What’s the Difference between a Breast Lift and Reduction?

Breast lifts vs breast reductions

Those with larger breasts can find that they struggle with low self-esteem, back problems, and other conditions. It can also cause aesthetic issues, such as when the skin sags - especially above the nipple - causing droopy, pendulous breasts that can look out of place.

If the problem is mainly centred around this sagging appearance, then you’d likely make a great candidate for mastopexy - or a breast lift surgery.

For those struggling with long-term discomfort and more physical side effects, a breast reduction actively removes excess tissue and leaves an attractive silhouette.

A reduction can help ease the impact of the weight of breasts on the chest itself, as well as discomfort and physical symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain.

In this case, you might be better suited to a breast reduction procedure.

During both procedures, you can expect the nipple to be lifted and the breast to be reshaped.

What are the main differences between breast lift surgery and a breast reduction?

As the name suggests, the main difference between these two procedures is how much is removed from the breast itself and the option of scar techniques for post-operative healing.

During a breast reduction, any unwanted breast tissue is carefully removed from the breasts to leave a smaller, more shapely bust that is a smaller cup size.

As such, breast reductions are great for those who are actively looking to minimise the amount of tissue they have and to improve the overall look of their chest.

On the other hand, during a breast lift - or mastopexy - no breast tissue is removed. Therefore, the cup size will remain approximately the same after your surgery.

Scar techniques

In some cases, it is possible to lift a breast by using a limited scarring technique.

There are two procedures that can be used for this:

• Circumareolar mastopexy
• Vertical scar technique

However, these methods aren’t usually suitable for an actual breast reduction - only a lift. This is because of the large amount of skin and breast tissue that have to be removed to create an attractive shape you’ll love.

We’ll find out a little more about each procedure in the next section.

Got questions? If you’re still feeling lost - or just need a little extra guidance - our expert breast surgeons can help you decide which option is best for you during a free consultation.

With our team of patient coordinators, surgeons, and nurses, you can feel confident that you're getting the best possible diagnosis, treatment, and care at Pall Mall - whether you choose a breast lift and areola reduction, or a breast reduction.

Finding the right breast lift procedure

On paper, a typical breast lift involves removing excess skin on the breast, elevating the nipple and areola and reducing the size of the areola if it is too large.

It’s important to note that breast lifts don’t tend to include the removal of breast tissue, unless you’d like to be a little smaller or wish to smooth out cases of breast asymmetry.

As each procedure is as unique as the patients we care for, your surgeon will be able to advise based on the results you’re looking for.

Why would you choose a breast lift?

In a nutshell, a breast uplift aims to make the breasts more youthful, firmer, and appear higher, with many of our patients feeling much more confident after their procedure.

Although the best results are achieved for women with smaller, more pendulous or saggy breasts, breasts of any size can be lifted depending on the desired result.

A breast lift is typically more popular with women whose breasts have lost their shape or fullness for a number of reasons, such as:

• Childbirth
• Weight loss
• A result of ageing

Typical outcomes of this form of breast augmentation surgery are a fuller, firmer, more lifted, symmetrical bust for our happy and newly confident patients.

But don’t just take it from us - why not read our testimonials and find out what Pall Mall can do for you!

Combined with other procedures

You may wish to combine an uplift surgery with breast implants if you want to enlarge your breasts. This is a common combination surgery we perform at Pall Mall Cosmetics, and can be discussed during your free consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons.

Opting for breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty)

A breast reduction can also make the breasts appear firmer and more lifted, but actively aims to make your cup size smaller.

To achieve this, a large amount of excess tissue and skin can be removed to achieve a supple, younger look, with the areola repositioned to further up the natural chest if needed.

Scarring can be hidden effectively by your bra band, but techniques such as the ‘anchor’ or ‘lollipop’ can leave a small incision mark around the nipple and up through the breast - which can fade in time.

A breast reduction is great for those who have lost confidence in their look, from not being able to wear the clothes they like to experiencing pain and discomfort on the daily.

Other problems might include:

• Severe pain in the neck or back pain
• Posture problems, including a 'hump' or 'stoop neck'
• Shoulder pain, as a result of painful grooves that dig in from wearing a bra
• Skin irritation such as rashes and eczema, especially on the skin below and underneath your breasts
• Low mood and anxiety

After surgery, many of our patients report feeling much happier and ‘at home’ in their bodies, enjoying exercise, wearing the clothes they love, and enjoying a much more flattering natural silhouette.

It's our passion to provide our patients with life-changing cosmetic procedures that make them look and feel great.

Throughout your cosmetic surgery journey, you will receive care from Pall Mall healthcare professionals, straight from our doctor-owned and led private cosmetic surgery providers.

With years of experience in providing patients with exceptional clinical care and results, you can trust Pall Mall to give you the care and treatment you deserve.

Start your transformation at Pall Mall

We understand that any kind of breast augmentation is a huge decision - especially if you’ve been thinking about it for a while.

So, this is the first step on your journey to a happier and healthier you - one that is confident and ready to take the world by storm.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be nervous.

It’s totally understandable, and with years of experience under our belts, our team of respected doctors, nurse practitioners, and qualified health professionals are here for you from your free consultation all the way to two years after your procedure!

Your comfort and safety are paramount to us, with our breast reduction and lift procedures all carried out to the highest standard in our private hospital in Newton-le-Willows.

To make sure you receive the best care possible, we will be at your side during the entire surgical procedure and beyond.

Get in touch with Pall Mall today to be one step closer to looking and feeling like your best self!

There are various ways to contact us:

• Phone us on 03300 27 26 51.
• Visit one of our clinics across the North West.
• Book an appointment using our contact form and a member of our team will contact you.