Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift – What Is the Right Choice for You?
Two common cosmetic procedures that address breast-related concerns are breast reduction and breast lift. While both of these surgeries aim to alter the appearance the breasts, they differ in their primary goals and surgical techniques. Being aware of the nuances between breast reduction and breast lift is important for anyone considering these procedures. In this blog, Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan will get into the definitions, common reasons, and key distinctions between these two popular plastic surgeries.
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Overview of Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more proportionate and manageable breast size. This procedure is often sought by women who are experiencing physical discomfort or self-consciousness due to excessively large breasts.
One of the primary reasons you might consider breast reduction is to alleviate the physical strain that can come with carrying around large, heavy breasts. Many women report experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, and shoulder discomfort as a result of the weight and positioning of their breasts. Breast reduction can significantly reduce this burden, leading to improved posture, increased mobility, and a reduction in related musculoskeletal issues.
Beyond the physical benefits, breast reduction can also have a profound impact on your body image. Overly large breasts can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness, difficulty finding well-fitting clothing, and unwanted attention. By addressing these concerns through breast reduction surgery, patients frequently report a more positive outlook on their overall appearance.
The surgical technique for breast reduction typically involves making carefully placed incisions to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. The nipple-areola complex is then repositioned to a higher placement on the newly contoured breast mound. In some cases, the areola may also be reduced in size to more appropriate proportions.
After the excess tissue has been removed, the remaining breast skin and tissue are tightened and shaped to create a more desired breast profile. The incisions are then closed with sutures, leaving scars that are strategically placed to be as discreet as possible, often along the natural creases and contours of the breast.
The recovery process for breast reduction surgery can vary, but you can generally expect to take 1-2 weeks off from work and normal activities. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the initial days following the procedure, but these symptoms typically subside within the first week or two. Most patients are able to resume light exercise and daily routines within 3-4 weeks, with the final results becoming fully evident over the course of several months to a year.
Download Dr Kernohan’s Breast Reduction Surgery Guide
Overview of Breast Lift
In contrast to breast reduction, a breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure focused on reshaping and repositioning the existing breast tissue rather than removing a significant amount of volume. This procedure is often sought by women who are experiencing sagging or drooping (medically known as ptosis) of the breasts due to factors such as ageing, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or genetic predisposition.
The primary goal of a breast lift is to restore an elevated shape by tightening and reshaping the breast tissue. This can be a particularly beneficial option fif you are satisfied with the overall size of your breasts but are concerned about the effects of gravity and time on their breast appearance.
During a breast lift procedure, excess skin is removed, and the remaining breast tissue is tightened and reshaped. The nipple-areola complex is also repositioned to a higher placement on the newly contoured breast mound. In some cases, the areola may be reduced in size to more appropriate proportions as well.
Unlike breast reduction, a breast lift does not typically result in a significant decrease in overall breast size. Instead, the procedure aims to modify the shape, lift, and projection of the breasts.
The recovery process for a breast lift is similar to that of breast reduction, with patients generally taking 1-2 weeks off from work and normal activities. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the initial days following the procedure, but these symptoms typically subside within the first week or two. Most patients are able to resume light exercise and daily routines within 3-4 weeks, with the final results becoming fully evident over the course of several months to a year.
It’s important to note that while a breast lift can address sagging and drooping, it does not necessarily resolve issues related to overly large, asymmetric or disproportionate breasts. In cases where both size reduction and reshaping are desired, a combination of breast reduction and breast lift techniques may be recommended by Dr Kernohan.
Main Differences between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
There are distinct differences between these two surgical procedures that are important to understand. These key differences are summarised in the table below:
| Characteristic | Breast Reduction | Breast Lift |
| Primary Objective | Decrease overall breast size and volume | Reshape and reposition existing breast tissue for a more lifted appearance |
| Surgical Technique | Removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin | Tightening and reshaping of existing breast tissue without significant volume reduction |
| Incision Patterns | Lollipop incision or Anchor / inverted-T shaped incisions for comprehensive reshaping | Lollipop or keyhole incision patterns for lifting and tightening |
| Recovery and Scarring | Slightly longer recovery period (1-2 weeks off work) and more extensive scarring | Slightly shorter recovery period (3-4 weeks to resume daily activities) and less extensive scarring |
The choice between breast reduction and breast lift varies from person to person. All breast reductions involve a breast lift and some breast lifts involve a small volume reduction. It will depend on the your specific concerns, goals, anatomy, and the recommendations of Dr Kernohan. In most cases, a combination of the two procedures may be the most appropriate approach.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
When deciding between breast reduction and breast lift, there are several key factors to consider in order to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual needs and goals. These factors include:
Breast Size and Shape
One of the primary considerations is the current size and shape of your breasts. If you have significantly large, heavy breasts that cause physical discomfort or unwanted attention, a breast reduction may be the more suitable option. This procedure can effectively reduce the overall volume and weight of the breasts, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Conversely, if your breasts are of moderate size but have begun to sag or lose their perky appearance due to factors like age, pregnancy, or significant weight loss, a breast lift may be the better choice. This procedure focuses on repositioning and reshaping the existing breast tissue without drastically altering the size.
