Breast Reduction vs Breast Lift: Which Procedure is Right for You?

What’s the difference between breast reduction and a breast lift? 

Breast reduction

Breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that reduces the volume and weight of the breast area by removing excess fat, tissue and skin. 

The procedure, which is performed under general anaesthetic, is beneficial for women who want to reduce the size of their breasts, whether that’s due to personal preference, the limitations it places on their physical activity or health issues such as back, neck and shoulder pain, shortness of breath or chronic skin rashes.   

After a breast reduction, women have a more lifted appearance with a smaller bust and cup size. Some women may also choose to have their areolas reduced so they are in proportion with their new smaller breasts.

Breast lift

A breast lift, also known as a breast uplift or mastopexy, is a procedure to refine and reshape the breasts to give them a perkier, more youthful appearance. 

Unlike a breast reduction, in a breast lift none of the breast tissue (fat or glands) is removed, so the cup size remains approximately the same after surgery. Instead, an incision is made under general anaesthetic to tighten the skin and any excess skin is removed. That repositions the location of the breasts and helps to restore their shape and volume. The nipples and areolas may also need to be repositioned and/or reduced to create a more natural-looking result. 

Patients who opt for a breast lift typically do so due to ageing, weight fluctuation or breastfeeding, all of which can cause sagging and lead to a loss of breast volume. It can also be a solution for those with breast asymmetry. 

Read more: Breast lift vs. breast implants: Which procedure is right for me? 

What are the benefits of breast reduction?

It’s no exaggeration to say that the mental and physical benefits of breast reduction surgery can be life-changing. They include:

• Alleviating pain and discomfort – Heavy breasts can cause chronic pain in the neck, shoulder and back region, lead to muscle tension and headaches and even alter the curvature of the spine. They can also cause issues with skin irritation and poor posture.
• Enhancing physical activity – Following the procedure, patients can participate in the physical activities they love without the pain, discomfort and inconvenience caused by large breasts.
• Boosting self-confidence – Having a more balanced and proportionate figure can improve a patient’s body image, make them feel less self-conscious and enhance their wardrobe options.

What are the benefits of a breast lift?

A breast uplift provides benefits for those who are unhappy with the appearance of saggy or unsymmetrical breasts. They include:

• Improving breast shape and volume distribution – A breast lift restores the youthful shape, volume and contour of the breasts, making them perkier and more attractive.
• Enhancing breast symmetry – A breast uplift can also correct uneven breasts to make them more balanced and symmetrical.
• Improving nipple projection – As breasts sag, the nipples can point downwards and the areolas can stretch. A breast lift can reposition the nipples so they are higher on the breast and reduce the size of the areolas to make them more proportionate. 
     
• Boosting body confidence – Like a breast reduction, one of the main benefits of a breast lift is the increase in your self-confidence. It can help you feel more attractive, give you more clothing options and even improve your sex life.   

Combining a breast reduction and breast lift

When determining the most appropriate procedure for you, it’s not necessarily a case of breast reduction vs. breast lift. The complementary benefits of these procedures mean that some patients choose to have the treatments in tandem, and this is something we offer at Enhance Medical. 

In the majority of cases, a breast reduction usually requires a lift, therefore, combining these procedures is common. By combining the two procedures, we can reduce the size of the breasts, remove any excess skin, reshape the breasts and reposition the nipple and areola if required. The result is smaller, perkier breasts that are symmetrical, sit higher on your chest and are proportionate to your frame. 

Combining a breast reduction and lift in a single procedure also costs less than if you had the procedures separately and ensures that you only need to recover from surgery once. A breast reduction with a breast lift will require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Can you have a breast reduction and breast lift with implants?

Yes, it’s possible to have a breast reduction and lift with implants too. The use of implants when having a breast reduction and lift allows you to maintain/add fullness to your breasts, whilst still reducing their overall size.

This procedure would involve the same method, removing excess fat, tissue and skin and lifting the breast by tightening the skin – but in this case breast implants would then be inserted to achieve a fuller appearance.

What are the risks of breast reduction and lift surgery? 

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and breast reduction and a breast lift are no different. The most common complications include:

• Swelling, bruising and skin puckering
• Issues with breastfeeding
• A loss of nipple sensation in all or part of the nipple
• Unevenly shaped breasts
• Wound healing issues, such as excess skin or thick scaring
• Red or lumpy breasts
• Bleeding inside the breasts

Generally speaking, these risks are easily treated and will be discussed with you before your surgery. The comprehensive aftercare we provide also significantly reduces the risks of complications occurring.

Will I have scarring?   

Both procedures will leave you with permanent scars. Although the scars won’t go away completely, they will fade significantly over time and blend in with your natural skin tone. Your surgeon will also hide the incision to minimise its appearance.

Recovery from breast reduction and breast lift surgery

Both procedures require general anaesthetic and will mostly be performed as day case procedures, although some breast reductions will involve an overnight stay. We advise patients to take between one and two weeks off work (depending on the physical nature of your job) and you should rest as much as you can during this time.

We also advise patients to avoid vigorous physical activity for at least the first six weeks after each procedure, and you can expect to see the best results from both surgeries after three to six months.  

Discuss your goals with an experienced surgeon at Enhance Medical  

If you’re considering breast surgery and are not sure whether a breast reduction or breast lift procedure is the right choice for you, or you’d like more information about either procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We offer a free consultation with absolutely no obligation. Our specialist cosmetic surgeons will discuss your goals and guide you on the most suitable procedure.