Breast enhancement procedures make up some of the most sought-after plastic surgery treatments, largely due to the variety of options available for women who are looking to achieve their cosmetic goals. There are two breast surgeries that patients often find confusing: the breast lift and the breast reduction. Below, we’ll explain the differences between these treatments so that you can determine if either of these treatments are the right solution for you.
Reasons for Treatment
The first thing that people get wrong about breast lift and breast reduction treatments are the exact reasons why you would pursue these treatments. While these procedures are similar, there are some key differences that you should consider based on your cosmetic goals.
The breast lift, for example, is performed primarily to correct the changes in the breasts that occur due to aging and pregnancy. These life events can cause the breasts to sag or lose volume, resulting in an unwanted drooping appearance. The breast lift restores perkiness to the breasts by eliminating excess skin and lifting them to a more youthful position. The procedure may have a secondary effect of slightly reducing breast size through reshaping, but this is not the primary purpose of the procedure, and patients without symptoms of pain looking for this benefit should instead consider a breast reduction
The breast reduction procedure is intended to primarily reduce the size of the breasts in order to improve the comfort, self-image or overall quality life of women hindered by larger breasts. This involves removing fat and excess skin from the breasts to reduce their size and leave them in a naturally comfortable and attractive position. This may have a secondary effect of lifting the breasts and improving their firmness, but this is not the primary purpose of the procedure, and patients looking for this benefit should instead consider a breast lift. A breast reduction will rearrange the breast and nipple to a normal physiological position on the chest while reducing volume
The Treatment Experience
When it comes to the treatment experience, the breast lift and breast reduction are actually quite similar. Both procedures will be performed with the aid of general anesthesia, ensuring that patients are comfortable and safe for the duration of the surgery. The incisions involved are also similar, with both procedures utilizing an incision around the circumference of the nipple that may also extend downward depending on the extent of treatment necessary. Patients can expect similar recovery periods as well, with both breast reduction and breast lift patients experiencing some bruising, swelling and varying discomfort in the breasts for about two weeks, followed by a full recovery within one to two months.
Am I A Good Candidate for a Breast Lift or Breast Reduction?
If you are interested in either a breast lift or a breast reduction procedure, the next step is simple: contact us today to schedule your consultation with either Dr. Austin at Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery. They can discuss your goals and determine if either of these treatments are a good fit for you!