Breast augmentation procedures are still the most popular choice for cosmetic surgery among women in the United States, the latest numbers show. In fact, having breast implants has never been easier because of breakthroughs in surgical technologies, including what’s known as the “Gummy Bear” implant (which has much firmer composition than the typical saline and silicone implants). However, that all might be changing soon, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports. That’s because more and more women are opting for breast lift surgery over breast implants these days.

With the benefits of breast augmentation so fully documented, the question is: why?

A press release issued by the ASPS featured some thoughts from the organization’s president, Dr. Robert X. Murphy. “Many women are looking for a youthful breast by using the tissue they already have,” Dr. Murphy stated.

In other words, breast implants now are physical objects that get inserted into a woman’s own bodily composition. Breast lift surgery, on the other hand, can be achieved using entirely the patient’s own tissue. That means no implants to deal with and no long-term risks — and that’s not where the differences end, either.

Breast lifts don’t enlarge the breasts, but lift them up.

Part of the reason women elect to undergo breast augmentation surgery is because their breasts have lost their natural shape, leaving them flattened and/or sagging where they were once supple and round. As we mentioned earlier, implants seek to fix these issues by reshaping the breast using an added substance. Breast lift surgery, though, relies entirely on reshaping the breast using the tissue that’s already there, lifting them up to make them appear larger. But to achieve the best results, it’s all about finding best breast augmentation surgeon you can.

Breast lift procedures focus on reshaping everything.

The basic breast lift surgery will remove excess tissue on the breast in order to address sagging, building up the rest of the breast in the process. This results in a more youthful appearance. However, the relation of the areola and the nipple is key to making a breast appear symmetrical and “normal,” so surgeons will address those areas in the reshaping as well. Implants don’t pay much attention to the outer areas of the breast.

They often work in conjunction with each other.

Sometimes, women who are a bit older wish to add a little oomph to their chests. They may have just had their three kids and now are ready to enjoy the benefits of their bodies again, and that’s where a combination breast lift-breast augmentation procedure can assist. The implants can add volume, and the lift procedure can do exactly as its name suggests. Coupled together, these two cosmetic surgeries can produce an extremely desirable end result — especially for women who’ve just had children.

Of course, if you’re thinking of any kind of cosmetic surgery, it’s always worthwhile to discuss the possibility with your doctor. Every patient is different, after all. For more information on the specifics of the procedures, find a local cosmetic surgeon near you. This is a great source for more.