Your reasons for pursuing breast surgery are uniquely yours. Perhaps altering your breasts by having a breast lift or breast reduction will enhance your confidence or comfort. But you may wonder if your needs warrant a breast lift, breast reduction—or both.
While aesthetic concerns and motivations vary, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters offers guidance and expertise to help you achieve your unique goals. With this in mind, let’s explore and compare breast lift and breast reduction to help you understand which surgical option best meets your needs.
What Does a Breast Lift Do?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to lift and reshape breasts that have lost volume, firmness, or elasticity due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging. During the procedure, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to create a more youthful, perky appearance. The nipples and areolas may also be repositioned and/or reduced to enhance symmetry and proportion.
Good candidates for a breast lift typically share the following traits:
- Drooping breasts
- Stretched skin around the breasts
- Nipples sitting below the natural breast crease
- Nipples pointing downward
- Oversized areolas
- A “deflated” appearance
- Uneven breasts (asymmetry)
What Does a Breast Reduction Do?
Breast reduction reduces overly large or pendulous breasts that cause physical discomfort, bra strap irritation, and other negatives that interfere with your comfort and lifestyle. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue and fat, then reshaping the breast for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is performed using the same inverted T or vertical incisions used for a breast lift, and often incorporates liposuction. Typically, the areola and nipple are also repositioned and reduced.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you suffer from:
- Back, neck, or shoulder pain
- Chronic rash or skin irritation under breasts
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
- Reluctance to participate in physical activities due to heavy breasts
- Negative self-image due to breast size
Combining Breast Reduction With Breast Lift
For women with overly large, pendulous breasts, Dr. Walters typically performs a breast reduction with lift for the most satisfying outcome. The two procedures are very similar, using the same incision patterns and techniques. However, with a breast reduction, excess fat and breast tissue are removed prior to the lifting and reshaping of the breasts and nipples. Breast lift procedures only remove excess skin.
The Takeaway on Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift
While your specific concerns about breast size, symmetry, and position will dictate your decision to have a breast reduction or a breast lift, many women benefit by combining both procedures. You may be a better candidate for a breast lift only (without breast reduction) if you are happy with the size of your breasts but still have concerns about sagging and asymmetry.
The bottom line is it’s essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can properly assess your candidacy for each procedure and guide you toward the best approach. If you’re ready to explore your options with Dr. Jules Walters, we invite you to request a consultation online or contact us at (504) 517-6200 to get started.
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