Not all breast surgeries are the same, and choosing the right one is crucial for achieving your goals. Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy) are both useful procedures for patients with concerns about heavy, lax, or down-pointing breasts. But they are two entirely different procedures, with different methods and goals.
When researching breast surgeries, it can be difficult to decide whether breast reduction or breast lift (mammoplasty or mastopexy) will work best for you. A qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr Justin Perron, can assess your breast concerns and determine which procedure is best suited to your needs.
Reduction mammoplasty and lift (mastopexy): What’s the difference?
If you have concerns about stretched or loose breast skin, or heaviness that contributes to breast laxity (ptosis), you might have considered one or both of these procedures. Both surgeries can address these concerns – but they do so in different ways.
Let’s look at the differences between these two common breast surgeries:
Breast reduction mammoplasty
A reduction mammoplasty focuses on removing excess volume from the breasts. The surgeon maneuvers not merely the breast skin, but also the underlying breast tissue. This is often the procedure chosen by patients who have very large breasts that cause discomfort, back pain, or trouble with mobility.
Breast lift mastopexy
A lift or mastopexy, on the other hand, does not seek to change the size or volume of the breasts. Instead, the surgeon maneuvers the breast skin to change the breasts’ position or shape. This is often the chosen procedure for patients who have noticeable laxity, downfacing nipples, or ptosis.
So, although both surgeries can address breast laxity, a reduction mammoplasty focuses more on removing excess volume, while mastopexy only removes excess or stretched breast skin.
Which one is right for me?
In order to know which is right for you, you’ll need to evaluate your reasons for wanting surgery. Women who seek a breast reduction (mammoplasty reduction) are typically those who:
- Experience back, shoulder or neck pain, or impacted posture, due to excess weight on the chest
- Have skin irritation or rashes due to very large breasts
- Experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as exercise, due to very large breasts
- Have aesthetic concerns about excess breast volume and wish to reduce their breast size for personal preference
If this sounds like you, you may choose to pursue a reduction mammoplasty procedure. On the other hand, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be the procedure of choice for those who:
- Have stretched breast skin due to weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Have a congenital deformity such as tuberous breasts, causing irregular breast shape
- Are concerned about significant laxity or ptosis (where the nipples and areolas sit below the breast crease)
- Have aesthetic concerns about the shape, position, or symmetry of their breasts
In other words, candidates for both procedures are often concerned about breast shape and position. But in the reduction mammoplasty patient, laxity is often due to excess breast volume, whereas in the mastopexy candidate, laxity is often due to a loss of volume. However, individual factors vary widely, and some may be suitable for a combination of both surgeries.
Can I get a combined breast reduction and breast lift?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be suitable for a combined procedure. This is where the surgeon uses both mastopexy and reduction (mammoplasty) techniques to address the patient’s concerns – excess breast volume and skin laxity. You’ll need to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to find out if you are suitable for a combined mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty.
The role of a consultation
Not everyone is a candidate for every surgery. Certain issues or health conditions may prevent you from being able to pursue your desired procedure, such as if you:
- Are a smoker
- Have unrealistic expectations
- Have medical issues that may increase surgical risks
- Are overweight or obese
- Are pregnant or nursing
If you are overweight or obese, you may be advised to reach a healthy, stable weight before you will be approved for surgery. Additionally, if you plan to become pregnant in the future, this is something you should discuss with Dr Perron before your procedure.
Once your health and suitability have been assessed (and if you are suitable for surgery), we can then discuss your particular goals and motivations. Dr Perron will be able to assess your needs and advise you on which surgical plan may suit you – whether it be a reduction mammoplasty, mastopexy, or both.
Choosing Dr Perron for breast reduction mammoplasty and breast lift mastopexy in Brisbane
When deciding on a surgical plan, having a qualified and trusted plastic surgeon to advise you is of crucial importance. With a wealth of experience, Dr Justin Perron is attentive to the health and surgical goals of each patient, curating specific treatment plans for each individual. He can answer your questions and help you make an informed choice when deciding between a breast reduction or breast lift (mammoplasty or mastopexy). Book your consultation for more information on these breast procedures and how they can serve your needs.
