Over the years, women experience changes in their bodies that can negatively affect the size and shape of their breasts. Breast sagging or overgrowth leads many patients to consider breast reduction surgery.
However, the terms reduction and lift are often used to refer to the same procedure. But the reality is that they are different procedures that complement each other and the plastic surgeon takes advantage of doing them at the same time if it is the case.
For this reason, we have decided to talk about their main differences, what you can expect from each of them and how to choose the best one for you.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
Although both procedures can remove tissue and skin from the area, the main difference between them is that a breast lift does not change the size of the breast like a breast reduction does [4]. This means that the breasts will not be smaller or larger after the procedure.
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that repositions the nipple and areola to create a firmer and more youthful appearance. Also known as mastopexy, it is the surgery responsible for restoring the natural position of the breast in the face of sagging [7].
On the other hand, reduction mammoplasty or breast reduction surgery is responsible for removing fatty tissue and excess skin to obtain a smaller and lighter breast to wear [2]. Both procedures are outpatient that can complement each other under medical recommendations.
Breast reduction surgery may require a breast lift to achieve the desired results, but a breast reduction is not necessary when the patient is only looking for a natural breast enhancement.
How do I know if I need a breast lift or breast reduction?
It is the plastic surgeon who can determine which procedures you can undergo. However, there are certain conditions and personal preferences that will make you choose one, the other, or both.
For example, most patients who opt for breast reduction surgery do so because their breast size limits their physical activities, causes back and neck pain, produces skin rashes, and makes it difficult for them to get clothes of their size or that fit well [5].
On the other hand, those who choose breast lift do so because of the insecurity caused by seeing their breasts sagging after significant weight loss, breastfeeding or aging [1].
You may also be interested in reading: Best plastic surgeries after pregnancy
In summary
Patients often confuse these surgical procedures because most plastic surgeons almost always perform mastopexy or breast lift during a breast reduction surgery; however, each one has a different result and way of proceeding.
The former focuses on restoring the natural position that a breast should have and the latter is in charge of reducing the size and weight of the patient’s breast. Additionally, it is possible to add breast implants if the plastic surgeon and your personal preferences so consider.
At BetterMe, we have an extensive list of body plastic surgeries for which you can inquire about prices in Colombia, travel plans, medical staff, etc. For this reason, we invite you to write to us to solve all your questions and start your pre-consultation process with us.
Another post you might want to read: 3 myths and truths about breast augmentation
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References:
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2022. What’s the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift?. [online] Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-breast-reduction-and-a-breast-lift> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[2] Choy, D., 2022. Difference Between Breast Lift and Breast Reduction – Dr Ellis Choy. [online] Dr Ellis Choy. Available at: <https://drellischoy.com.au/difference-between-breast-lift-and-breast-reduction/> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[3] Hall-Findlay, E., 2022. 38 – Mastopexy and Breast Reduction. [online] ScienceDirect. Available at: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323653817000381> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[4] Lewis, S., 2022. 10 Things to Know About Breast Reduction. [online] Healthgrades. Available at: <https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/breast-reduction/10-things-to-know-about-breast-reduction> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[5] Mayoclinic.org. 2022. Cirugía de reducción de mamas – Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/tests-procedures/breast-reduction-surgery/about/pac-20385246> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[6] North Raleigh Plastic Surgery. 2022. The Difference Between a Breast Lift and a Breast Reduction. [online] Available at: <https://www.northraleighplasticsurgery.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-breast-reduction-and-a-breast-lift/#:~:text=However%2C%20the%20main%20difference%20in,the%20internal%20fat%20and%20tissue> [Accessed 12 May 2022].
[7] Terrase, A. and Forest, L., 2022. What is a breast lift and what are the benefits of this procedure?. [online] American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Available at: <https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-a-breast-lift-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-procedure> [Accessed 12 May 2022].