It can be easy to fall into the trap of assuming a certain plastic surgery procedure is what you need. Perhaps a friend or celebrity has had a procedure and you think the results are terrific. Or maybe you’ve read about it, and the expected results sound good to you, so you are considering the same procedure.

But that’s really approaching the issue from the wrong end. Instead of imagining what procedure you might like to have, think about what results you want and then find the procedure that will get you as close to those results as possible.

This can definitely help when considering a breast lift or breast reduction surgery. One woman may assume she needs a breast reduction after seeing before and after images, but it’s really a breast lift that will get the results she wants. When you are clear on your goals, you can better understand which of these procedures (if not both) will help you achieve them.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also called mastopexy, does just what the name implies. It lifts the breasts. By reshaping and raising the breast, it allows them to sit higher on the chest and appear “perkier.” It can also firm them by removing excess skin and tightening up some of the supporting tissue around the breasts. Removing skin may decrease the overall size somewhat, but it won’t be a significant change because breast tissue is not removed. However, the areola, which may have become enlarged over time, can be reduced during this procedure. This is a good choice if the lower part of your breast is hanging down below the breast fold but you are happy with the overall size.

Think about a breast lift if you want:

  • Your breasts to sit up higher on your chest
  • An improved breast silhouette
  • Tightened skin and tissue around the breast
  • Relief from skin irritation under the breasts

Learn what questions to ask your surgeon about breast lift surgery.

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, on the other hand is concerned with reducing the size of the breast. Excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat are removed to bring the breast size into a range that is in line with the patient’s wishes and will help reduce physical symptoms associated with large breasts. For most women, the breast reduction will include a breast lift as well, as larger breasts are more likely to create many of the issues related to sagging.

Think about a breast reduction if you want:

  • Lighter breasts
  • Relief from neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Relief from bra strap pain or skin grooves from the straps
  • Improved posture
  • Less restriction in activity because of your breast size
  • Fewer limitations on clothing choices because of your breast size

Learn what questions to ask your plastic surgeon about breast reduction surgery.

If you are unhappy with loss of volume at the top of the breast, a breast lift or reduction won’t remedy that situation. You may want to talk with your physician about adding an implant or fat grafting to your procedure fill out that area of the breasts.

These two procedure offer very different results, even though it might not be clear which one will work best for you. Start with clear goals in mind about how you want to look and feel when choosing breast lift or breast reduction. Then speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon to understand what procedures can help you achieve these goals. If you would like to discuss the possibilities available to you, Dr. Slack is available for consultation. Contact our office in Allen, TX to schedule your appointment.