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Will A Breast Lift Reduce My Breast Size?
There are many misconceptions about the relationship between a breast lift and a change in breast size. Even though some skin will be removed, a breast lift is not a breast reduction nor is it intended to be one. A breast lift changes the shape and positioning of the breast tissue relative to the chest wall with a secondary, not necessarily intentional, effect of a small reduction. Some of this size change is also a consequence of the compacting of the breast tissue to make the breasts firmer. There can, however, be some additional breast tissue and fat purposefully removed in order to obtain a more noticeable decrease in cup size.
How does this truly differ from a breast reduction?
The primary purpose of a breast reduction is to substantially decrease the size of the breasts, usually to alleviate pain, discomfort, and other issues associated with overly large breasts. Secondarily, the procedure typically involves lifting the breasts as well.
When Is a Breast Lift Right for You?
A breast lift is performed on women when pregnancy, weight loss, gravity, or other issues have changed the appearance and position of the breasts. With pregnancy or weight gain, the ligaments in your breasts stretch to accommodate the increase in volume. Once the breasts begin to lose volume, such as after breastfeeding or weight loss, the ligaments do not shrink back, and you will notice that your breasts begin to sag. Age and gravity have similar effects.
A breast lift specifically targets the following issues:
- Breasts that fall below the crease
- Breasts that have flattened or become elongated
- Downward-pointing nipples
- Stretched or enlarged areolas
- Breast asymmetry
When Is a Breast Lift NOT Right for You?
While a breast lift can significantly enhance the appearance of post-pregnancy, post-weight loss, or aging breasts, it is not ideal for every woman. Breast lift surgery may not be right for you if:
- You have good skin elasticity but are unhappy with the size of your breasts
- You have overly large and heavy breasts, as this will likely shorten the longevity of your results
- You are planning pregnancies in the near future
- You have major medical issues that would make undergoing elective surgery very imprudent
- You are a smoker
If You Want to Change Your Size . . .
Breast augmentation can be performed along with a breast lift to also increase your breast size. After pregnancy or weight loss, breasts often develop a deflated or flattened appearance in addition to sagging. As a breast lift will affect breast volume, women typically turn to implants if they do not want their breasts to be smaller, or if they just want them bigger than what they started with. Silicone or saline implants can be inserted during the lift to enhance both the shape and size of your breasts.
On the other hand, women with a large amount of excess breast tissue and drooping breasts are best suited to a true breast reduction. This procedure does inherently include a breast lift so that you will be able to obtain smaller and perkier breasts.
If you would like to learn more about any of these procedures, contact Dr. Turkeltaub at the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery by calling (480) 451-3000 or by filling out our online contact form.