What is the Difference Between a Breast Reduction and a Breast Lift?

Are you thinking of getting a breast reduction or a breast lift to enhance your breast contours, but you’re unsure which option would be right for you? 

Breast reduction and breast lift surgery are two of the most popular breast enhancement procedures aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Fred Coville perform at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.  

Breast reduction surgery and breast lift surgery can both improve the appearance of the breasts, but they are performed differently and have different goals. 

What Is Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty reduces the size of overly large breasts. This involves removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. The goal of breast reduction is to make the breasts smaller and in proportion with your body. 

What Is a Breast Lift? 

A breast lift or mastopexy lifts and firms droopy breasts to give them a more youthful appearance. This involves removing the excess skin that has caused the sagging and tightening the surrounding tissue. The nipple and areola may also be shifted to a higher position during surgery. Breasts sag over time due to a combination of factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and significant weight fluctuations.

Dr. Coville performs breast reduction surgery and breast lift surgery using the innovative short scar technique. This technique minimizes scarring and provides long-lasting results.

Breast Reduction vs a Breast Lift

The focus of breast reduction is on reducing the size and weight of the breasts. In contrast, a breast lift focuses on elevating the breasts and adjusting the shape. A breast lift won’t change the size of the breasts.

While breast lift surgery is typically done for purely cosmetic reasons, breast reduction is often motivated by the need to alleviate physical problems.

Candidates for breast reduction often struggle with concerns such as, shoulder, neck, or back pain, skin rashes, and poor posture. Women with moderate to severe sagging of the breasts, who want to restore shape and volume, are the usual candidates for breast lift surgery.

Which Surgery is Right for You?

Whether you need a breast reduction or breast lift will depend on your specific needs and goals. During your initial consultation, Dr. Coville will discuss your cosmetic and physical concerns to determine which procedure would be appropriate for you.

Do you Need a Breast Reduction and a Breast Lift?

Although breast reduction surgery and breast lift surgery have different goals, some patients may need to undergo both procedures to achieve optimal breast rejuvenation results. That’s because some loose skin may be left behind when the excess breast tissue is removed during breast reduction surgery. Lifting the breasts at the time of breast reduction will ensure that they look firmer and more youthful.

Now that you understand the difference between a breast lift and breast reduction, you can decide which procedure will help improve the overall look of your breasts. 

Take the Next Step

Related Posts