If you’re unhappy with your breasts, you may be considering breast surgery. In this case, you have the option for breast lift surgery, breast reduction surgery, and several other procedures.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on breast lift vs reduction. Both procedures can provide major enhancements for patients. But they are each unique with their own special benefits.
Breast Lift vs Breast Reduction
When it comes to breast reduction vs lift, there is no “winner”. That is, both breast reduction surgery and breast lift surgery can help you achieve a more attractive and more youthful breast contour. Which surgery you choose all depends on your pain points and what your desired outcome is.
Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery aims to get rid of excess skin and excess breast tissue in order to lift the breasts higher up on the chest wall. In performing this surgery, your surgeon will also lift (reposition) the areolae and nipples.
Top Candidates for Breast Lift Surgery
The breast lift struggle is real. When you have droopy, sagging breasts, it can feel impossible to find a bra that fits, let alone one that actually lifts your breasts to the proper height without causing pain and discomfort.
Ideal candidates for breast lift procedures struggle with these issues and are looking to achieve a more youthful appearance after surgery. Most patients are women who’ve gone through one or more pregnancies (and often, breastfeeding) or those who have lost a lot of weight. Both of these experiences can stretch out the skin on the breasts to a degree wherein the skin does not stretch back after the fat or milk is gone.
Naturally, ideal breast lift patients must also be in good health, have realistic expectations for surgery, and be non-smokers.
Breast Reduction Surgery
The breast reduction procedure aims to reduce the overall size of the breasts by getting rid of excess fat, tissue, and skin. The procedure will be catered to the patient. We can help you achieve your ideal breast size, whether that means going down just one-half cup size or going down three or more cup sizes.
Top Candidates for Breast Reduction Surgery
The breast reduction struggle is also real! Having overly large breasts may seem, to some, as a non-problem. But anyone who has lived with large breasts knows that it can be a terrible problem, affecting nearly all areas of life.
For these patients, the excess breast tissue, fat, and overall weight can cause serious back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and even chronic headaches. Rashes and pain are also common within the breast crease and beneath bra straps.
It’s difficult to exercise and to find bras and clothing that fit right and feel good. Furthermore, many women struggle with unwanted attention due to their breast size.
The best candidate for breast reduction surgery are struggling with these issues, are in good health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations for surgery.
FAQ: Breast Reduction vs Breast Lift
Can you get a breast reduction and breast lift at the same time?
Absolutely. Many patients, in fact, undergo a combined breast reduction and breast lift surgery. This combination surgery can reduce excess breast tissue, fat, and skin from the breasts while also lifting the breasts and the nipples and areolae.
Are breast reduction surgeries and breast lift procedures painful?
No. During your breast reduction or breast lift procedure, you will not feel pain. Your surgeon will administer general anesthesia during these procedures so that you are completely asleep/under during the operation.
Once you wake up from the surgery, you will feel slightly woozy and tired. You may be a bit nauseous. After some time, some of the pain from the procedure may resurface. You will also be swollen and bruised. Fortunately, your surgeon can give you prescription pain medication to help with this discomfort.
Which is better: breast lift surgery or breast reduction surgery?
There is no “better” procedure. It all depends on what you’re looking to achieve through plastic surgery. If you are someone who struggles with having overly large breasts and you’d love to go down a few cup sizes, a breast reduction will be your best bet.
On the other hand, if your breasts are simply sagging and drooping (looking pancake-like), you may simply need a breast lift to adjust the tissue you already have (not remove any) and lift everything up higher on the chest wall so that you have a more youthful appearance.
At your consultation appointment, your plastic surgeon will discuss your options with you and give you a recommendation for the best procedure to meet your needs.
Set Up a Consultation Today
Naturally, if you plan to undergo breast surgery, you’re looking for the top breast reduction surgeon or breast lift surgeon in the USA. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice specializes in breast surgery at her Chicago practice. She and her experienced team would be delighted to meet with you and discuss your options for surgery.
Call today to set up your one-on-one consultation appointment with Dr. Rice. We look forward to hearing from you!
