Combining Breast Reduction and Breast Lift: When Is It Necessary?

Have your breasts changed in a way that you don’t like due to pregnancy, weight loss, genetics or illness? If so, you have many options available that can change the size, shape and proportions of your breasts. Two common choices are breast reduction and breast lift surgery, which can be performed individually or combined in one operation, depending on the needs of the individual patient. If you are curious about when these procedures would need to be combined, Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joseph Michaels has the answer.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a procedure that improves the position of sagging or flat breasts by lifting the tissues and reducing any excess skin. The goal of breast lift surgery is to create a more youthful and attractive looking breast position.

What Is a Breast Reduction?

A reduction mammoplasty, or breast reduction, reduces the volume and size of the breasts by removing excess fat and glandular breast tissue and excising any leftover skin. The goal of breast reduction surgery is to create smaller breasts that are more proportional to the rest of the body.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Breast reduction and breast lift are both performed to help women feel more comfortable and confident. If you want to significantly reduce the size of your chest, consider breast reduction surgery. Nearly all breast reduction procedures include breast lift techniques to remove the excess skin and achieve a perkier appearance. Breast reduction patients typically do not require a separate surgery to lift the breasts.

However, not all breast lifts involve a breast reduction. If you are happy with the size of your breasts, but the shape and position of your nipples are the main concern, your doctor may only remove a small amount of breast tissue and skin. This will result in a small reduction in size, but not to a significant extent. These procedures help tighten the skin envelope of your breast and elevate the nipple to its proper position, leaving you with firmer, rejuvenated breasts.

If you are not sure whether you need a breast reduction, a breast lift, or a combination of the two procedures, meet with your doctor to discuss your options. Describe your ideal outcome of surgery to the doctor, and be specific about your desired breast shape, size and position. Ask to see photographs of both breast lift and breast reduction surgery patients in order to find the right procedure for you.

Talk to Dr. Michaels about Breast Reduction and Breast Lift Surgery

Do you have questions about the breast reduction and breast lift procedures offered at Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Michaels and get your questions answered. Contact us today by calling our Bethesda office at (301) 468-5991 or our Fairfax office at (703) 957-8610.