Does A Breast Reduction Include A Lift?

For women considering a breast reduction, one of the common questions asked is, “Does a breast reduction include a lift?” While both procedures can be performed together, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two and whether a breast lift surgery is necessary for your specific goals. Let’s explore how a breast reduction and lift work together and how they differ.

What is a Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction surgery primarily focuses on reducing the size of overly large breasts. The procedure reduces breast size by removing excess tissue, fat, and skin, creating a smaller and more balanced appearance. For many women, this surgery is not just about aesthetics; it also helps alleviate physical discomfort caused by large breasts, such as back and neck pain, skin rashes, and difficulty finding well-fitting clothing.

The breast reduction procedure aims to restore balance to the body by removing excess weight, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. In many cases, this surgery can be performed without including a lift, especially if the breast tissue is firm enough to maintain a natural shape after the reduction.

Does Breast Reduction Include a Lift?

While some breast reductions do include a lift, it’s not automatically part of every procedure. The need for a breast reduction and lift depends on the existing condition of the breasts. If the breasts are sagging, have lost their youthful firmness, or if the areolas are significantly low, a breast lift may be recommended to reposition the breasts and create a more lifted, youthful appearance.

In other words, while a breast reduction will make the breasts smaller, it may not automatically result in the desired breast shape. A lift, on the other hand, focuses on repositioning the breast tissue and the areola to restore a perkier, more contoured appearance. For women with significant breast sagging, a lift is typically included to ensure that the final result is both smaller and aesthetically pleasing.

The Breast Reduction and Lift Procedure Explained

When both a breast reduction and lift are performed together, the surgeon removes excess tissue and skin, reshapes the breast, and lifts the tissue to a more youthful position. Compared to a breast lift surgery on its own, this dual approach not only addresses the size of the breasts but also the shape.

During surgery, the surgeon may make incisions around the areola, vertically down to the breast fold, and sometimes under the breast. The incisions are designed to minimize visible scarring while giving the breasts a natural, attractive shape. The amount of tissue removed and the shape of the lift will depend on your specific goals and anatomy.

The recovery for a combined breast reduction and lift can take a bit longer than for just a reduction alone. Most women are able to return to their normal activities in about two weeks. However, more strenuous activities such as lifting or exercising should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.

What Happens If You Don’t Need a Lift?

For women who don’t experience significant sagging or whose breast tissue is still firm after a reduction, a lift may not be necessary. Some women may be satisfied with the size reduction alone, especially if the breast shape is already proportionate to their body.

In these cases, the surgeon focuses on removing excess tissue and fat while preserving the natural shape of the breasts. As a result, the breasts may appear smaller but will still retain a youthful appearance without the need for a full lift. This approach can still bring relief from discomfort and improve the body’s overall proportions.

Consult with Dr. Gandolfi for Personalized Breast Reduction Options

If you’re ready to achieve the breast size and shape that enhances your comfort and confidence, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gandolfi today. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gandolfi uses the latest surgical techniques to ensure a safe, effective breast reduction and/or lift procedure that meets your aesthetic goals.

We also offers customized consultations to help you understand the best options for achieving your desired breast shape and size in our New York and Englewood, NJ offices. Contact us to get started!