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Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: Understanding the Differences

At Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Atlanta, we help women achieve their desired breast appearance through different procedure options. Whether you’re looking for a breast reduction, breast lift, or enhancement, we offer the right surgeries for you. Our nationally recognized surgeon, a Platinum Elite RealSelf expert in breast augmentation, brings extensive experience to each procedure. We offer services for patients in Marietta, Douglasville, Vikings, Woodstock, and more.

What Is Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that we perform to decrease the size and weight of your breasts. During the procedure, we remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, which helps alleviate discomfort and achieve a breast size more proportionate to your body. This surgery can also improve the shape of your breasts, making them firmer and more youthful in appearance.

What Can a Breast Reduction Address?

A breast reduction can address several physical issues that large breasts might cause, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain. It can also help resolve skin irritation under the breasts and difficulty finding clothes that fit well. A reduction can make physical activities more comfortable and enjoyable, removing the limitations that overly large breasts might impose.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a procedure we offer to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This surgery involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to create a more youthful and elevated breast contour. Unlike a breast reduction, a breast lift does not significantly change the size of your breasts but focuses on improving their position and shape.

What Can a Breast Lift Address?

A breast lift is ideal if your breasts have lost their firmness and shape due to factors like aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations. It can address sagging, drooping, or uneven breasts, giving them a more lifted and symmetrical appearance. If you’re satisfied with the size of your breasts but want to improve their overall look and feel, a breast lift might be the right option for you.

A Closer Look at Breast Reduction

Tissue Removal Techniques

During breast reduction surgery, we use specific techniques to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin. Depending on your breast size and desired outcome, we may use liposuction, excision, or a combination of both. We’ll discuss the most appropriate technique for your situation during your consultation so your results can align with your expectations.

Reshaping and Recontouring the Breast

After the excess tissue is removed, we reshape and recontour the breast to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. We reposition the remaining breast tissue and tighten the skin to create a firmer and more lifted look. Our approach is to maintain harmony between the size and shape of your breasts so that the final result is natural and well-proportioned to your body.

Nipple and Areola Adjustment

As part of your breast reduction, we often need to adjust the position of the nipple and areola. In some cases, the size of the areola may also be reduced to match the new breast size better. Our goal is to create a balanced and symmetrical appearance while preserving the sensitivity and function of the nipple.

Scarring and Incision Placement

One of the common concerns with breast reduction is the potential for scarring. We carefully plan the incision placement to minimize visible scarring and use techniques that promote better healing. Incisions are typically made around the areola, vertically down the breast, and sometimes along the breast crease, depending on the extent of tissue removal.

A Closer Look at Breast Lift Surgery

Lifting and Repositioning Techniques

During a breast lift, we remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue to support the new breast shape. The technique chosen depends on your unique anatomy and the degree of sagging. Breast lift procedures also typically involve adjustments to the size and location of the areola. We make sure the nipples are centered and proportionate to the lifted breasts.

Scarring and Incision Options

In any breast lift, you will have some scarring, which will depend on the extent of lift that is needed. Small adjustments may only require a hidden incision around the areola, while others require a vertical incision along the breast and a horizontal incision along the bottom. We’ll discuss the best incision option for you based on the lift desired and your skin type.

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the size of your breasts either using implants or fat harvested from elsewhere in your body.  This procedure is ideal for achieving fuller breasts or restoring lost volume due to aging or weight loss. Some patients also opt for a breast lift with implants to lift and enhance their breasts.

Combining a Breast Reduction With a Breast Lift

For some women, the best results come from combining a breast reduction and lift. This approach not only reduces the size of the breasts but also lifts and reshapes them, addressing both size and sagging. A breast reduction and lift can be particularly beneficial if you want to alleviate discomfort from large breasts while also achieving a more youthful and elevated breast appearance. This combination procedure allows you to enjoy the benefits of both surgeries in one comprehensive treatment with one recovery time.

Find the Right Breast Surgery for You Near Atlanta

Whether you’re considering a breast reduction to alleviate discomfort or a breast lift to restore a more youthful shape, Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery offers the expertise to help you achieve your desired results. Led by Dr. Okoro, a Platinum Elite RealSelf expert known for his skill in breast and body sculpting, we serve patients in Atlanta and Marietta, as well as Douglasville, Vinings, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. To learn more about your options and how we can assist you, please fill out the online form or call us at (770) 485-1554.

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