Choosing breast surgery goes far beyond an aesthetic decision; it's a choice personal, emotional and deeply linked to self-esteem. In consultation, many women arrive with the same question: breast augmentation or mastopexy?
Knowing what the right procedure is can make the difference between a satisfactory result and a frustrating experience. Although both surgeries improve the appearance of the bust, their objectives, techniques and results are very different.
Dr. Jennifer Gaona, a specialist in cosmetic surgery in Bogotá, accompanies his patients in this process through an accurate and honest medical evaluation. His approach is based on understanding anatomy, the real expectations and needs of each woman to recommend the procedure that truly offers harmony, safety and natural results.
In this comprehensive guide to breast augmentation or mastopexy, you will discover what each surgery does, when it is indicated, differences between the two procedures and how to choose the ideal procedure for you.
El breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgery whose main objective is Increase bust volume and projection. It is not designed to correct significant breast sagging, but to improve size, shape and symmetry.
This procedure is indicated when the patient's main desire is to see herself with larger, fuller or more proportionate breasts to her body.
It is also useful for regaining volume lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss, as long as the skin retains good elasticity. Breast augmentation improves cleavage, anterior chest projection and overall body harmony.
A key point is to understand that breast augmentation does not significantly lift the nipple. If there is an obvious fall, the implant alone will not solve the problem and may even accentuate it.
Breast augmentation can be performed using implants or through autologous fat transfer. Implants, generally made of cohesive silicone, offer more predictable results in terms of size and shape. They can be placed below the muscle or above the muscle, depending on the patient's anatomy and the result sought.
Fat transfer uses own tissue obtained by liposuction and offers a more natural result to the touch, although the increase in volume is limited and some of the fat can be reabsorbed over time. This option is usually suitable for discrete magnifications.
The result of breast augmentation is a bulkier and more projected bust from the start. However, it's important to have realistic expectations. Implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement.
Mastopexy, known as a breast lift, is a surgery focused on lift and firm the chest. Unlike augmentation, it does not primarily seek to increase size, but rather to correct breast sagging and reposition the nipple.
The central purpose of mastopexy is to restore a firmer, more youthful and elevated appearance to the bust. Excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is remodeled and the areola-nipple complex is placed in an anatomically correct position. This is especially relevant after pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes or the passage of time.
Many patients find that, after mastopexy, the bust appears even smaller, as loose tissue is lost. For this reason, Mastopexy does not always satisfy those who want more volume, unless combined with implants.
There are different mastopexy techniques that are chosen according to the degree of breast sagging. In mild cases, an incision around the areola may suffice. In moderate or severe ptosis, vertical or inverted T-shaped scars are required. Although scars are more visible than in a simple augmentation, over time they tend to lighten and become inconspicuous.
After mastopexy, the breasts look more elevated, firmer and better shaped. The neckline improves, the nipple regains its natural position and the bust looks more harmonious. However, aging, severity, and future pregnancies can influence long-term outcomes.
Thoroughly understand the differences between breast augmentation and mastopexy is essential to avoid results that do not meet your expectations or unnecessary surgeries. Although both procedures improve breast aesthetics, they act on different problems and offer different benefits. The key is to identify what your anatomy really needs and what result you want to achieve.
The most important difference between breast augmentation or mastopexy lies in the main objective of each surgery. Breast augmentation is designed to Increase volume and projection of the bust. Its purpose is to make the breasts look bigger, fuller and better in proportion to the rest of the body.
It is the ideal option when the main problem is a small size or a loss of volume, as long as the skin maintains good firmness.
Mastopexy, on the other hand, does not aim to increase size, but lift and firm sagging breasts. This procedure corrects sagging, removes excess skin and reshapes breast tissue to return a more youthful shape to the breast.
Many patients believe that they need implants when in fact the problem is the fall; in these cases, mastopexy alone can completely transform the appearance of the bust.
Choosing augmentation when breast ptosis is what exists can lead to unharmonious results, such as large but sagging breasts. Therefore, differentiating the aesthetic objective is the first step in making the right decision.
Another key aspect in the comparison between breast augmentation and mastopexy is the position of the areola-nipple complex. In breast augmentation, the nipple is practically unchanged in place. Although the implant may give the impression of a slight lift in very mild cases, it does not reposition the nipple in a real or lasting way.
In mastopexy, nipple repositioning is one of the main objectives. The surgeon raises the nipple to a more aesthetic height and focuses it again on the volume of the breast. This significantly improves the proportion, cleavage and overall appearance of the bust. In addition, the size of the areola can be reduced if it is dilated, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
This difference is especially important when analyzing before and after photos. An attractive bust depends not only on size, but on the ratio between volume, shape and position of the nipple.
Scars also make an important difference between the two procedures. In breast augmentation, the incisions are usually small and discreet, located in the breast groove, around the areola or in the armpit, depending on the technique chosen. In most cases, these scars go unnoticed over time.
Mastopexy, involving the removal of skin and the lifting of tissue, requires larger incisions. These can surround the areola, extend vertically into the groove or take an inverted T shape in cases of severe fall.
Although the scars are more visible initially, good surgical technique and adequate post-operative care allow them to gradually fade.
In terms of recovery, both breast augmentation and mastopexy require several weeks of care, use of a postoperative bra, and limitation of strenuous physical activities. However, mastopexy usually causes some more initial swelling and tenderness, due to increased tissue manipulation.
Breast augmentation tends to recover somewhat faster, especially when not combined with other techniques. Even so, in both cases it is essential to follow medical instructions to promote healing, minimize risks and achieve a stable result.
Understanding these differences allows us to have realistic expectations about the process and the times, which directly influences satisfaction with The surgery.
The choice between breast augmentation, mastopexy, or combination surgery should not be based only on photos or subjective wishes. It is essential to personalized diagnosis to evaluate skin elasticity, the amount of breast tissue, nipple position and body proportion.
At the consultation, an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Jennifer Gaona will analyze these factors and will clearly explain to you which procedure best fits your goals. Choosing correctly from the start reduces the risk of reinterventions and increases satisfaction with the final result.
Both surgeries are usually performed under general anaesthesia in a certified operating room. The duration varies depending on the technique, being longer when combined procedures. The postoperative period Of the patient includes the use of a surgical bra, pain management, relative rest and medical follow-up.
Initial results are seen within a few weeks, but the final shape and maturation of scars can take up to a year. Adherence to medical indications is key to a good outcome.
If your breasts are well-positioned but small, breast augmentation is usually sufficient. If they are droopy even though they have a good volume, mastopexy is the right option. When there is a fall and low volume, the combination is the most recommended.
Not necessarily, but many patients notice a smaller bust after removing excess skin. If you want to maintain or increase the size, it can be combined with implants.
Only in very mild cases. In most cases, placing implants without correcting the fall can worsen breast aesthetics.
The results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Aging, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy influence the bust over time.
Choose between breast augmentation or mastopexy should be based on an honest analysis of your anatomy, your lifestyle and your real expectations, not just a desire to “look better”. Each procedure has specific indications, clear benefits and also limitations that must be explained with total transparency to avoid disappointment and unnecessary reinterventions.
La Dr. Jennifer Gaona Emphasizes that a personalized assessment is key to achieving harmonious and natural results. Understanding if the main problem is lack of volume, breast sagging or a combination of both allows us to design a safe surgical plan adapted to each body.
A well-informed decision, accompanied by a certified plastic surgeon, is the first step in obtaining a satisfactory, lasting result aligned with your physical and emotional well-being.
