Breast Augmentation Vs. Breast Lift

Many women are interested in enhancing the contours of their body using breast surgery. Breast augmentation is our most popular procedure by far, but some women may find that breast lifts can give them what they’re looking for. Dr. O’Neill performs both procedures in our Charleston, SC plastic surgery clinic, but we wanted to go through the basics to help you narrow down your options.

These are two separate procedures performed for two different reasons, but they can be combined into one surgery to see the benefits of both, described below.

Breast Augmentation

Procedure – Breast augmentation is the procedure used to increase the size of a woman’s breasts using implants. Dr. O’Neill uses small, easily hidden incisions below, to the side, or through the nipple (depending on your needs) to insert an implant of the desired size. Augmentation should not be performed when a woman wants to only correct sagging breasts.

Recovery – After surgery, patients should accept pain, soreness, and swelling for a few weeks, but most woman can return to work and light activity in a matter of days. Lifting is typically restricted for up to six weeks after surgery. Scars from surgical incisions should fade over the course of a year.

Results – After swelling has gone down, women can expect an enhanced, larger appearance at their desired cup size.

 

Breast Lift

Procedure – To correct sagging and improve the position and shape of breasts, the breast lift procedure should be selected. Dr. O’Neill performs these lifts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding skin and tissue. Breast lifts can also reduce an enlarged areola. Breast lifts do not increase the size of small breasts.

Recovery – Swelling and discomfort should be expected for the first month after surgery. The incisions are sometimes different depending on the degree of lifting required as well, but incisions should fade over the course of a year.

Results – Women can expect breasts to be raised and firmed with the procedure. The new breast contour and shape should refine after 1 to 3 months with healing.

Schedule A Consultation Today!

Are you interested in either of these procedures, or both? Give our plastic surgery team a call at 843-881-2130 or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located in Charleston, SC on Daniel Island.

 

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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