Wanting to go from a 36DD to 36C - can I do a reduction with a lift together?

Question

I was wondering do the two procedures go together and I wanted to go from a 36DD to. 36C . Is that too much of a size to go down if someone has broad shoulders

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Kind6103 thank you for your question. Both procedures can be done in one surgery, both breast reduction and breast lift, and should be done that way to achieve the proper aesthetic result, which is to raise the nipple and rearrange the breast tissue. As for the volume, by removing weight in the breast this part of the body will look thinner and slimmer, so visually the upper part of the body will look narrower. It all depends on what your goal is. Best wishes!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. You would need 400 grams removed to become a size C. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

A reduction always includes a lift. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon whose results appeal to you based on his or her before and after gallery. Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kind6103,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Yes, a reduction typically includes a lift as a portion of the procedure.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can do this. A reduction does include the lift and is not a separate procedure. This can be done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A breast lift is performed as part of the breast reduction procedure.  The goals you have for surgery sound very realistic.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You can certainly do a breast reduction and lift at the same time. Going from a 36DDD to a 36C seems appropriate. Without pictures, it is difficult to say whether that would be too much of a reduction. Your plastic surgeon can give you some direction with regard to size.
Best of luck!

Praful Ramineni, MD · Answer

Absolutely!  Breast reduction surgery also has the added benefit of lifting your breasts.  A breast lift and a reduction are similar surgeries in that skin is removed in both. The difference is that in a reduction, breast tissue is removed in addition to skin.  Generally as long as you have a policy that covers the procedure, you have symptoms that have failed conservative therapy and you have enough tissue to remove to meet insurance criteria, then the surgery should be covered.

Andrew M. Ress, MD · Answer

Think of a lift (mastopexy) providing shape and a reduction (or augmentation) as changing volume. Quick answer is yes you can go from a DD to a perky C. 
Some caveats-- be within 10-15 pounds of the weight you can maintain. If you undergo surgery and then lose a lot of weight the breasts will shrink and sag and you might need another procedure.
Insurance coverage is not guaranteed. It depends on the insurance company and the area of the country. In South Florida where I practice, insurance tells you what cup size you will become; the patient has no say in the matter.