Breast Lift or Breast Reduction: Which Surgery Is Right for Me? By Joseph M. Brown, MD, FACS on December 31, 2023

woman waking up in bed and stretchingWhen it comes to choosing the right type of plastic surgery, working with a skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon is crucial. Many patients are unsure whether they should undergo breast lift or breast reduction; they want to know, “which surgery is right for me?” At SynergyMD Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, we discuss the differences between breast lift versus breast reduction, including surgery comparison and benefits.

When Is a Breast Lift the Best Treatment?

If you are happy with your breast size and simply want to lift the breasts and restore the position of the nipples to a more youthful location, a breast lift is probably right for you. This procedure moves the breasts to a higher location on the chest, but it does not significantly change the size of the breasts. However, with all the breast tissue lifted, it can produce a small increase in the size of the breasts. This procedure is commonly performed on women who have had children, are older, or have a family history of ptosis (sagging) of the breasts.

When Is a Breast Reduction the Best Treatment?

If you feel that your breasts are too large, you may want to undergo a breast reduction procedure instead. During breast reduction surgery, excess tissue is removed from the breasts to reduce their size, and the breasts are lifted to produce a more youthful appearance. Prior to your surgical appointment. you will discuss your ideal size with our Tampa surgeons so we can determine precisely how much tissue to remove.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction Comparison

Breast lift and breast reduction are similar in that they both require the same incision types. The most conservative approach involves the creation of an incision around the areolas. If additional lift or reduction is needed, in addition to the areolar incision, a vertical incision will be made from the bottom of the nipple down to the crease of the breast. For patients who require the most amount of lift or reduction, a third incision will be made along the bottom crease of the breasts.

While the incision types are the same, the surgical steps will be different because the breast reduction procedure involves the removal of tissue. During breast reduction, this excess tissue will be removed after the incisions are made. The procedure will then proceed as it would with a breast lift procedure.

To lift the breasts, our surgeons will lift the skin envelope and reposition the nipple and areola to a more desirable location. The incision will be closed and excess skin is removed to complete the procedure. The recovery process for both procedures is similar, taking six weeks before you can return to your normal routine and up to one year to see the full results of surgery.

Contact Our Practice

To find out if a breast reduction or breast lift procedure is right for you, contact SynergyMD Plastic Surgery in Tampa to schedule a consultation with our practice. During your consultation, one of our plastic surgeons can create a treatment plan that is right for you.

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Dr. Joseph Brown

SynergyMD
Plastic Surgery

A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Joseph M. Brown strives to provide patients with transformative, yet natural results in a safe and comfortable environment. When you choose him as your provider, he will develop a patient-doctor relationship based on honesty, trust, and a clear understanding of a common goal. He is affiliated with organizations such as the:

  • American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
  • Florida Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American College of Surgeons

To get started, request an appointment using our form or call (813) 258-2425.

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