Does a Breast Reduction Include a Lift?
Most people assume that larger breasts are always better for women and that no woman would want to reduce the size of her chest.
But women with large breasts, who struggle with back, shoulder, and neck pain (as well as other issues) know that this isn’t always the case.
For these women, a breast reduction procedure can alleviate a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort and can even help with feelings of self-consciousness that may stem from having a larger chest. At the same time, it’s not uncommon for women seeking a breast reduction procedure to still want ample, feminine breasts they can feel good about. This usually means ensuring that their breasts will remain adequately full and perky after surgery.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at what breast reduction patients should expect when it comes to a breast reduction procedure in general, as well as the effects of the included breast lift.
How Is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery reduces the overall size and weight of your breasts by targeting excess breast tissue while lifting and contouring the breasts for a pleasing appearance.
In order to achieve this outcome, your plastic surgeon will start by making discreet incisions on your breasts and will then remove the necessary amount of excess fat, skin, and breast tissue. Most patients will also receive a breast lift, and some patients will have the size and positioning of their areolas altered. The incisions will then be carefully closed so as to reduce the appearance of visible scarring.
Breast reduction surgery usually takes around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The breast reduction surgery is outpatient, which means that patients are able to return home on the same day as their surgery. Naturally, you will still need a trusted friend or relative to take you home after surgery.
The recovery period for breast reduction surgery is about one to two weeks. Your surgeon will inform you when you can return to work, regular childcare and home activities, and exercise.
Do All Women Who Get a Breast Reduction Need a Breast Lift Too?
Not necessarily. Your plastic surgeon will tell you that in some cases, simply removing excess fat, excess skin, and breast tissue will give the breasts a more lifted appearance. Experienced surgeons know exactly how to remove the right amount of glandular tissue and reduce the size of your breasts in order to achieve an optimal outcome. If they think you would benefit from a breast reduction with lift and possible repositioning of the areolas, they will recommend this, and you can discuss these options together.
How Are A Breast Reduction and Lift Different?
While many breast reduction surgeries also include breast lifts, sometimes, patients only need a breast lift — and not the removal of fat, breast tissue, and excess skin that is required with a full breast reduction.
The biggest factors, when deciding between a breast lift and a breast reduction, have to do with the overall volume and size of your breasts and breast tissue. Most women are excited to get rid of sagging breasts. But if you’re someone who only wants perkier breasts and you’re satisfied with your breasts’ size, you don’t need breast reduction surgery. In this case, you simply need to have your breasts repositioned, and this would necessitate a lift.
Deciding on Breast Reduction Surgery
Many women contemplate breast surgery at at least one point in their lives. For many, the issue at-hand is related to extra-large breasts that can cause pain and discomfort. There is a good reason why so many women seek breast reductions. Women who struggle with the excess size and weight of their breasts often deal with physical and emotional issues related to:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Poor posture
- Limits on physical activities
- Skin rashes that are difficult to eradicate
- Difficulty finding satisfactory clothing that fits well
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble breathing
- Emotional discomfort and embarrassment about the size of their breasts
- Unwanted attention because of their breast size
- Daily discomfort
If you’ve noticed several of these issues in your own life, it might be time to start considering breast reduction surgery. Not only will breast reduction surgery alleviate many or all of the issues listed above, but it can also actually boost your self-esteem and make you more able to live the healthy, happy life you want.
Large breasts that are too big to allow you to exercise regularly, sleep a full eight hours every night, and move around every day without chronic pain and discomfort are causing real problems in your life. For many, it’s not simply a matter of aesthetics and wanting to look nice.
On the other hand, it’s okay to want to be proud of your appearance too. Shaping the remaining breast tissue in a way that pleases you and makes you feel confident about your body is something special you can do for your future.
Questions and Answers
Does a breast reduction reduce the chances of breast cancer?
The findings imply that women over 40 who have excess tissue removed during breast reduction surgery may experience a decreased risk of future breast cancer. Yet, in younger women, the connection between surgery, glandular mass, and cancer risk appears less significant.
How long does a breast reduction and a lift last?
Breast reductions combined with a lift last for about as long as breast augmentation results, about a decade, potentially 15 to 20 years for younger individuals. Nevertheless, specific factors may compromise the long-term sustainability of your results.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
While breast reductions primarily address medical symptoms from overly large breasts, breast lift procedures are centered on enhancing the cosmetic appearance of the breasts.
Breast Reduction Consultation
Are you considering breast reduction surgery? Dr. David Sieber is one of the leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and has vast experience performing both breast reduction surgeries and breast lift surgeries for his patients.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts and seek to alleviate pain or discomfort caused by excess weight on this area of your body, contact Sieber Plastic Surgery San Francisco today to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber. We look forward to hearing from you!
