Deciding between a breast lift vs breast implants often depends on whether you want to improve breast shape, increase volume, or both. A breast lift tightens and lifts sagging breasts, while implants add volume and roundness. Understanding the difference helps you choose the option that matches your goals and body type.
At Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL, we bring years of experience in breast procedures. Dr. Holmes and our expert team offer clear, honest advice to help you make a choice you feel good about.
Comparison Chart: Breast Implants vs. Breast Lift
| Feature | Breast Implants (Augmentation) | Breast Lift (Mastopexy) |
| Ideal Candidates | Women wanting fuller breasts or better contour | Women with drooping breasts after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging |
| Customization Options | Wide range of implant types, sizes, and profiles; tailored to goals | Techniques (anchor, lollipop, Benelli) chosen based on degree of sag |
| Volume Change | Increases size significantly with implants | No volume gain; only lifts and firms |
| Longevity | Implants may need replacement or monitoring over time | Lift results fade as skin ages; may need touch-ups later |
What Breast Lifts and Breast Implants Really Do
Many women are unsure whether they need a breast augmentation, a breast lift, or both. Understanding how each procedure works is the first step toward making an informed decision. While breast implants enhance volume and fullness, a breast lift repositions and reshapes sagging breast tissue without increasing size. Both procedures are performed routinely at Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL by Dr. Holmes, who tailors your plan to fit your body and aesthetic goals.
Breast Lift Surgery: How It Reshapes and Repositions the Breasts
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This raises the breasts to a more youthful position and can also reposition the nipple if it has drifted downward. If your breasts have lost their perkiness due to pregnancy, weight loss, aging, or gravity, a breast lift may restore a firmer, more upright look.
Breast lift surgery can:
- Elevate the breasts to a higher position on the chest
- Reduce sagging and improve firmness
- Reposition the nipples and areolas
- Address asymmetry or elongated breast shape
Breast Augmentation Procedure: Adding Volume with Implants
Breast implants are used in breast augmentation procedures to increase cup size and enhance breast contour. Implants can be made of saline or silicone and come in various sizes and shapes to create a fuller, more proportionate appearance. Implants are ideal for women who feel their breasts are too small, have lost volume after breastfeeding or weight changes, or simply want more upper breast fullness.
The breast augmentation procedure can:
- Add volume and projection to the breasts
- Improve symmetry
- Create a rounder, more youthful contour
- Enhance confidence in and out of clothing
Breast Lift Before & After Photos
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* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Who Should Consider a Breast Lift or Breast Implants
Not every patient wants the same outcome. That’s why it’s important to match your desired aesthetic with the right procedure. During your consultation with Dr. Holmes, you’ll discuss your medical history, breast anatomy, and cosmetic goals to determine the best surgical plan.
When a Lift Procedure Makes the Most Sense
If your main concern is sagging or drooping, a breast lift may be the better fit. Women often choose a lift when their breasts have a deflated appearance or when their nipples point downward or fall below the breast fold.
You may be a good candidate for a breast lift if:
- You’re happy with your breast size in a bra, but not without one
- Your nipples sit below the crease of your breast
- You notice a flat or elongated breast shape
- Your skin has lost elasticity after pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss
When Implants Fit Better
If you’re looking for more fullness and a larger cup size, breast implants can give you that extra volume. Breast augmentation is often chosen by women who want to increase their bust line, correct breast asymmetry, or enhance body proportions.
Breast implants may be the right choice if:
- You want to go up one or more cup sizes
- Your breasts are small but not sagging
- You desire more upper pole fullness (volume in the top part of the breast)
- You have naturally asymmetrical breasts
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See What Looks More Natural
Each patient has a different definition of “natural-looking” results. Some may find that subtle silicone implants provide the perfect enhancement, while others prefer the refreshed, perky look of a lift. Dr. Holmes uses advanced imaging tools and before-and-after photos to help you visualize your potential results and make an informed decision.
What to Expect with a Breast Lift
A breast lift is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours. Dr. Holmes uses one of several incision techniques depending on your degree of sagging:
- Periareolar (Benelli) incision: around the nipple only
- Vertical (lollipop) incision: around the nipple and down to the breast fold
- Anchor incision: around the nipple, vertically down, and along the breast fold
After surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 7 to 10 days
What to Expect with Breast Implants
Breast augmentation takes about one to two hours under general anesthesia. The implant can be placed either under the chest muscle (sub‑muscular) or above it (sub‑glandular), depending on your anatomy and goals. Dr. Holmes will help you select the ideal implant size, shape, and type for your frame.
Post-procedure, you may experience tightness and mild soreness. Most patients are back to light activities in 5 to 7 days, though complete recovery may take several weeks.
What to Know About Scars and Incisions
All surgical procedures leave some scarring, but with expert technique and proper aftercare, most breast surgery scars fade significantly over time.
Typical Scarring After a Breast Lift
Because a breast lift requires more skin tightening and tissue reshaping, the incisions are usually more extensive than those in breast augmentation. Most scarring is hidden around the nipple or along the breast fold. Dr. Holmes uses precise suturing techniques and post-op scar care instructions to help scars heal discreetly.
Typical Scarring After Breast Implants
Breast augmentation generally involves smaller incisions. These may be placed in one of three areas:
- Inframammary (along the breast fold)
- Periareolar (around the edge of the nipple)
Many women find that implant surgery leaves barely noticeable scars after healing.
Breast augmentation Before & After Photos
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* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Longevity Difference: How Long Do the Results Last?
The longevity of your results depends on factors like age, skin elasticity, lifestyle habits, and whether you become pregnant or lose significant weight.
Longevity of a Lift
Breast lift results typically last 10 to 15 years, though some patients may enjoy long-lasting improvement even beyond that. Over time, natural aging and gravity may cause a gradual return of sagging, but the breasts will remain more lifted than before surgery.
Longevity of Implants
Breast implants are durable medical devices but are not considered lifetime products. Many women enjoy 10 to 20 years of results before considering a replacement or revision. Saline and silicone implants both come with manufacturer warranties, and routine monitoring is encouraged to ensure long-term safety.
Why You Might Need Both a Breast Lift and Implants
In some cases, the best results come from combining procedures. If you have sagging and loss of volume, Dr. Holmes may recommend a breast lift with implants to create both a perkier shape and fuller size.
Why Some Women Choose Both
Combining a breast lift and augmentation can:
- Elevate the breasts and nipples
- Restore youthful roundness and volume
- Improve cleavage and upper breast fullness
- Correct asymmetry in both shape and size
What to Know If You’re Thinking About Both
While combining procedures involves more surgical planning, it can be done in one session. Dr. Holmes prioritizes patient safety, comfort, and outcome satisfaction. You’ll be guided through each decision and fully informed of what to expect during and after your procedure.
Pick the Option That Fits Your Body and Lifestyle
No two bodies are the same—and no two goals are either. Whether you’re looking to boost your cup size, restore breast position, or both, Dr. Holmes will help you choose the right procedure to meet your needs. With years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery, Dr. Holmes tailors every plan to enhance your natural beauty while preserving balance and proportion.
If you’re unsure where to start, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL. We’ll walk you through your options, show you 3D animations and before-and-after photos, and develop a surgical plan customized just for you.
Contact Us Today and Enjoy the Benefits of a Breast Lift or Implants in Naples, FL
Dr. Holmes is known for his meticulous surgical skill, caring approach, and commitment to patient satisfaction. Whether you’re interested in a breast lift, breast implants, or a combination of both, the first step is a personalized consultation. Let us help you feel more confident in your appearance and make a decision that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.
Schedule your consultation today to take the next step toward a more confident you.