Breast Lift: Q&A

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Do I Need a Breast Lift or a Breast Reduction? (photo)

Hello, I am a 36DDD. I definitely need a lift but I'm not sure if my size will automatically be reduced with the lift or if I should have a reduction. I don't mind being a D cup but I am 5'3" and have always been curvy so I don't want to go too small and not look proportionate. Any advice? (photo included) Thanks!

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by InneedofTT in DFW - Texas

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Ultimate Breast Reduction

You are a size 36 DDD and as you state you definitely need a lift. If you desire to be a D then you will need to have a reduction performed. At size 36, each cup size corresponds to 200 grams of tissue. To go down 2 cup sizes you would require 400 gram removal. Insurance companies may or may not pay for a reduction of this size. Reductions are paid by insurance companies based on body surface area. Unfortunately, you did not give your height and weight so... more

Breast Lift or Breast Reduction

Actually the techniques that are employed for a breast reduction and a lift are the same. This includes the incisions and the lifting of the nipple and the areolae. The only real difference is if the goal is volume/weight reduction or not. So in other words, when you get a reduction you also get a lift. If the goal is to reduce the overall size of the breast than a reduction is procedure you need. If the goal is to maintain the volume but only improve the shape of the breast than a... more

Breast Reduction or Breast Lift: Unload the breast to beat gravity.

Breast reduction surgery decreases the size of the breast as well as lifts the breast (mastopexy). If you have large breasts like you have described, there is no way that large of a breast can only be lifted without being reduced. After a breast reduction, you want the breasts to fit your body, so maintaining volume should not be a problem despite a fairly large breast reduction and breast lift. This is a procedure that has a very high patient satisfaction, and if you are having symptoms... more

Lift or Reduction?

Simple answer is that both procedures in you will leave the same scar on the outside. During the surgery the surgeon and you have to decide whether you want less volume or not. Do you like out you look in a good, well fitting support bra? If the answer is yes, then you only need a lift. If it is, "no, I'm too large", then you need a reduction. Unless you are trying to get insurance to cover this, it is just a personal choice. We could get into a lengthy discussion of what... more

Breast Lift or Reduction?

A breast lift is designed to move the nipple and breast mound upward and a breast reduction is designed to make the breasts smaller. However, a lift also removes a small amount of tissue and a reduction moves the nipple upward as well. So you need to talk with your board certified plastic surgeon who will help you decide what your goals are and how best to achieve them. It is important that you communicate well before your surgery to avoid disappointment afterwards. Good luck to you. more

Breast Lift vs. Breast Reduction: the Financial Aspect

In the setting of large and ptotic (saggy) breasts, a distinction should be made between a breast lift procedure that is done primarily to improve the appearance of the breasts and a breast reduction procedure that is performed to relieve symptoms related to the excessive weight of the breasts. In general, a breast lift is viewed by health insurance companies as a cosmetic procedure that will not be covered while a breast reduction may meet criteria as a covered benefit. If you pay out of... more

Breast lift~reduction

In the photo provided, it appears as though you would benefit from a breast reduction which also provides a breast lift giving the breasts a more youthful, perkier appearance. During an examination, your plastic surgeon will determine if your breasts are heavy and dense requiring a reduction or if they are merely ptotic (hanging) which would only require a mastopexy (breast lift). You and your plastic surgeon should discuss your goals for breast reduction/lift using photos. ... more

Breast Lift and/or Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question and pictures. It is very likely that you will benefit from some degree of breast reduction along with breast lifting surgery. You will need to communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon (I preferr the use of goal pictures) and explain what you mean by “too small and not look proportionate”. These words can be a source of miscommunication; I would suggest that you select pictures of breasts that you feel represent a similar... more

Breast reduction

It appears that a small breast reduction would be appropriate for you. Your surgeon needs to be aware that you do not want to be too small and proceed from there.

Breast reduction/lift

If you desire a reduction, certainly some tissue can be removed to accommodate your request while the lift is taking place. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lift vs Reduction

If your goal is to go from a DDD down to a D cup, then a reduction will be required. But remember, breast reduction techniques also include a breast lift.

Reduction needed

You may fit into a DDD cup bra, but you look more like an E or an F in your photos. I feel you would definitely benefit from a breast reduction. If you were to have a lift alone, it would not last, and you would still be left with the scars. It is your choice what cup size you want to end up with. D cup if you want to be "curvier". C cup if you want to be "perkier". Either way, you will have a better shape and be more comfortable. more

Do I Need a Breast Lift or a Breast Reduction?

Thanks for the photo. A reduction small amount and lifting is a great idea for you. Best to discuss in person with a boarded PSs

Breast Reduction

Based on your picture I would recommend a breast reduction. When you have a reduction a lift of the breast occurs. A reduction would reduce back pain, neck pain, and improve the ability to exercise. Dr. ES

Reduction or Lift?

Thank you for your question. It is one that I hear often. Generally, women with large breasts are better served by having some degree of reduction in addition to a lift. I agree with your concern about being too small but it is difficult to lift very heavy breasts and have any confidence in maintaining the breasts in a lifted position. By removing some breast tissue (reduction) in addition to overlying skin (lift) your surgeon will likely be more successful in... more