Breast Reduction and Lift FAQs

Experiencing changes in the body that directly affect the shape and size of the breasts is a natural part of aging in every woman. However, no two women have the same body, and factors like genetics, hormonal changes, and pregnancy, along with time, can drastically alter the breasts. Women who initially look into a breast reduction often inquire about a breast reduction and lift at the same time.

Some women with larger breasts may experience back, shoulder, and neck pain due to the size of their breasts or not feel comfortable in their clothing due to their size. Women experience sagging of the breasts at different rates, including those who have had weight gain. Some women with large breasts may feel insecure about the shape, size, and proportions of their breasts.

In order to address these problems and feel physically and mentally more comfortable and secure in their bodies, most women seek out procedures like breast reduction and corresponding lift or more commonly referred to as a breast reduction and lift.

These are both one-day surgical procedures that a qualified plastic surgeon or specialist can perform so that patients can have breasts that are a size and shape they feel more comfortable with. In this article, we will discuss some frequently asked questions surrounding reduction and lift procedures performed by plastic surgeons.

What is the difference between breast reduction and breast lift?

A lift and Breast reduction are two different procedures that can sometimes be confused because they both require removing skin and excess tissue from the breast and ultimately changing the breast’s shape. However, the reasons for each procedure and the results are very different. Simply put, a breast reduction makes the size of the breasts smaller, whereas a breast lift does not alter the size of the breasts.

Breast Lift Surgery

Also referred to as a mastopexy, a breast lift reconstructs the outer tissues of the breast, not the breast tissue itself. This procedure involves raising (or “lifting”) the breasts by removing excess skin around the breast and tightening the skin and tissue.

A lift involving the breast is performed in order to reduce sagging and create a raised, younger-looking breast. Although the mastopexy,  without additional augmentation, does not increase the size of the breast, some patients do experience added fullness after the surgery, sometimes resulting in a change of cup size. Patients may also receive a lift with augmentation in order to increase the size of the breasts while also improving the shape and reducing sagging. Breast lifts with augmentation involve the additional step of adding implants into the breast to increase their size.

Breast Reduction

While a lift does not alter the size of the breasts (without augmentation), the purpose of breast reduction surgery is to make the breasts smaller. It involves a significant reduction in breast tissue and is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

Also referred to as mammoplasty, breast reduction is the process that removes excess skin, fat, and glandular breast tissue using manual tissue removal techniques or liposuction to reduce the size and weight of heavy breasts.

Breast reductions leave patients with smaller and lighter breasts. Additional benefits may include better firmness, reduced sagging, and improved shape. Furthermore, breast reductions should result in reduced neck, shoulder, and back pain caused by the weight of large breasts.

Does a breast reduction include a lift?

A lift is usually included in a breast reduction operation. Due to gravity, larger breasts sag more quickly and more visibly than compared with smaller breasts. Furthermore, a breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue and fat, so without a mastopexy surgery included in the operation, the effects of sagging would likely be more pronounced after the plastic surgery.

Because of this, most plastic surgeons perform breast lift procedures during breast reduction surgery to ensure that your breasts look more youthful and firmer, along with smaller and lighter, after the operation. Women with large breasts can opt for a breast reduction and lift.

What are the benefits of a breast reduction and lift?

Improved shape

In addition to getting the benefits of a breast reduction, which is lighter, smaller breasts, a breast reduction surgery with a lift will give you the benefits of a breast lift including an improved shape.

Tighter

Breast lifts involve removing excess skin providing patients with tighter, firmer, and perkier breasts. Most women find that their remaining breast tissue feels firmer.

Repositioning of the nipple and areola 

Repositioning the nipple and areola during the operation will make the breasts appear more youthful and perkier.

Reduce the size of the areola 

Sometimes as the breasts sag, the skin around the areola stretches, resulting in a larger areola and possibly skin irritation. The size of the areola can be reduced, giving the nipple a more perky and youthful look.

Two procedures in one sitting –

Both of these procedures can be completed in one sitting, and they work hand-in-hand, meaning that they can easily be performed together. This prevents patients from having to return to the plastic surgeon’s office to receive a  lift after they’ve received their breast reduction operation.

All of the benefits of a breast reduction plus the benefits of a breast lift –

Getting a breast lift with a breast reduction means that patients receive the benefits of both operations at the same time. So not only are you getting all of the benefits you’d receive from a breast reduction like lighter, smaller breasts, reduced pain, improved comfort, etc., you are also receiving the benefits of a breast lift that are described above.

Where are breast lift incisions made?

There are three main incision patterns used during a lift procedure:

Around the areola

Incisions around the areola are made in order to lift the nipple and raise the breast.

Around the areola and down to the breast crease

Incisions are made around the areola and down vertically to the breast crease to improve the shape and raise the breasts.

Around the areola, down to the breast crease, and horizontally across the breast crease

This procedure involves three incisions and is used to more significantly reshape the breast.

What is the recovery of a breast reduction surgery with lift like?

The recovery from a breast reduction combined with a lift is relatively simple. The procedure is done in one day within the span of a few hours. Then, after the surgery, you may go home (usually on the same day). You will feel some discomfort during the first couple of weeks, especially during the first days. You may experience some mild to moderate pain, but will be prescribed pain-relieving medication. Also, as the incision heals and dries you may feel itchy.

However, you may be able to return to work after a week or two (as long as it doesn’t involve any heavy lifting). Around a month in the bruising and swelling should fade. Two months after the surgery you should be able to fully resume your normal activities including heavy lifting. By this time your scarring should also be minimal.

The recovery involves getting plenty of rest during the first couple of weeks and taking things easy. Also, you will be taking antibiotics and cleaning the incision for the first few days while it heals. Then you will wear a surgical bra or compression bra for about a month to two months after the surgery.

What happens during a breast reduction and breast lift consultation?

A mastopexy consultation involves speaking with a professional about what you want to get out of the procedure. It involves talking about your expectations and finding a procedure that is tailored to your large breasts and needs.

During a breast lift consultation, you can ask any questions you still have about the procedure and the recovery phase. Furthermore, the specialist will ask you questions about the desired shape and size of your breasts so that they can better understand what procedure they can perform to get you your desired outcome. They may also ask about your medical history and for any other information to the surgery.

Search the Surgeon Network Directory to Find a Specialist for Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Surgery

Being unhappy with your breasts is a common experience for many women. Some women have sagging breasts that they no longer feel comfortable with and want to eliminate sagging and improve the shape of their breasts so that they appear more youthful and feel more comfortable. Some women experience physical and mental discomfort with the size of their breasts, for example, the weight of their breasts may make it difficult to feel comfortable in their clothing or cause them neck, back, or shoulder pain.

Regardless of the reasons you may want to undergo a lift and reduction operation, the most important part of the process is finding a highly-qualified, experienced surgeon. Making sure that you have a reputable, top-notch doctor will ensure that the surgery goes well, you are satisfied with the operation, and your recovery goes smoothly with minimal scarring.

Start your search for the best breast reduction and breast lift surgeons by using the SurgeonNetwork.com directory. Surgeon Network helps patients easily find high-quality board-certified plastic surgeons near you. The Surgeon Network is your primary resource center for information about plastic surgery and locating high-quality breast reduction and breast lift specialists near you. You can contact us for further queries or any additional information.