Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: Determining What’s Right for You

Breast Reduction in Glastonbury, CTWhile breast augmentation continues to be the most popular plastic surgery in the U.S., many women want to reduce the size of their breasts or to reposition their breasts without making them larger.

So which procedure is right for you – breast reduction or a breast lift?

These procedures have several things in common as well as several differences. Both procedures are routine and most women who undergo these procedures are happy with the outcome.

The choice of which procedure to choose is based entirely on the result you want to achieve. To make the best possible decision for you, it is important to understand the difference between the two procedures.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery can reduce your breast size by removing excess breast tissue. This procedure removes the excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. The result is a breast size that is more desirable to the patient. It can also help to eliminate the pain and discomfort that often comes from large breasts.

To find out if a breast reduction is right for you, ask yourself a few questions.

  • Are you bothered by the appearance of your large breasts?
  • Do your breasts feel too heavy?
  • Do you get grooves along your shoulders from wearing a bra?
  • Are your breasts causing you to experience neck, back or shoulder pain?
  • Do you get irritation under your breast crease?
  • Do your breasts limit your physical activity?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a breast reduction may be right for you.

Many times a breast reduction is covered under your insurance if you are having back, neck, shoulder and/or breast pain. You would need documentation indicating any pretreatment that you have had (ex: physical therapy, weight loss, seen a chiropractor…). We suggest that you contact your insurance company to see if a breast reduction surgery is covered under your policy and what is recommended prior to surgery to get the surgery covered.

Breast Lift

The objective of a breast lift is to improve the shape of the breasts, especially if they are sagging. This can happen from pregnancy, breastfeeding or aging. This procedure also corrects the position of the nipples when they are pointing downward.

Unlike a breast reduction, a breast lift does not make the breasts smaller. A breast lift repositions the breasts, raising and firming them. This is achieved by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue, resulting in firmer, higher, perkier breasts.

To determine if a breast lift is right for you, examine your breasts.

  • Do they look elongated or flat?
  • Do your nipples drop lower than your breast crease?
  • Are your areolas or nipples pointing downward?

If you answered “yes,” a breast lift could be the answer.

Only your plastic surgeon can help you to determine what procedure is right for you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your issues.

To find out if a breast reduction or breast lift is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford, Vernon, Tolland and surrounding areas.