Does a breast reduction also include a breast lift?
At Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery, patient education and care is at the core of all we do.
Many patients do not realise that breast reduction surgery shares many similarities with breast lift surgery.
However, the main difference in the procedures is simply that with a breast lift, the size of the breasts don't change – they won't be larger or smaller, whereas a breast reduction significantly reduces the size and weight of the breasts by removing more of the internal fat and tissue.
So yes, breast reduction surgery typically includes a breast lift as an integral component of the procedure. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is primarily aimed at reducing the size and weight of the breasts to alleviate issues like discomfort, pain, and posture problems often associated with overly large breasts.
During this surgery, excess breast tissue and skin are removed, and the breasts are reshaped and repositioned to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The breast lift aspect of the procedure involves elevating the breasts to a higher position on the chest, which can result in a firmer and more youthful look. So, breast reduction not only reduces breast size but also includes a lifting component to enhance breast shape and position.
The reason for this is simple: following breast reduction, a patient is left with excess skin, and that skin needs to be removed in order to create a tauter, firmer, and perkier bust line.
In most cases, the breast lift also includes repositioning the nipple and areola to create natural-looking results.
When a plastic surgeon refers to a breast reduction, they will almost always be referring to both a reduction and a lift, performed in conjunction with one another in order to achieve optimal results.
Who is the right candidate for breast reduction surgery?
There are many reasons why a woman would consider breast reduction surgery. Some of the most common candidates are outlined below.
Teens with large breasts
Large breasts can be a source of unwanted attention and harassment, which can have a significant impact on a teen’s confidence and self-worth.
A breast reduction is one of a few plastic surgery procedures suitable for girls under the age of 18 following several criteria including informed consent, parental consent, and a patient’s physical and psychological well being.
We encourage you to reach out to Dr Hertess Plastic Surgery if you’ve got questions about breast reduction suitability for your teenager.
Post-menopausal women
Women experience many changes during menopause, with the body changing as we enter the next stage of our lives. Physical changes can include weight gain and unexpected tissue growth, both of which can lead to excessively large breasts.
Women with asymmetrical breasts
It’s estimated that 25% of women have asymmetrical breasts, where one breast is larger than the other.
Breast augmentation surgery can be performed to create a more even bust line, but in some cases, a patient may wish their larger breast to be more in proportion with the smaller one, and will instead opt for breast reduction surgery.
Women suffering from pain and discomfort
In addition to bra straps that dig in and chronic back, large breasts can also cause discomfort during exercise and even day-to-day activities.
Whether you’re an avid runner or are spending your days chasing after the kids, oversized breasts can stop you from living life to the fullest.
Women embarrassed by a larger bust line
In addition to physical discomfort, large breasts can also be a source of embarrassment for many women. They can also inhibit a woman’s ability to find flattering clothing that fits them properly.
A woman may feel that oversized breasts are stopping them from wearing the clothes they like; they find themselves wearing clothes that hide the true size of their breasts, affecting their self-esteem and confidence.
Risks of breast reduction
All surgeries carry risk. No breast surgeon, no matter their skill and experience, can ever guarantee results, so it is crucial that you find a surgeon you can trust who offers realistic, pragmatic, and honest advice.
No two patients are the same, and as such, no two experiences are the same. It’s our promise that no matter your end goal, we treat you with respect, courtesy, and compassion, educating you on all your options and helping you to make a truly informed decision.
Your health and safety is our priority, and we look forward to joining you on this journey towards becoming more comfortable and happier in your own skin.
We are happy to talk you through the entire process, including what’s involved in recovery as well as general surgery risks and risks more specific to breast reduction surgery.
See some of our beautiful patients before and after their breast reduction on the Gold Coast. Click here to view the full gallery.
