Does breast augmentation produce a breast lift?
This is a common question from my patients in Morristown, New Jersey, but I think there is quite a bit of controversy around this subject. I was watching a video by one of the leading plastic surgeons attempting to bust some myths about breast augmentation and he mentioned that breast implants do not lift the breasts. Then I looked around on the web and noticed that it seems to be a generally accepted notion that breast implants do not lift the breasts. Through my own experience, I have to admit that I do not agree with the fact that breast implants do not produce a lifting effect on the breast and the areola. I believe that if the ptosis (sagginess) is not excessive and certainly in cases of breast deflation, the kind noticed after pregnancy, breast augmentation definitely produces a lifting effect. I will demonstrate this by posting some of the pictures already on this site. I have better pictures to show potential patients in my office. Some of these pictures could not be posted on the web because I did not have the specific consent from the patients for online viewing. However I do not want to imply that every breast ptosis can be corrected by breast enlargement. Most cases of significant breast ptosis will require an augmentation mastopexy (breast lift), but any effective mastopexy will produce scars on the breast that most patients prefer to avoid. In many cases I have been able to create a pleasing breast shape by augmentation without mastopexy. I often discuss with the patient the possible need for a breast lift in case the augmentation alone did not produce the desired effect. The most common breast lift that I perform is the circumvertical lift, which involves a scar around the areola and one going from the areola to the fold under the breast. These scar normally heal well.
| Before photo | After photo |
| Before and after photos of breast augmentation performed by Dr. Rafizadeh in Morristown, NJ. showing the correction of breast ptosis (sagginess) after breast augmentation. | |
Common Questions Patients Search About Breast Surgery
How much does breast augmentation cost in New Jersey?
Primary breast augmentation in Northern New Jersey typically runs $8,500 to $12,500 all-in, depending on implant type (saline, silicone gel, or Ideal Implant) and whether the case is combined with a lift. Dr. Rafizadeh quotes a flat price during the consultation that includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, the facility, and follow-up visits. Revision breast surgery costs more because the planes are scarred and the operation typically takes longer.
Is silicone or saline better for breast implants?
Both are FDA-approved and safe; the right choice depends on the patient's anatomy, preference, and how she values certain trade-offs. Silicone gel feels more like natural tissue and is the default for thinner patients with less native breast coverage. Saline ruptures are obvious immediately (the breast deflates), so some patients prefer that built-in monitoring. Dr. Rafizadeh also offers the Ideal Implant — a structured saline implant that feels closer to silicone with the safety profile of saline.
What's the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
A breast lift (mastopexy) raises the breast and nipple position without removing significant tissue — ideal for women whose breasts are the right size but have descended. A breast reduction removes excess tissue along with raising the breast — appropriate for women whose breast size causes back, neck, or shoulder symptoms. The incisions are similar; the volume removed is what differs. Dr. Rafizadeh's North Jersey patients often combine elements of both when needed.
Is a breast lift easier to recover from than implants?
Recovery is similar in length (about 2–3 weeks back to non-vigorous activity), but the comfort curves differ. Implant patients report more pressure and chest tightness for the first week as the muscle accommodates. Lift patients report more skin tightness and incision care — the muscle is undisturbed but the skin envelope is reshaped. Both groups are typically back to office work in 7–10 days when surgery is performed under Dr. Rafizadeh's local-anesthesia-with-sedation protocol.
What is the 45-55 rule for breasts?
It's an aesthetic guideline: the ideal breast shape has roughly 45% of the volume above the nipple and 55% below, with the nipple sitting just above the inframammary fold. The rule helps surgeons decide implant placement, lift technique, and how much to elevate the nipple-areolar complex. Dr. Rafizadeh uses the 45/55 ratio as one of several proportional anchors during planning, alongside chest width, sternal notch-to-nipple distance, and the patient's own preferences.
How long do breast implants last?
Modern silicone and saline implants are not lifetime devices but are designed to last 10–20 years. Many patients get longer than that with no issue; some need an exchange sooner due to capsular contracture, rupture, or simply wanting a size change. The FDA recommends MRI or ultrasound screening for silicone implants starting at 5 years post-op, then every 2–3 years. Dr. Rafizadeh discusses long-term monitoring as part of every breast augmentation consultation.
What is the hardest cosmetic surgery to recover from?
Among breast procedures, breast reduction typically has the most involved recovery because of the tissue removed and the size of the incisions, but most patients say the pain trade-off is worth it given how much physical relief they feel almost immediately. Tummy tuck and combined mommy-makeover procedures rank higher overall on the difficulty curve. Compared to those, isolated breast lift or augmentation recovery is relatively gentle.
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