Breast lift vs reduction - What is the difference?

Question

I've had 2 consult with different opinions. I'm currently 5'3, 150 lb and wear a 34 G. One Dr said that a lift would bring me to at most ..a C cup. The 2nd Dr said he could do a reduction ( lift is part of it) to a D cup. What is the difference between the two and why would just a lift bring me down so many cup sizes?

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Hi.  My video below give us an explanation of this.  Bottom line is that a lift is keeping all of your own breast tissue.  So if you are truly a 34G cup size, then after a lift you would still be that same cup size.  By definition a breast reduction is bringing the breasts down to a smaller size and that depends on the goals of the patient as well as what can realistically be achieved surgically.  A lift is built into the design of a breast reduction.  I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon with good experience with breast reduction to help guide you through this process.  
Good luck and take care, 
Dr. Howell

Sumer Daiza, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, this is a great question and comes up often. Breast reduction and breast lift are very similar in the way they are done. The main difference is how much breast tissue is removed. Generally, if more than 200 g of tissue is removed, it is considered a breast reduction and if less than 200 g of tissue is removed, it is considered a breast left. Often, the scar pattern will be very similar but most of this depends on the amount of skin and breast tissue that needs to be removed. With a breast reduction, you also get a breast lift and your breast size will be smaller. With a breast lift, you may still lose 1/2 to 1 cup size, but generally not much and only what is needed to remove the loose skin. Hope this helps. Good luck with your procedure! Dr. Sumer Daiza

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

In a breast lift excess skin is removed in order to reshape the breast and raise the position of the nipple.  The breast tissue itself is not removed; it is simply repositioned.  This should improve the way the breast appears and how it fits in a bra, but the volume is the same as before surgery. 
In a breast reduction excess skin is removed just as in a breast lift and the nipple is raised, however breast tissue is also removed.  This will reduce the volume/size of the breast overall as well as improve shape.  I've included a video on breast reduction surgery that I hope you find helpful.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Breast lifts are designed to lift the breasts and remove minimal tissue, if any.  Breast reductions are designed to remove large amounts of breast tissue.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jules716,
generally speaking, breast lift is used to lift breasts without removal of tissue. In case of breast reduction, breast tissue and skin are removed and breasts are smaller and lifted. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breast lift vs reduction - What is the difference?

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Breast lift vs reduction - What is the difference?

Answers (9)

Answer: Bellesoma Breast Reduction

Answer: Bellesoma Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast lift or reduction

Answer: Breast lift or reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.