Breast Lift or Breast Reduction

Breast lift (mastopexy) and breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) are two popular breast enhancement procedures, each designed to address specific concerns. While they may appear similar, their purposes and outcomes differ significantly. This guide will help you understand the goals, techniques, and ideal candidates for each procedure, so you can make an informed decision.

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Purpose:
The primary goal of a breast lift is to address sagging, also known as breast ptosis, by elevating and reshaping the breasts for a more youthful, perky appearance. This procedure doesn’t significantly change the breast size but can make the breasts appear firmer and more contoured.

Procedure:
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, the breast tissue is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher, more youthful position on the breast mound. If the areola has stretched over time, it can be reduced in size to fit the new breast proportions. The result is a natural, lifted, and more youthful look.

Volume Impact:
Although a breast lift may slightly reduce breast size due to skin removal, the focus is on reshaping rather than reducing volume. Women who are satisfied with their breast size but want a more elevated look often find this procedure ideal.

Ideal Candidates:
A breast lift is suited for women who:
– Experience mild to moderate sagging.
– Desire a more lifted and youthful breast appearance.
– Are generally content with their current breast size but seek an improvement in shape and position.

Ideal candidates include those who have experienced changes in breast shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight fluctuations. A breast lift can help restore their breasts to a more youthful position without altering their size significantly.

 2. Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Purpose:
Breast reduction surgery utilizes similar techniques as a breast lift, however, focuses on decreasing the size and volume of the breasts. This addresses physical discomfort and improves body proportions. In other words, a breast reduction is a breast lift in which a significant amount of breast tissue is removed to create significantly smaller, more youthful, lifted breasts. Many women with large, heavy breasts experience chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation beneath the breasts. A reduction can alleviate these symptoms, making daily activities more comfortable.

Procedure:
During breast reduction surgery, the surgeon removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to significantly decrease the size and weight of the breasts. The remaining tissue is then reshaped, and the nipple and areola are lifted to achieve a balanced, proportional look. This procedure combines the benefits of a lift with volume reduction, giving patients both relief and an improved aesthetic.

Volume Impact:
Breast reduction results in a substantial decrease in breast size and weight, making it highly effective for women whose breast size causes physical limitations or self-consciousness. The reduction in volume alleviates discomfort and creates a more proportionate silhouette.

Ideal Candidates:
Breast reduction is ideal for individuals who:
– Have disproportionately large breasts causing physical discomfort (back, neck, or shoulder pain).
– Experience functional limitations, such as difficulty exercising or finding clothing that fits comfortably.
– Suffer from skin issues like rashes or irritation beneath the breast fold due to excess weight and moisture.

Women who feel restricted by the size of their breasts and want to improve their quality of life, as well as their body proportions, are excellent candidates for breast reduction surgery.

3. Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction:
Key Differences

1. Primary Goal:
– Breast Lift: Focuses on reshaping and elevating the breasts without major volume reduction.
– Breast Reduction: Focuses on significantly reducing breast volume to alleviate physical symptoms.

2. Volume Reduction:
– Breast Lift: Minimal volume reduction, mainly from excess skin removal.
– Breast Reduction: Significant volume reduction, often resulting in a lighter, smaller breast size.

3. Ideal Candidates:
– Breast Lift: Individuals with sagging breasts who want a perkier, lifted look without major size changes.
– Breast Reduction: Individuals with large, heavy breasts causing physical discomfort and daily challenges.

4. Procedure Outcome:
– Breast Lift: Results in a firmer, youthful breast shape with elevated nipples.
– Breast Reduction: Results in a smaller, lighter breast size that alleviates physical discomfort and enhances body proportions, while providing a breast lift.

4. Which Procedure is Right for You?

The choice between a breast lift and breast reduction ultimately depends on your personal goals and physical needs:

– If your main concern is sagging, and you are otherwise comfortable with your breast size, a breast lift may be the best option. This procedure will give you a more youthful contour and lift without significantly changing the size.

– If you’re struggling with physical discomfort due to large, heavy breasts, a breast reduction will address both the aesthetic and functional aspects, reducing size while also lifting and reshaping the breasts.

In Summary

Both breast lift and breast reduction surgeries enhance breast shape and appearance but cater to different needs. A breast lift rejuvenates and lifts the breast position without major volume reduction, ideal for those with mild to moderate sagging. Breast reduction, on the other hand, is designed to alleviate physical discomfort by significantly decreasing breast size, suited for individuals with large, heavy breasts causing pain or limitations. A breast reduction also lifts the breasts while reducing the size.

If you’re considering either of these procedures, contact us to set up a consultation with Dr. Behmand to discuss your options.

Click to see before and after photos of Breast Lift surgery

Click to see before and after photos of Breast Reduction Surgery