Breast Lift Vs. Breast Reduction: How are they different?
Breast Lift or Breast Reduction in San Diego
You may not actually know what type of procedure you really need for your breasts, you just know you want them to look better. Perhaps they seem too large or too heavy, but you like how they look when you wear your push up bra. You may be confused as to what cosmetic procedure would help you. Is that: A breast lift? A breast reduction? A breast implant?
First of all, breast reduction and breast lift procedures are very similar. The doctor will make very similar incisions for either of these procedures to remove the excess skin that holds the breast tissue. If you are looking into surgery, you may feel at this point your breasts look very stretched or long. The goal of a breast lift is to remove that excess skin. Once that skin is removed, if you want your breast size to even be smaller, then breast tissue is also removed. The main difference between the two procedures is that with a breast reduction, tissue is removed and with a breast lift, only skin is removed.
I often explain it to patients as if your breasts were contained in an “envelope” of skin. Dr. Pollack removes the extra skin and tightens up that envelope that holds your tissue. The critical part of the consultation is determining how happy a patient will be with the final size. If you, as the patient, just want to be perkier, a breast lift (and perhaps a small implant for shape) may be the answer. If you also want to reduce your volume, than a reduction would be the best option. It is not uncommon for women to be asymetrical (uneven), as well. In certain cases, a breast reduction can be performed on one breast while a lift performed on the other.
There are many options when it comes to breast surgery, and this is what we specialize in. Dr. Pollack can help you determine which procedure will give you the look you desire. Most importantly, when you are doing your research, don’t be afraid to ask questions! A great surgeon will know how to answer them.
Kate