This is a fairly common question I hear from women seeking to enhance the appearance of their breasts. Women often have trouble deciding between breast reduction, a breast lift, or a combination at our Roanoke, VA, plastic surgery practice.
While the answer will ultimately depend on one’s specific needs and goals, the following information can provide some insight prior to a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Almost invariably, a patient who needs a breast reduction will also require some degree of breast lifting. This is because the excess breast tissue removed to reduce the size of one’s breasts will usually leave behind a moderate to significant amount of loose, sagging skin—a concern that is treated with a breast lift (mastopexy).
Contrarily, an individual who needs a breast lift will not always require a breast reduction. This is the case when a patient wishes to raise her breasts to a more youthful position on the chest wall while preserving her overall breast size, or when a patient desires to have her breasts lifted while simultaneously increasing their volume (breast lift with implants).
If you are considering either of these breast enhancement options, I strongly encourage scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in both procedures. Following a thorough assessment of your unique needs and desired outcome, your surgeon can help you determine whether breast reduction, breast lift, or a combination of both would be best for you.
– Enrique Silberblatt, MD, FACS