Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift

Breast reduction and breast lift are both useful in addressing a variety of aesthetic and functional problems regarding the breasts. In this article, we will elaborate on each cosmetic surgery to help you decide whether breast reduction or breast lift might be better for you. 

Which Procedure is Right for You?

Breast reduction and breast lift have varying results, and choosing the right procedure is integral for ensuring satisfaction. The table below summarises the main differences between the two procedures in order to best inform your decision.

Breast Reduction

Benefits

Breast reduction surgery answers practical issues, as well as aesthetic ones. Common symptoms of oversized breasts are upper back, neck, and shoulder pain, bad posture, and difficulty exercising. Breast reduction can help improve your daily quality of life, if you find large breasts to be an obstacle.

The surgery can create a more proportionate figure, increase self-confidence, and make it easier to find well-fitted bras and clothing.

Cost

Typically, breast reduction surgery costs in London range between £7,000 and £10,000, depending on the surgeon’s experience. At the CREO Clinic, prices start at £8,900. The price of the surgery is usually determined after a consultation, where your bespoke desires and concerns are assessed.

Procedure

The nature of a breast reduction procedure is dependent on what the patient’s unique desires are for their breasts. The surgeon will determine the exact placement of breast reduction incisions based on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. After the fat and unwanted tissue is removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

Tenderness and swelling in the treatment area is a typical symptom immediately after breast reduction surgery, but this dissipates over 2-3 weeks. Patients can expect to return to their daily activities after this time, whilst avoiding strenuous activity for up to 6 weeks. Full breast reduction recovery is expected after the 6 weeks mark, after which patients can resume as normal whilst reaping the benefits of their surgery.

Results

The extent of your breast reduction, for example, your ideal cup size, will be discussed during your breast reduction consultation. After the surgery, it is normal for the breasts to feel tight and lifted. However, as you heal, the breasts will naturally settle into place. Swelling takes up to 3 months to reduce, after which the results of the surgery can be fully realised.

Breast Lift

Benefits

A mastopexy, often referred to as a breast lift, targets sagging breasts which are a common consequence of ageing, pregnancy, and fluctuations of weight. As a result, patients are left with perkier breasts after removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue. 

Furthermore, it also answers functional problems caused by sagging breasts, such as rashes beneath the breasts. The combination of aesthetic and functional benefits allows patients to feel more comfortable and satisfied in their bodies.

Cost

At the CREO Clinic, prices for mastopexy start at £8,500. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to ascertain the extent of your surgery before designing a bespoke surgical solution based on your unique needs.

Procedure

There are four main types of breast lift: crescent lift, periareolar lift, vertical lift, and an inverted T lift; depending on your specific case, the surgeon will make the corresponding incisions. Then, the surgeon will remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and raise and resize the nipple and areola before finally closing the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

It is normal to experience swelling and soreness immediately after your surgery, but this will dissipate over two weeks. Unless advised otherwise by your cosmetic surgeon, most patients will be able to resume their daily activities and routines two weeks post-surgery. Patients should wait up to 6 weeks before engaging in strenuous activity, but after that, full recovery is expected.

Results

Immediately after the surgery, the breasts may appear more lifted than expected. This is to be expected as the area will be swollen post-surgery. However, as the body heals and swelling subsides over the next few months, you will begin to notice that the breasts have settled into their natural place and are perkier in appearance.

Pros and Cons of Breast Reduction

Pros

Getting a breast reduction can result in great physical relief, solving chronic upper back, neck, and shoulder pain. Smaller breasts can improve the quality of one’s sleep and also allow for high-impact exercise. Another benefit of the procedure is that the results of breast reduction are permanent.

Cons

Every surgery carries risks, and one should consider them before undergoing them. These include scarring and complications during surgery, but these are thoroughly assessed and explained during your consultation. Furthermore, if there are any remaining concerns, you can read through the consent form, which explains what you are agreeing to.

Pros and Cons of a Breast Lift

Pros

A breast lift returns a youthful look to the breasts, removing the signs of ageing through the tightening of the skin. As well as lifting the breasts, the surgery also makes them firmer and perkier. Mastopexy can also have functional benefits such as improving spinal health and reducing rashes beneath the breasts. 

You can combine a breast lift with a tummy tuck for a complete body transformation after pregnancy.

Cons

Depending on the type of life you require, you may be left with more prominent scars than with other surgeries. With mastopexy, older women may be at a slightly higher risk of slowed healing after surgery. There may also be a small chance of decreased nipple sensation but this will be difficult to determine before the surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

CREO Clinic’s head surgeon, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises in neck down surgeries and has extensive experience in completing reconstructive breast procedures with different techniques. Book a consultation with us today to begin your bespoke cosmetic journey and get one step closer to your ideal breasts.