This is a fairly common question I hear from women seeking to enhance the appearance of their breasts. 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