I am a 38DD and want to get a breast lift. Do I have to get a reduction to get a lift? If so, how small would I end up being?

Thank you for the question. You do not have to have your breast size reduced (breast tissue remove) when having a breast lift unless you want to reduce the size of your breasts.

“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.



Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.



When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well  experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.



Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.  Once you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, it will be important for you to communicate her goals carefully as well. In my practice, I asked patients to use as many “visual aids”, such as goal photographs, during the communication process. Be careful about utilizing terms such as “ideal” ( there is no such thing), “B or C cup” and/or “proportionate"… these terms can be confusing, since they may mean different things to different people.  Once you have communicated your goals,  your chosen plastic surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of how much breast tissue will likely need to be removed to achieve your goals.



I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast lifting surgery concerns), helps.  Best wishes.

 This is usually coordinated between you and your surgeon.  With a reduction also comes along the lifted breast.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with and who is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best wishes!

Dr. Desai