Each body is different, and as such it has its own unique challenges. While breast augmentation continues to be the most popular plastic surgery in the U.S., there are many women who want to reduce the size of their breasts or to reposition their breasts without making them larger.

If you’re unhappy with your breasts, you may be wondering which procedure is right for you, a breast reduction or a breast lift. Or, it could be that you should have both procedures to reach your desired outcome.

These two procedures have several things in common as well as several differences. Both of these procedures are routine, and most women who undergo these procedures are happy with the outcome.

The choice of which procedure to choose is based entirely upon the result you want to achieve. Do you want to make your breasts smaller, or do you want to reposition your breasts? To make the best possible decision for you, it is important that you understand the difference between the two procedures.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery will reduce the size of your breasts by removing excess breast tissue. This surgical procedure removes the excess skin, fat and glandular tissue. The result is a more desirable breast size. This procedure can also help to eliminate the pain and discomfort that often accompanies large breasts.

Ask yourself a few simple questions to find out if breast reduction is for you.

• Do your breasts feel too heavy?
• Are you bothered by the appearance of your breasts?
• Do you get grooves along your shoulders from wearing a bra?
• Do you get irritation under your breast crease?
• Are your breasts causing you to experience neck, back or shoulder pain?
• Do your breasts limit your physical activity?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a breast reduction might be right for you.

Breast Lift

The objective of a breast lift is to improve the shape of the breasts, especially if they are sagging. Your breasts may have started to sag from pregnancy, breastfeeding or aging. Whatever the cause, this procedure can help. A breast lift also corrects the position of the nipples when they are pointing downward.

A breast lift will not make your breasts smaller. It simply repositions the breasts, raising and firming them. During the procedure excess skin is removed and tissue is tightened to create firmer, higher, perkier breasts.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if a breast lift is right for you.

• Do your breasts look elongated or flat?
• Are your areolas or nipples pointing downward?
• Do your nipples drop lower than your breast crease?
• Do you get a rash or skin irritation under or between your breasts?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a breast lift could be the solution for you.

A Combination of Procedures

If you are experiencing problems with both breast size and breast position, you may benefit from both a breast reduction and a breast lift. Only your plastic surgeon can help you to decide what procedure or combination of procedures will work best for you. Schedule a consultation and discuss your issues with your plastic surgeon.

To find out if a breast reduction or a breast lift is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Weston Center for Plastic Surgery is located in Weston, FL and serves residents throughout Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.