321.452.3882 BOOK MY APPOINTMENT

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Breast Lifts: Which Option is Best for You?

If you’ve ever felt that your breasts are too small or that they’ve changed since childbirth, you are certainly not alone. Breast augmentations are the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures — more than 304,000 surgeries done in 2023 alone. 

Understanding Your Options

Understanding the differences between non-surgical and surgical breast lifts, along with their pros and cons, is essential in deciding whether a breast lift is right for you.

Surgical Breast Lift (Mastopexy) 

A mastopexy is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and reshaping sagging breasts, typically due to age or nursing children. A mastopexy can significantly enhance and “perk up” the appearance of sagging breasts so they become more youthful looking. Some opt for lifts and reshaping only, while many of these surgeries involve augmentation (aka breast implants). 

A surgical procedure gives long-lasting results so you can enjoy your breasts for years to come, and they’re completely customizable to what your desired aesthetic goals are. While this option has a higher cost and a longer recovery time, it does provide better and longer-lasting results than non-surgical options. 

Non-Surgical Options

There are a few options for women who do not want to go under the knife when it comes to breast enhancement. They include:

  • Breast enhancement creams: Certain creams containing vitamins, hormones, herbal extracts, and caffeine claim to make your breasts look larger. Although this can be an inexpensive and non-invasive option, results vary and may be temporary, with a lack of scientific evidence to back it up.
  • Botox: This neurotoxin injection usually reserved for wrinkles and frown lines on your face can also be used for your breasts. Botox is injected into the pectoralis minor chest muscles, temporarily paralyzing them, giving the back muscles a reason to compensate — creating a lift. Results are subtle and last for about 3 to 4 months — so although this is an alternative, it is not as powerful or permanent as plastic surgery.
  • Breast exercise: Risk-free, breast exercises involve targeted chest exercises to help tone and improve the appearance of your breasts. Although it’s healthy to exercise, this method may have little to no noticeable effects, and you have no control over what size or shape appears after exercising your breasts.
  • Radiofrequency-assisted breast lift: This non-surgical procedure involves a tool to heat up the tissues of your chest to stimulate collagen production, encouraging skin tightening and firming. This can give a lifted look, although the results are temporary.

Comparing the Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Breast Procedures

There is a lot to consider when deciphering between getting surgical breast implants vs. non-surgical breast procedures.

Cost

The average cost of a mastopexy was $6,816 in 2023, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Although that can range higher or lower depending on your location, what type of breast lift options are available, as well as general anesthesia or local anesthesia considerations. Although it’s a larger initial investment, the results last for a lifetime.

Though breast enhancement creams and breast exercises are far more affordable, the results are unlikely to be noticeable. Plus, Botox and radiofrequency procedures can add up, as patients will need regular treatments because the minimal effects only last a few months.

Immediate & Long-Term Outcomes

The immediate outcomes of non-surgical breast lift procedures are typically too subtle to notice a difference, and the long-term outcomes fall short, as non-surgical options need to be maintained regularly. Breast augmentation surgery has an immediate difference, with some downtime for recovery. Plus, the long-term effects of breast augmentations hold up, so you can enjoy a larger breast size and perkier breasts for decades to come.

Recovery and Downtime

Most non-surgical breast enhancement procedures require little to no downtime. Botox may have initial redness and soreness, but it will go away after a day or two. Radiofrequency has no downtime, but may involve slight warmth or redness in the chest temporarily. A surgical invasive breast lift requires at least two weeks of complete down time and rest, and a few more weeks or even months to fully heal. Those with small children or a busy schedule should consider the downtime that’s needed post surgery.

Risks and Complications

With fillers or Botox, there is a small risk for complications, however they’re typically very mild and temporary. A surgical invasive procedure always comes with risks, such as a chance of infection, scarring at the incision site, or issues with anesthesia. However, if you do your research and find a highly recommended board-certified plastic surgeon, your chances of complications go down dramatically.

The Ideal Candidates for Types of Breast Lifts

For those who have a very busy schedule with no option to take time off, are breastfeeding, or are only seeking minor breast enhancements, then non-surgical options such as breast creams and breast exercises may be a better fit than a traditional breast lift. Botox is relatively safe for breastfeeding women, although some may try to wait 48 hours after a procedure to breastfeed their baby. Those with any severe health issues may want to opt for non-surgical options as well.

For those who have the financial accessibility, a general healthy status, and a strong desire to transform their breasts because of asymmetry, size, or changes in shape due to age or childbirth, then traditional breast lift surgery may be the best option. It does require at least two weeks of downtime and recovery, but when following your doctor’s post-op instructions diligently, you will walk away with the breasts you’ve always dreamed of without the need for further surgeries or maintenance.

How to Decide Which is Best for You

If you’re on the fence between traditional surgical breast lifts vs. non-surgical options, then talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to weigh your options. You’ll discuss your medical history, your budget, your aesthetic goals, and your lifestyle to assess whether surgery is the right method for you. Request a consultation and write down a list of questions you have before going into your appointment so you can make the soundest decision that’s best for you in your current stage of life.

How Brevard Cosmetic Surgery Group Can Help

We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of care for our patients. Our expert team is experienced with all aspects of breast lift surgery and strives to ensure each patient is comfortable throughout the entire treatment. We offer the following services:

We also provide personalized post-operative, follow-up care so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. Schedule a breast augmentation consultation today to learn more. 

Call Brevard Email Brevard
Back to top