Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: What’s the Difference?

Women who are looking to change the size or appearance of their breasts may consider both a breast reduction and a breast lift. While these procedures have several similarities, there are a few key differences between them, with the main difference being how much breast tissue is removed.

Take a closer look at what sets a breast reduction and a breast lift apart to help you decide which could be right for you.

Breast Reduction

The goal of breast reduction is to reduce the size of your breasts, and all breast reductions include a breast lift in order to also remove resulting excess skin. A breast reduction could be right for you if:

You want to significantly reduce the size of your breasts.
You experience back, neck or shoulder pain due to the size of your breasts.
Physical activity is uncomfortable due to the size of your breasts.
You struggle with chronic skin rashes caused by very large breasts.

Breast Lift

The goal of a breast lift is to remove and tighten excess skin that contributes to drooping breasts. A breast lift does not remove breast tissue, only excess skin. Thus, the overall volume of your breasts won’t change with a breast lift. However, some women find that they can wear a smaller bra after a breast lift due to the reduction in breast ptosis, or sagging.

A breast lift could be right for you if:

You want to address significant breast drooping but are happy with the current size of your breasts.
You want to address uneven breasts without adjusting the size.
You recently achieved a major weight loss milestone and are looking to reduce excess skin.

How to Choose

If you are still unsure about which breast procedure could make the most sense for you, consider scheduling a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Brown, who can provide a thorough assessment and professional recommendation based on your specific goals.Easily schedule a consultation by contacting us online or giving us a call at 619-461-1500.