Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: The Difference
With age, most women experience changes in their bodies that influence their breasts’ size and shape. Due to heavy or sagging breasts, these changes may lead to physical pain or insecurity. Common concerns are larger breasts will droop and cause discomfort or a cosmetic issue.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Bresnick offers breast surgery solutions that help women look great and improve their quality of life.
How Breast Lift and Breast Reduction Differ
Breast reductions and breast lifts each change the shape of the breasts by removing excess skin. Breast reduction also involves the removal of excess breast tissue. Both procedures reduce the perceived size of the breasts, but by different means. Breast lift makes the breast appear smaller because the excess skin present is removed. You can simulate the appearance of a breast lift if you lift your arm over your head and look at the breast shape and size in the mirror. You will see the breast looks higher and smaller even though no breast tissue has been removed.
On the other hand, breast reduction is quite transformative because not only is the breast lifted, but breast tissue AND excess skin are reduced, so the breast looks higher and smaller. Although there are some limitations in how much breast tissue can be reduced and maintain a healthy breast, a reduction in several cup sizes of often possible. The incisions are required for both procedures
Breast Lifts at a Glance
A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, involves more reconstruction of the skin and the breast tissue position within the breast. During the procedure, Dr. Bresnick will remove excess skin and tighten tissues around the area, elevating the breasts.
The benefits include reduced sagging, an upward-curved appearance, an elevated nipple, and, for some patients, resized areolae. Many women receive a breast lift with breast augmentation to enhance their overall size and shape by lifting sagging breasts and increasing their size with breast implants.
Breast Reduction at a Glance
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, reduces the size of larger breasts by removing excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue. Liposuction is often employed, as is the manual removal of tissue.
The benefits are smaller and lighter breasts so the patient can experience improved firmness, and greatly reduced sagging, with a more symmetric, proportionate shape. Breast reduction also helps eliminate discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders, which is common among women who have large breasts.
Reducing breast size and weight allows women to move freely, exercise with little to no pain, and wear more comfortable and flattering clothing.
Choosing Between Breast Lift and Breast Reduction
Both procedures are outpatient procedures that require similar recovery times. What distinguishes the two techniques for women is their breast surgery goals. Do they want to rejuvenate their breast appearance only, or are they also looking for physical comfort?
Choosing a Breast Reduction
If your breasts are too large and cause discomfort (like back or shoulder pain), if they make exercising difficult, or if you simply do not like the look of your large breasts not being symmetrical with the rest of your body, a breast reduction is likely the better option. After surgery, you will enjoy an immediate decrease in shoulder and back pain related to having large and heavy breasts. Plus, you should see a better balance between your breasts and your natural body type.
Choosing a Breast Lift
Genetics, hormonal changes, breastfeeding, and age can take a toll on breast contours. If you are uncomfortable with your breast shape and want a more youthful, uplifted presence, a breast lift may be the right option for you. Following your surgery, you will experience firmer, lifted breasts that can help you feel more confident in your appearance.
Schedule a Breast Surgery Consultation in Encino Today!
If you would like to learn more about a breast lift and a breast reduction to determine the best option for physical and cosmetic needs, schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Bresnick. He has helped countless women reduce discomfort, improve confidence, and feel better about their figure.
Get in touch with us by calling (818) 981-3333 or contact us online today.