Degree of Ptosis (Sagging)
The degree of breast ptosis, or sagging, is another important factor. Patients with significant breast ptosis and loss of volume may benefit more from a combined breast reduction and lift procedure, as this can address both the size and position of the breasts.
On the other hand, those with minimal to moderate breast sagging may achieve their desired results through a breast lift alone, without the need for volume reduction.
Lifestyle and Activity Level
Your lifestyle and activity level can also influence the choice between breast reduction and breast lift. If you lead an active lifestyle or participate in sports, the weight and bulk of overly large breasts may be a significant hindrance, making breast reduction the more practical option.
If you are primarily concerned with the appearance of your breasts and are not as affected by their size in your day-to-day activities, a breast lift may be the more suitable approach.
Age and Future Pregnancy Plans
Your age and future pregnancy plans can also play a role in the decision-making process. Younger patients who may desire future pregnancies may want to opt for a breast lift, as this procedure is generally less disruptive to the breast tissue and can accommodate future changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Older patients or those who do not plan to have children may be better suited for breast reduction, as this procedure provides more long-lasting results and is less likely to be impacted by the natural changes that occur with age and pregnancy.
Overall Health and Medical History
Finally, your overall health and medical history should be carefully considered. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues, may be better suited for a less invasive procedure like breast lift, as the recovery and risk profile may be more favourable.
FAQs about Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
How long do the results of breast reduction and breast lift procedures typically last?
- The longevity of results can vary between the two procedures. Breast reduction generally provides more long-lasting results, as the removal of excess breast tissue and fat creates a permanent reduction in breast size. However, some minor changes in breast shape and position may occur over time due to natural ageing and gravity. In contrast, a breast lift primarily addresses the repositioning and tightening of existing breast tissue, so the results are not as permanent. Over time, some degree of breast sagging may reoccur, though the lifted position is usually maintained for several years before additional procedures may be required.
Can I breastfeed after a breast reduction or lift?
- Breast reduction surgery can sometimes impact a woman’s ability to breastfeed, as the procedure involves removing breast tissue and altering the milk ducts. The degree of impact can vary, and some women are still able to breastfeed successfully after reduction. Breast lift procedures, on the other hand, are generally less disruptive to the breast structure and milk ducts, so the ability to breastfeed is typically preserved. If you plan to have children in the future you should discuss breastfeeding concerns with Dr Michael Kernohan when deciding between the two procedures.
Will I experience more scarring with a breast reduction or lift?
- Breast reduction typically involves more extensive incisions and scarring compared to a breast lift. Reduction procedures often require an anchor or inverted-T shaped incision pattern to remove excess breast tissue and skin, resulting in scars around the areola, vertically down the breast, and potentially along the breast crease. Breast lift incisions are generally less extensive, using a lollipop or keyhole pattern, which can lead to somewhat smaller and less noticeable scars. That said, scar appearance can vary greatly depending on individual healing factors, surgical technique, and post-operative care.
Can I combine a breast reduction and lift in one surgery?
- In some cases, yes – a combined breast reduction and lift procedure may be the most appropriate approach. This can be beneficial for patients who have both significantly large, heavy breasts and moderate to severe breast sagging. By performing the reduction and lift simultaneously, Dr Kernohan can address both the size and position of the breasts in a single operation. This combined approach can provide more comprehensive results and may be more cost-effective than undergoing the procedures separately. However, the additional surgical complexity means a longer recovery time compared to either procedure alone.
- Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr Michael Kernohan
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Can Your Breasts Grow Back After Breast Reduction Surgery?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Can Your Breasts Grow Back After Breast Reduction Surgery?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Will Medicare Cover Breast Reduction Surgery in Sydney?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Should I Have a Breast Lift or Breast Implants?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Will Medicare Cover My Breast Lift Surgery?
Medical References about Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
- Why a Breast Reduction Includes a Lift – ASPS
- What’s the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift? – ASPS
- Breast lift – Mayo Clinic
- Breast Reduction Procedure Steps – ASPS
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Surgery & Recovery – Cleveland Clinic
