Breast — 01 July 2026
Breast Augmentation Vs Breast Uplift
Published by Mr. Banwell
The decision to have breast surgery is a deeply personal one.
Some women want to achieve bigger breasts or to restore upper breast fullness. For other women, they want to lift dropping breasts that have lost skin elasticity after pregnancy or weight loss.
We understand that there are lots of factors to weigh up before you decide what surgical procedure is right for you.
The most common question we get asked by our patients is: breast augmentation vs breast uplift – which procedure is best?
Both procedures can dramatically improve breast shape and provide a more youthful contour to the breasts. But each one helps to solve different concerns.
If you are feeling unsure, Mr Paul Banwell is here to guide you through the differences between adding breast implants and lifting your existing breast tissue. Most of which will come down to what your desired outcomes and goals are.
For personalised advice on what is best for you and your body, book an initial consultation with Mr Banwell today.
What is breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation, also known as a boob job or breast enlargement is a popular surgical procedure that helps to increase breast size.
It involves placing breast implants under or over the muscle to help your breasts appear larger or fuller.
Women may also choose a breast augmentation to change breast position, especially if they have asymmetrical breasts.
An experienced surgeon will use either saline implants or silicone implants to achieve your desired results.
Mr Banwell uses Motiva breast implants, an advanced silicone breast implant that is designed to create a natural look and feel. They also have less risk of complications that often come with older types of breast implants.
Aside from creating fuller or rounder breasts, a breast augmentation can also help restore lost volume due to weight changes, pregnancy or ageing.
How breast augmentation works
During breast implant surgery, your implant placement will be either:
- Under the breast tissue
- Partially behind the chest muscle (dual plane or submuscular pocket)
The goal is to improve breast shape and breast size, while also complimenting the patient’s body, chest wall shape and ensuring they see natural proportions.
Who should consider breast implant surgery?
You might be a good candidate for a breast augmentation if you:
- Want to increase your cup size
- Want to achieve upper breast fullness
- Have breast asymmetry and want to increase breast size to give you even breasts
- Have naturally small breasts
- Want to improve the tone of your breasts
- Have minimal breast sagging or loose skin
Breast augmentation cost
Breast augmentation surgery starts from £9,350.
What is a breast lift or breast uplift?
A breast lift or breast uplift (mastopexy) is another type of breast surgery that helps to raise the breasts to a more youthful position.
A breast lift does not change or improve breast size. Instead, it works by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.
This helps to correct sagging breasts or drooping breasts, and stretched breast skin. It also repositions the nipples to a higher and more youthful placement.
How a breast lift works
Breast uplift procedures involve:
- Reshaping breast tissue to lift sagging breasts
- Lifting the breast so it sits higher on the chest
- Tightening the skin envelope by removing excess skin
- Repositioning the nipple
- Improving the breast crease and breast fold
Who should consider breast uplift surgery?
You might be a good candidate for a breast lift surgery if you:
- Have excess skin or loose skin due to weight loss or ageing
- Developed breast sagging after pregnancy
- Want a more youthful appearance without increasing breast size
- Have nipples that sit below the breast fold
Breast uplift cost
Breast lift cost starts from £11,000.
Can you combine breast implant surgery with breast uplift procedures?
Yes, many women do decide to choose a combined procedure to help them increase breast volume and size, while also lifting the breasts.
A combined breast augmentation and uplift is ideal if:
- You want larger breasts
- You have lost volume and firmness after pregnancy
- You want a fuller and more rounder shape to your breasts
- You want to lift sagging breasts
This dual procedure allows us to address breast position and breast volume at the same time.
As a result, you will have firmer and more youthful breasts that are more balanced with your proportions.
It also comes with one single recovery period. This will save you money on surgeon’s fees and put less stress on your body.
What does recovery look like – breast lift vs breast implant surgery?
Not everyone heals at the same rate, or in the same way. But as a general comparison, here are the differences in the recovery period for breast uplift vs breast augmentation:
Breast augmentation recovery
- Has a shorter recovery period of 4-6 weeks
- You can return to a non-physical desk job after one week
- You will experience some swelling and tightness around the breast implants
- Return to light activity after 4 weeks, but no strenuous exercise for 12 weeks
- Wear a support bra to support healing for 4-6 weeks
Breast uplift recovery
- Slightly longer recovery time of 6-8 weeks
- Most women return to non-strenuous work after 2 weeks
- Expect bruising, swelling and some mild pain (we provide pain management medication)
- A support bra is required for several weeks
- Can return to light activity after 4-6 weeks
- No strenuous activity for the first 6-8 weeks
For both procedures, you should focus on following a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and sticking to your surgeons aftercare advice to support healing.
Breast augmentation and breast lift results
Again, it is important to note that every patient’s results will be different and tailored to their aesthetic goals.
Breast augmentation results
- Fuller and rounder breasts (increased breast volume)
- Breasts that feel more firm
- Improved upper breast fullness
- Breasts look more symmetrical
Breast enlargement results can last for 8-16 years. You may decide to have implant removal and replacements by choice (to increase size), or because they have come to the end of the lifetime.
Breast lift results
- Elevated, breast position and firmer breasts
- A reduction in sagging and drooping breasts
- A more youthful and natural breast shape
It can take 6-12 months for your uplifted breasts to settle into their final shape. At this point, your results can last for up to 15 years.
Just remember, that your breasts will continue to age naturally. Factors such as gravity, weight changes, loss of skin elasticity, and pregnancy can impact how long your results last for.
Breast augmentation vs breast uplift: which is right for you?
The decision on which breast surgery is right for you will depend on your goals and anatomy.
Mr Banwell will assess your breast tissue, breast fold and chest wall shape during your initial consultation.
He will also discuss your concerns and desired results, so that he will create a bespoke treatment plan for you.
The choice between the two generally comes down to:
- If you want rounder and bigger breasts – choose breast augmentation.
- If you wanted more lifted breasts without changing the size – choose breast uplift.
- If you want larger breasts that also sit in a higher position – choose a combined procedure.
Talk to Mr Paul Banwell about breast surgery
If you are still unsure about which breast procedure is right for you, the best next step is to sit down with Mr Banwell for a consultation.
Mr Banwell is a fully qualified plastic and cosmetic surgeon who has years of experience in breast enlargement, breast lift, and breast reduction.
He is well known for his meticulous attention to detail and personalised approach. He will listen to your needs and goals, and provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision on what is the most suitable procedure for you.
Book your initial consultation today to find out more about breast augmentation vs breast uplift.
