involves an incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease. Incisions are minimal and well-hidden.

Breast lifts were the fourth-most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. in 2023 — behind only liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tucks — with more than 153,000 procedures performed, per the ASPS. 

That’s more than 10,000 more surgeries performed than the year prior. While a breast lift doesn't add volume to the breasts, it can create the appearance of fuller breasts by improving their shape and position on the chest wall — which is the primary goal with a breast lift.

Lift vs. Augmentation: Know the Differences

When it comes to breast enhancement procedures, many women in the Chattanooga, TN community find themselves weighing their options between one of two procedures: a breast augmentation vs. a breast lift. Which brings us to the million-dollar question of the day: 

What’s the difference between an augmentation and a lift?

At its core, a breast augmentation focuses on increasing volume and size using implants, while a breast lift (mastopexy) addresses sagging by repositioning existing breast tissue for a more youthful appearance. But let’s take a deeper look at some of the main differences between these two popular procedures. 

• A breast augmentation consists of a breast implant, whereas breast lifts consist of incisions.
• A breast lift procedure takes 2-3 hours, while breast augmentation takes about one hour.
• Breast lift results can take between 6-12 weeks, while augmentation results take 4-6 weeks. 
• Post-operative pain may be slightly higher for breast augmentation surgery.
• Breast augmentations cost less than a breast lift, but prices can vary greatly. 
• Breast augmentation can correct shape and size, while breast lifts correct shape and position. 
• Breast lifts generally result in more visible scarring than augmentation alone

Both procedures offer distinctive benefits depending on your aesthetic goals, but they yield unique results through unique means — so understanding the key differences is crucial to making an informed decision.

Don’t worry. Our expert team will help you weigh your options during your initial consultation with Dr. Nease.

When Should Patients Consider an Augmentation-Mastopexy?

Sometimes it’s not the shape or size alone that needs correcting — it’s both.  Combining breast augmentation with a lift (augmentation-mastopexy) can be an ideal solution for many women seeking comprehensive breast enhancement — especially if both size and shape are a concern. At least that was the case with 35-year-old mother of two, Megan Gilbert. 

In a 2022 interview with the ASPS, Gilbert explained her decision to undergo an augmentation-mastopexy after feeling unhappy with the size and shape of her breasts following a drastic 25-pound weight loss.  "After breastfeeding two kids and losing weight, my breasts no longer looked how I wanted them to," Gilbert told the ASPS. 

"And I thought, 'Why be unhappy with this one part of my body after working so hard to make all of these other improvements in my life?'" she continued. 

Gilbert was referred to a trusted surgeon, who performed a breast augmentation and breast lift on her. "I couldn't be happier with the results. Having that confidence back and feeling better about myself resonates in every part of my life, including with my family," Gilbert told the ASPS.  "I want my kids to be happy and secure in their life and in who they are, and if they don't see that in me, it's hard for them to see it in themselves,” she added. 

Nease Cosmetic Surgery: Book Your Consultation Today!

Are you unhappy with the size of your breasts? Did your breast lose its youthful shape following a weight loss journey or pregnancy? Are you losing confidence in yourself due to the appearance of your breasts? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Nease Cosmetic Surgery. 

We understand your breasts are an integral part of your feminine identity and self-confidence — and we know the difference a breast augmentation or breast lift makes in regaining that identity and confidence.

Your journey to renewed belonging begins here. Don't let breast concerns hold you back from feeling your best. Contact us today at (423) 515-3223 or book your consultation online to finally take that first step toward embracing the body you deserve.