One of the Most Frequently Asked Questions in Breast Aesthetics
One of the most common questions among patients planning breast aesthetics is whether breast lift or breast augmentation surgery should be performed. In some patients the breast volume may be sufficient but sagging may be present, while in others lack of volume may be the main concern.
For this reason, the correct surgical choice cannot be determined only by looking at breast size. The position of the nipple, the amount of breast tissue, skin elasticity and the patient’s aesthetic expectations must all be evaluated together.
For more detailed information, you can also review the pages on breast augmentation surgery and breast lift surgery.
Why Does Breast Sagging Occur?
Breast tissue may move downward over time due to various reasons. Aging, pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight changes and reduced skin elasticity are among the most common causes.
When sagging occurs, the position of the nipple may also change and the breast may develop a more deflated appearance. In such cases, breast augmentation alone may not always be sufficient and reshaping the breast may be necessary.
When Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Preferred?
Breast augmentation surgery is generally preferred when breast volume is insufficient. In some women the breasts may be naturally small or may lose volume over time.
In such cases breast implants can be used to increase volume and achieve a fuller appearance. Breast augmentation surgery can make the breast shape more defined and provide a look that is more balanced with body proportions.
If there is no significant sagging and the nipple is in an ideal position, breast augmentation surgery alone may often be sufficient.
For more detailed information about recovery, you can review our article titled when can you exercise after breast augmentation surgery?.
When Is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?
Breast lift surgery is performed when there is noticeable breast sagging. The goal of this procedure is to move the breast upward, reposition the nipple to its ideal location and give the breast a firmer and lifted shape.
During the procedure excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped. As a result the breast gains a more lifted and aesthetic appearance.
Main Differences Between Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
| Feature | Breast Augmentation | Breast Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Increase breast volume | Reshape sagging breasts |
| Method Used | Breast implant (prosthesis) | Removal of excess skin and reshaping of breast tissue |
| When Performed | If there is volume deficiency | If there is noticeable sagging |
| Result | Fuller breast appearance | More lifted and firm breast shape |
How Does the Position of the Nipple Affect the Surgical Decision?
One of the most important criteria when planning breast aesthetics is the position of the nipple. In plastic surgery, the distance between the nipple and the chest bone is considered an important measurement.
Generally, a distance of approximately 20 to 22 centimeters is considered ideal. If this distance is within the ideal range and there is no advanced sagging, breast augmentation surgery alone may often be sufficient.
Surgical Planning According to Prof. Dr. Osman Kelahmetoğlu
According to Prof. Dr. Osman Kelahmetoğlu, one of the most important evaluation criteria in breast aesthetics is the position of the nipple. If the distance between the nipple and the chest bone is around 20–22 cm and there is no significant sagging, breast augmentation surgery alone may be sufficient.
In some patients this distance may reach 23–24 centimeters. In this case the patient’s skin quality and breast tissue structure should also be evaluated. If skin quality is good, a more lifted appearance may sometimes be achieved with breast augmentation alone by using a high-profile implant.
However, if the distance between the nipple and the chest bone exceeds 24–25 centimeters or if the skin quality is weak, breast augmentation alone may not be sufficient. In such cases the breast tissue may slide downward over the implant. This condition is known in aesthetic surgery as waterfall deformity.
Therefore, in such situations it may be more appropriate to perform breast lift surgery together with breast implants.
Who Is Breast Augmentation More Suitable For?
- People with small breast volume
- Patients whose nipple position is ideal
- Cases without noticeable sagging
- People who want a fuller breast appearance
Who Is Breast Lift More Suitable For?
- People whose nipples have moved downward
- Patients with sagging after childbirth or weight loss
- People with reduced skin elasticity
- Patients with noticeable breast sagging
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the decision made between breast lift and breast augmentation?
This decision is determined based on breast volume, degree of sagging, nipple position and skin quality.
Does breast augmentation completely correct sagging?
In cases of mild sagging, breast augmentation may improve the appearance of the breast. However, if sagging is severe, a breast lift may be required.
Is an implant used in breast lift surgery?
If there is also volume loss in the breast, implants may be used together with breast lift surgery.
What is waterfall deformity?
Waterfall deformity occurs when natural breast tissue slides downward over the implant after a breast prosthesis has been placed.
Are breast aesthetic surgeries permanent?
The results of breast aesthetic surgeries are long-lasting, but aging and gravity may cause changes in the breast over time.
