What is the Difference Between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift?, Raleigh, NC*

Many woman come in for desire of a breast reduction and wonder if they will have their breasts lifted as well. Nearly all breast reduction techniques involve manipulation of the breast shape to create a lifted appearance with movement of the nipple areola complex to a higher location and narrowing Hendry shaping of the breast mound. Breast reduction involves significant removal of breast tissue. While breast lifting typically may only remove skin excess and perhaps a small amount of breast tissue. This 39-year-old woman came in with a desire for breast reduction. She wore a 32 double D brassiere and wished to be a C cup. Consideration as to whether the amount of tissue required can be removed and still leave the desired size is one that only the plastic surgeon can make during a physical examination. In this patient's case, removal of just under 160 g of breast tissue and skin per side was needed to achieve her desired size and appearance. In her case, her procedure was considered a mastopexy although there certainly was a small amount of breast reduction involved.