Breast reduction and breast lift are both cosmetic surgeries that can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies. Although they are both related to the breasts, they differ in their goals, techniques, and outcomes. McLain Surgical Arts, led by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides breast reduction and breast lift procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of the breasts by removing excess tissue, skin, and fat. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have large, heavy breasts that cause physical discomfort, such as back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Breast reduction can also improve the appearance of sagging breasts, uneven breasts, or stretched areolas.

Breast reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 3-5 hours to complete. The surgeon will make incisions around the areola, down to the breast crease, and along the crease. Then, they will remove the excess breast tissue, skin, and fat, and reshape the remaining breast tissue to create a smaller, firmer, and more lifted breast. The nipple and areola will also be repositioned to a higher position on the breast mound.

After breast reduction surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breasts. They will need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks and avoid strenuous activities for several months. The scars from breast reduction usually fade over time but may be noticeable.

Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to lift and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have lost breast volume due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, and want to restore a more youthful and perky breast shape.

Breast lift is also typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The surgeon will make incisions around the areola, down to the breast crease, and along the crease, depending on the extent of the sagging. Then, they will remove the excess skin and reshape the remaining breast tissue to create a firmer and higher breast. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned to a higher position on the breast mound.

After breast lift surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breasts. They will need to wear a supportive bra for several weeks and avoid strenuous activities for several months. The scars from breast lift usually fade over time but may be noticeable.

What’s The Difference Between Breast Reduction And Breast Lift?

The main difference between breast reduction and breast lift is the goal of the procedure. While breast reduction aims to reduce the size of the breasts, breast lift aims to lift and reshape the breasts. Breast reduction is typically recommended for women with large and heavy breasts, while breast lift is typically recommended for women with sagging and deflated breasts.

Breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat, while breast lift involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Breast reduction usually requires larger incisions and more extensive surgery than breast lift. Breast reduction also involves a higher risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or loss of sensation, than breast lift.

Breast reduction and breast lift can also be combined to achieve both goals of reducing the size and lifting the breasts. This combination procedure is called a reduction-lift or mastopexy-reduction. Your cosmetic surgeon can help you determine which procedure or combination of procedures is right for you based on your breast size, shape, and goals.

Which Procedure Do I Need?

Deciding which procedure you need depends on your individual needs and goals. If you have large and heavy breasts that cause physical discomfort, breast reduction may be the right procedure for you. If you have sagging and deflated breasts due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss, breast lift may be the right procedure for you.

During your consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, they will evaluate your breast size, shape, and skin quality, as well as your medical history, lifestyle, and expectations. They will also explain the risks, benefits, and limitations of each procedure and help you make an informed decision. Dr. Landon D. McLain, provides breast reduction and breast lift procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations.

Contact McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, AL to Schedule a Consultation

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL.  Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.

For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.