Yes, breast reduction with lift surgery is a common cosmetic procedure for women who want to reduce the overall size of their breasts and achieve more lift at the same time.
If you are interested in this surgery, read on. Below, we will outline who is best suited for a breast lift with reduction, how the procedure is performed, what to expect during breast lift and breast reduction recovery, and how to schedule a consultation appointment for more information.
Breast Lift vs Breast Reduction
Before diving into breast reduction and breast lift combination surgery, let’s go over breast lift surgery and breast reduction surgery separately. This should give you a better idea of what each of these surgeries entails.
Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy)
Breast lifts are performed on women who have sagging breasts. If you have sagging or drooping breasts, you may notice that your nipples point downward instead of outward. You may also notice that the nipples are actually lower than the breast crease (the place where your breasts meet your chest wall; also called the inframammary fold).
These things can make some women feel self-conscious. A breast lift will give your breasts a perkier, more youthful appearance — even without a bra or support.
Sagging breasts are often due to pregnancy and childbirth, aging, fluctuating weight, or significant weight loss. A breast lift uses your own breast tissue to reshape and resize the breasts.
Many women notice that their breasts appear smaller after breast lift surgery, but really, only excess skin is being removed. The amount of breast tissue you have should stay the same.
Breast Reduction Surgery (Reduction Mammoplasty)
Breast reduction surgery is performed on women who want to reduce their breast size. The procedure will remove excess breast tissue, skin, and fat.
Women frequently pursue this surgery because their very large breasts are painful, uncomfortable, and cause chronic problems in their lives. Skin irritation or rashes, poor posture, discomfort in the shoulders(sometimes from bra straps), neck pain, back pain, and even difficulty breathing and sleeping can occur.
Women say that they find it hard to exercise and engage in physical activities with their overly large breasts, and they may also have trouble finding clothes that fit or that they feel good in. Finally, some women do not like any extra attention they may receive because of having large breasts. It commonly makes women feel self-conscious and like they want to hide and cover up rather than be proud of their appearance.
What to Know About Breast Lift and Reduction Surgery
The truth is, most breast reduction surgeries actually include a lift. Often, the nipples and areolae are lifted higher up on the breasts, and the entire breast is lifted while excess breast tissue, skin, and fat are removed at the same time.
In this way, undergoing a combination breast lift and reduction surgery is really very similar to getting a breast reduction surgery and asking for a breast lift in the process.
With that said, let’s go over the procedural steps that would be included with a surgery like this.
Breast Reduction Procedure Steps (With Lift)
Your plastic surgeon will start by administering anesthesia. Typically, general anesthesia is used for a procedure like this and also for breast reductions that do not include a notable lift as well.
When the patient is comfortable with anesthesia, your surgeon will make the appropriate incisions. There are two basic types of breast reduction incision patterns: the lollipop incision pattern and the anchor incision pattern.
The lollipop incision pattern requires incisions to be made around the edges of the areolae and vertically down the bottom portion of each breast. The anchor method requires incisions to be made around the edges of the areolae, vertically down the bottom portion of each breast, and along both of the breast creases.
Once the incisions are made, your surgeon will work on restructuring, re-shaping, and repositioning your breasts. As he or she does this, they will also excise any excess skin, fat, and excess tissue of the breast.
Prior to your surgery, you will have discussed with your surgeon how much breast tissue you want to have removed and what you hope to achieve post-surgery. With this in mind, your surgeon will carry out this portion of the surgery and then carefully close up each incision, finally bandaging you up and putting on a compression garment for stability and to reduce swelling.
Breast Lift and Reduction Recovery
Breast lifts, breast reduction surgery, and breast augmentation surgery all have similar recovery times. Usually, patients will need to take it easy for several weeks. Many patients take around one week off from work.
Swelling, bruising, discoloration, changes in sensation, and some soreness and pain are all common during recovery from breast lifts. The remaining breast tissue and breast skin will be swollen for several months — even after most of the other symptoms have dissipated.
Will I Have Breast Lift and Breast Reduction Scars?
Plastic surgeons do their utmost to make incision scars as small as possible. However, after any type of plastic surgery that requires incisions, there will be scarring.
We suggest looking at breast lift and reduction before and after photos for examples of scarring post-recovery. We also recommend using massage, silicone gel scar treatments, and other scar minimizing tactics (that are recommended by your surgeon) to reduce the appearance of scars post-surgery.
Breast Reduction with Lift FAQ
How much does a breast lift and reduction cost?
While we certainly understand that breast lift and reduction cost is an influential factor when deciding on this surgery, we do ask that you book a consultation appointment for more specific pricing information.
Can I have my breast tissue tested for breast cancer?
Yes, breast reduction patients will sometimes ask that their excised breast tissue (from one or both breasts) be tested for breast cancer. This surgical procedure routinely includes pathological examination of the removed tissue to check for any abnormalities.
Many surgeons consider this standard practice as part of comprehensive patient care during the healing process.
What should you not do before breast reduction surgery?
Avoid smoking six weeks pre- and post-op. Also, refrain from aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements to manage bleeding during surgery.
This outpatient procedure requires careful preparation to minimize complications and ensure optimal results. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions about wearing a surgical bra post-operatively and caring for any surgical tape or dressings.
Can breast reduction surgery be performed on men as well?
Approximately half of US men encounter gynecomastia. Safe, effective gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction is viable for teens and adults, addressing concerns at any age. Men with excessive breast size often experience shoulder pain and reduced self confidence that this surgery can effectively address.
The procedure helps alleviate discomfort from heavy breasts and allows patients to feel more comfortable with their newly shaped breasts.
Is breast reduction surgery covered by insurance?
Breast reduction surgery can be covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary, though coverage varies significantly by insurance provider. To qualify for coverage, patients typically must meet specific criteria, including having fully grown breasts, documented neck/shoulder/back pain over an extended period, evidence of shoulder grooving, and proof of having tried alternative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, supportive bras, and heat-cold therapies first.
How long does a breast reduction lift last?
Breast reduction results are typically long-lasting and can be maintained for many years, often 10-15 years or more. The longevity depends on factors like weight stability, skin elasticity, aging, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, revision surgery is rarely needed to maintain results.
Will breast lift reduce size?
A breast lift primarily repositions and reshapes sagging breasts without significantly changing volume. However, patients often report wearing a smaller cup size (typically one cup smaller) after surgery due to the elevated breast position and removal of excess skin, creating a firmer, more lifted appearance rather than actual tissue reduction.
What is the best age for a boob lift?
There is no specific age requirement for breast lift surgery, as women can undergo the procedure at any age. The ideal time is after breasts have fully developed (typically 18 years or older) and when patients have completed their families. Many women choose breast lifts in their late 40s, though successful results occur across all age groups.
Who should not get a breast lift?
Individuals should avoid breast lift surgery if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active infections, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, blood clotting disorders, or chronic medical conditions. Smokers face increased complications and poor healing. Those planning significant weight changes or future pregnancies should postpone surgery, as these factors can affect results
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation
Those interested in a breast reduction with lift surgery should contact a board certified plastic surgeon to schedule a consultation appointment. Your surgeon will ensure you are qualified for surgery and will want to speak with you in person to discuss your goals and go over your medical history.
For those looking to undergo a breast lift and reduction, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan performs this procedure at his practice. To learn more and book your consultation today, please give us a call.