Women who wish to change the appearance of their breasts have an array of surgical procedures to choose from. Breast lift and breast reduction are two of the most popular options for women seeking to refine the size, shape or position of their breasts. Although there are some similarities between these procedures, there are key differences that ultimately determine which surgery is right for a particular patient.
If you are undecided about which breast surgery might suit your needs, learn more about these procedures below and book a consultation with Sydney specialist plastic surgeon Dr Ellis Choy. This is the best way to receive personalised recommendations that are tailored to your specific concerns.
What Is Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, elevates the breasts, adjusts the shape and improves firmness. During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the remaining tissue is tightened and reshaped. The nipple and areola are also repositioned to maintain a proportionate appearance. A breast lift does not noticeably change breast volume, making it an option for women who are satisfied with their cup size but unhappy with loose skin, drooping nipples or asymmetry.
What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
A breast reduction, also known as a reduction mammoplasty, can reduce a significant amount of volume and weight in the breast area. This is achieved by removing excess skin, glandular fat and tissue to create a more comfortable and proportionate breast size. Breast reduction has numerous potential benefits for patients. Women who are primarily concerned with aesthetics may choose to have a breast reduction to change the appearance of their bust and their body proportions. Women who are struggling with health issues like neck and back pain, skin irritation and difficulty exercising may choose this surgery to relieve physical discomfort.
Who Is Considered a Candidate for Breast Lift Surgery?
A breast lift mainly accomplishes aesthetic goals. Ageing, weight loss, childbirth and hormonal changes can all alter the size and shape of the breasts, giving them a drooping or deflated appearance. Candidates for breast lift surgery often present with the following:
- Stretched, loose skin
- Flat or “empty looking” breasts
- Nipples pointing downward or resting below the breast crease
- Breast asymmetry
- Deflated breasts due to weight fluctuation, pregnancy, breastfeeding or ageing
Women who want to stay a similar size but wish to elevate their breasts may be good candidates for a breast lift.
Who Is Considered a Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?
A breast reduction has both cosmetic and functional benefits. Candidates for breast reduction surgery often struggle with the following concerns:
- Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain
- Poor posture
- Painful shoulder grooves caused by overburdened bra straps
- Physical activity limitations
- Difficulty sleeping
- Chafing, rashes and other skin irritation
Women who want to decrease the size and weight of their breasts may be good candidates for breast reduction.
What Techniques Are Used for Breast Lift Surgery?
Generally speaking, Dr Choy performs three types of breast lift surgery: breast lift without implants, breast lift with implants and breast lift with breast reduction.
A breast lift without implants repositions the breasts to a higher position. This approach is appropriate for women who are not interested in reducing or increasing the size of their breasts. The focus is on achieving a more lifted look and new body proportions. For suitable candidates, Dr Choy offers a signature technique called auto-augmentation in which breast volume is redistributed to create an implant-like effect using only the patient’s own natural tissue.
A breast lift with implants reduces lax skin and increases fullness to change both the position and the contours of the breasts. This approach allows Dr Choy to adjust size, shape and symmetry.
A breast lift with breast reduction marries function with aesthetics. This combined approach allows Dr Choy to downsize volume and elevate and reshape the breasts simultaneously.
What Techniques Are Used for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction is a highly personalised procedure. Not only are there different incision techniques that can be used, but each surgery requires customised tissue manipulation based on the patient’s unique body shape and goals. The suitable technique will depend on the current condition of your breasts and what you are hoping to achieve.
The anchor technique uses incisions that extend around the top of the areola, downward and across the lower region of the breast. The vertical incision technique uses incisions that extend around the top of the areola and in a v-shape down the midline of the breast.
Dr Choy typically recommends the anchor technique for both breast reduction and breast lift patients. Although it results in more scarring, it is a more predictable and durable technique. The scars should fade over time and can be concealed under most clothing, lingerie and swimsuits.
Making a Final Decision About Your Breast Surgery
To choose an appropriate type of breast surgery, you must first define your hopes for the end result. If your goal is a significant reduction in the volume and weight of the breast tissue, then a breast reduction may be required to achieve this outcome. If you are primarily concerned with loss of skin elasticity and its effects, a breast lift can make your breasts perkier and firmer, but not smaller.
Research is essential preparation for any breast surgery. To get more information and personalised recommendations, your next step is scheduling an in-person consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Ellis Choy. Get in touch with Dr Choy’s practice by calling us on +61 2 8962 9388 to find out more.
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