Breast Reduction and Breast Lift – What’s The Difference?

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift - What's The Difference?There are different types of cosmetic breast surgery options that women can choose from to achieve their aesthetic goals. For instance, breast enlargement in Manhattan, NYC involves using different types of implants to improve breast size and shape. However, while many women look to improve breast size, there are others who want reduction or repositioning without enhancement. Such women need either a breast reduction procedure (also called reduction mammoplasty) or breast lift surgery to achieve their goals. However, many prospective patients are confused about which option would be right for them. Knowing the difference between reduction mammoplasty and a breast lift is important to make the right choice.

Reduction mammoplasty reduces the weight and size of the breasts and is recommended to address overly large breasts that cause neck, shoulder, or back pain and inhibit their ability to exercise. A breast lift raises the bust line by eliminating excess skin and reshaping the tissue to result in a more youthful, upright appearance. The concerns addressed by these procedures are as follows:

Breast Reduction

  • Physical activity limitations
  • Back and neck discomfort
  • Poor posture
  • Difficulty breathing and sleeping
  • Chronic skin rashes
  • Difficulty finding clothing and proper support
  • Bra straps digging into your shoulders

Breast lift

  • Insecurity due to sagging breasts
  • Flat or drooping-shaped breasts
  • Downward pointed nipples or nipples that fall below the breast crease
  • Stretched out skin due to weight fluctuation, aging and breastfeeding
  • Tuberous breasts or breasts that lack Symmetry

How Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Surgery are Performed

Breast Reduction involves reducing breast size to achieve achieving a well-shaped, attractive bust line that is proportionate with overall body shape. Pregnancy, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetic factors, and obesity are the key factors responsible for disproportionate enlargement of the breasts. Overly large breasts condition can affect appearance, health, well-being and lifestyle. Reduction mammoplasty involves removal of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin to provide the desired breast size and appearance.

In leading AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practices, expert surgeons use advanced minimally-invasive liposuction modalities such as BodyTite RFAL (radiofrequency assisted) or Smartlipo (laser assisted) to perform breast reduction safely and provide optimal outcomes. One of the advantages of such minimally-invasive treatments is that the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, which means patients remain awake throughout the procedure and are usually allowed to go home the same day.

Breast Lift surgery is performed to resolve breast sag caused due to aging, weight fluctuations, and breastfeeding. A breast lift in NYC is an ideal option to address sagging and restore firm and perkier breasts. Performed under general anesthesia, this popular cosmetic surgical procedure involves removing excess, stretched-out skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and raising the nipple and areola to a higher, more forward location. It can address concerns such as drooping breasts, asymmetrical breasts, tuberous breasts, and more. The latest annual statistics report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that the popularity of breast lift surgery grew by 4% from 2017, and that a total of 109,638 procedures performed in 2018.

Unlike breast reduction, a breast lift does not change the breast volume significantly as little to no breast tissue is removed. A lift is performed using different types of incisions. The surgeon will choose the most appropriate technique based on a thorough evaluation of considerations such as breast size, shape, and extent of sag. The procedure typically takes two to three hours to complete.

Conventional breast lift surgery uses general anesthesia. Today, expert NYC plastic surgeons perform the procedure using minimally invasive BodyTite™, an FDA-approved Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL) workstation. The procedure can shape, tighten and lift the breast without the scarring associated with a surgical breast lift. BodyTite Perky Lift or scarless breast lift in NYC is an ideal option for women concerned about the scars associated with mastopexy. As the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, it involves less downtime than the traditional option. Patients can resume normal activities soon after the procedure but should avoid strenuous activities for up to one week after the treatment.

Women seeking to reposition, reduce and/or reshape their breasts should be aware of these arrays of choices. Though both treatments can provide elevated bust line and enhance breast contour, they are different in many ways. A reliable surgeon will recommend the best option to meet your body sculpting goals.

While breast lift and breast reduction differ in terms of approach and results, they offer many similar benefits:

  • Both procedures are relatively routine and result in an instantly noticeable outcome
  • Most women who undergo either procedure report high levels of satisfaction and increase in self-confidence
  • Both procedures can help improve posture
  • Breastfeeding is possible after either procedure
  • Scars resulting from either procedure can be placed in areas to reduce visibility

A breast lift can be combined with either a breast reduction procedure or breast enlargement.

Cosmetic breast surgery involves many options. To learn which one is best for you, consult an experienced NYC plastic surgeon in an AAAASF-accredited surgical center.