When it comes to improving sagging and positioning of your breasts, there are two options: a breast lift and a breast reduction. While there are a lot of similarities between the two breast surgeries, there are also a lot of differences. If you’re considering a breast lift vs. breast reduction to get breasts that are more complimentary to your body type, knowing the pros and cons of each surgery can help you make the best decision for yourself.
What Is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the breasts while elevating the breasts to a higher and more youthful position while maintaining your natural cup size. The size of the areola can also be reduced if it is too large. If you are looking to add volume and projection, breast implants can be placed during a breast lift surgery.
At Specialists in Plastic Surgery, we specialize in customized breast lift procedures. Our breast lifts are tailored to your unique natural anatomy and goals, helping you achieve a firmer and more youthful figure while maintaining your natural cup size.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is the same procedure as a breast lift, but they differ in how much breast tissue is removed to reduce the breast. The surgery is performed on those with large, overly sized breasts that cause back pain, neck pain, and shoulder strap pain and hinder one’s ability to live a normal life. By removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin, breasts are smaller, firmer, and lighter while also improving their shape and positioning.
Breast reduction has many emotional, physical, and mental benefits, including improved self-esteem and a more positive body image.
Key Differences Between a Breast Lift and a Breast Reduction
Even though you may be deciding what the benefits of a breast lift vs. a breast reduction are, there are many differences between the two. It is essential to understand the benefits of each procedure to determine which surgery you will best benefit from.
A breast lift is typically less invasive than a breast reduction, which means it also has a shorter recovery time. The procedure enhances the position and shape of the breasts without significantly changing their size (unless breast implants are placed at the time of the procedure). With a breast reduction, the size and weight of the breasts decrease, which provides physical relief and cosmetic enhancement. Learn more about a breast lift in Raleigh, NC
Both a breast lift and a breast reduction involve removing excess skin, but with a breast lift the overall tissue volume remains the same. However, when a breast reduction is performed, a significant amount of breast tissue and skin are removed. Both procedures can also include repositioning of the nipple and areola for a more proportionate look.
The results of both breast surgeries are permanent, although weight fluctuations and aging can affect the long-term results.
Who Should Consider a Breast Lift?
You may be a candidate if you experience significant sagging of the breasts, which is often associated with naturally large breasts, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the aging process, and changes in weight. If you are looking to restore lost breast volume in addition to improving sagging, breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift may help you achieve the look you are after.
Who Should Consider a Breast Reduction?
You might be a candidate for a breast reduction if you’re unhappy with the size and heaviness of your breasts or if you experience back pain due to large breasts. If the weight of your breasts causes neck, shoulder, or back pain, makes it hard to find comfortable bras or shirts, leads to chronic rashes under your breasts, leaves indentations from bra straps, or affects your self-esteem, then a breast reduction may be right for you. Learn more about getting a Breast Reduction in Raleigh, NC.
Consultation Tips: How to Choose the Right Procedure for Your Needs
When large breasts are an issue, it is normal for women to weigh the pros and cons of a breast lift vs. a breast reduction to achieve the body that they want. The most significant difference between breast reduction and breast lift surgery is how much tissue is removed and how that impacts the result. While breast reductions relieve medical symptoms caused by overly large breasts, a breast lift focuses on achieving cosmetic improvement of the breasts. Both types of breast surgery involve lifting and reshaping the breasts; however, breast reduction aims to reduce both the weight and size of breasts significantly, while a lift maintains your natural cup size.
To determine which breast surgery is right for you, we recommend a consultation so you can discuss your concerns and goals and make the right decision.
Commonly Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main difference between a breast lift and breast reduction?
A breast lift cosmetically improves the look of the breasts by lifting them to a more youthful position, while maintaining your natural cup size. In contrast, breast reduction removes breast tissue to decrease the size and alleviate pain and discomfort from large breasts.
- How do I know if I need a breast lift or a breast reduction?
Breast reductions are often recommended to provide relief from medical symptoms caused by overly large breasts, whereas a breast lift is more focused on achieving cosmetic improvement of the breasts.
- What are the benefits of a breast lift compared to a breast reduction?
A breast lift is typically less invasive than a breast reduction, so it is generally less painful and has a shorter recovery time. A breast lift also has cosmetic benefits. It can reposition the breasts so they sit higher on the chest while removing excess skin.
- Which procedure offers better results for reducing discomfort from large breasts?
Breast reduction surgery removes excess fat, breast tissue, and skin from the breasts and the pain and discomfort that large breasts can cause.