Should I Combine a Breast Reduction with a Breast Lift?

Posted on June 10, 2016 by: Dr. Ronald DeMars

Dr. Ronald DeMars has performed numerous breast lifts and breast augmentations at his Portland plastic surgery office. Find his insight on combining the two procedures below.

What Does a Breast Lift Do?

The purpose of a breast lift is to create a younger-looking breast by moving the nipple above the fold of the breast as well as a significant amount of the natural breast volume above the fold and usually reducing the diameter or size of the areola.  The procedure is done for women who simply develop with low breasts, but more often for women who have lost volume and developed a sagginess to the breast tissues after pregnancy or weight loss. There is more than one way to do a lift but they all have two things in common:

  • A higher position and usually smaller sized areola
  • Removal of some of the skin of the breast allowing the breast tissue to be firmer

What Does a Breast Reduction Do?

Breast Reduction surgery is most commonly done to reduce the symptoms of back, neck, and shoulder pain associated with the heavy weight of larger breasts. It may also reduce rashes in the fold under the breast. A breast reduction almost always includes a lift, not only for aesthetic reasons but for comfort as well.

Why Do Both a Breast Reduction and Breast Lift?

Patients wanting a lift will sometimes add a small reduction to one or both sides even when not having the symptoms associated with an oversized breast. The common reasons for adding a small reduction are:

  • Uneven size between the breasts and the smaller size is preferred
  • The natural breast tissue is so low it simply cannot be adequately elevated
  • To create a sleeker and more athletic appearance

What Are Your Aesthetic Goals?

It is important for the patient to define her goals to her plastic surgeon so the doctor can tailor the best possible plan of surgery to help her meet those goals. Dr. DeMars meets with patients one-on-one during consultations to ensure he fully understands each patient’s unique goals and develops a plan to achieve them. Schedule a consultation with Dr. DeMars to understand if a breast lift and/or breast reduction is right for you.