Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift – Key Differences
Breast reduction and breast lift (Mastopexy) surgeries are often thought to be similar, but they serve different purposes. A breast reduction aims to reduce the size of your breasts, primarily if they’re large and causing discomfort. On the other hand, a breast lift is focused on reshaping and lifting the breasts, especially if they’ve lost their shape or sagged over time.
In this blog, the aim is to give you a clear picture of both procedures. Dr Carmen will cover what each surgery involves, who might benefit from them, and what you can expect in terms of results. Dr Carmen Munteanu MD. FRACS (Plas) is one of Melbourne’s most experienced female plastic surgeons performing breast surgery, including Breast Reduction, Breast Lift and Breast Implant Surgery.
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What is Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to decrease the size of your breasts. It’s not just about making your breasts smaller, though. The surgery also aims to create a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate discomfort caused by overly large breasts.
Who needs it? If you’re experiencing physical issues like back and neck pain, skin irritation under the breasts, or difficulty with physical activity due to large breasts, this surgery might be a good option for you.
How is it performed?
- Consultation and Planning: You’ll meet with Dr Carmen to discuss your goals and what to expect. She’ll also take measurements and photographs for your medical record
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is commonly used, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure
- The Incisions: Dr Carmen makes incisions. The pattern of these incisions can vary but often includes around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the crease under the breast
- Removing Tissue and Reshaping: Excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The nipple and areola may be repositioned, and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are stitched up. These lines gradually fade over time
- Recovery: After the surgery, you’ll be given guidelines for recovery, which usually include rest and avoiding strenuous activity for a period
Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Breast Reduction Surgery – Reduction Mammaplasty

Benefits and potential risks
- Benefits: The main benefit is relief from physical discomfort and more freedom in physical activities. Clothes may fit better, and you might feel more at ease with your appearance
- Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks like bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Specific to breast reduction, there’s a possibility of scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and, rarely, difficulties with breastfeeding
Breast reduction surgery can make a significant difference, especially if you’ve been burdened by large, heavy breasts. It’s about more than appearance; it’s about comfort and mobility.
What is Breast Lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Unlike breast reduction, this surgery doesn’t significantly change the size of your breasts. Instead, it focuses on addressing the appearance of the breasts.
Who is the ideal candidate? This procedure is a good option if your breasts have lost their shape or firmness due to age, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or gravity. If your nipples point downward, a breast lift could be suitable for you.
How is it different from breast reduction?
- Focus: While breast reduction aims to reduce the size and weight of large breasts, a breast lift primarily addresses the shape and position of the breasts
- Procedure: In a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts. The nipple and areola might be repositioned or resized to match the newly shaped breasts. Unlike breast reduction, there’s less removal of breast tissue
- Incisions: The patterns of incision in a breast lift are similar to those in breast reduction but are typically less extensive
The procedure typically involves:
- Consultation: This includes discussing your goals and the procedure details
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is used for comfort during the surgery
- Making the Incisions: There are a few incision patterns, like around the areola, extending downwards, and sometimes along the breast crease
- Reshaping Your Breasts: Dr Carmen lifts and reshapes your breast tissue, adjusting the position of the nipple and areola
- Closing the Incisions: The cuts are closed with stitches, skin adhesives, or surgical tape
- Recovery: Post-surgery, you’ll receive guidelines on how to care for your breasts during the recovery phase
Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to Breast Lift Surgery – Mastopexy

Benefits and potential risks
- Benefits: A breast lift can change your figure to a breast profile that is more uplifted
- Risks: Similar to other surgeries, risks include bleeding, infection, and reaction to anaesthesia. Specific to breast lifts, there’s a risk of scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and, in some cases, asymmetry in the position of the breasts or nipples
It’s crucial to have realistic expectations and understand both the advantages and potential drawbacks. Consulting with Dr Carmen is the best way to determine if a breast lift is right for you and to understand what the procedure involves.
Comparative Analysis
When considering breast reduction and breast lift surgeries, it’s important to understand how they compare in various aspects. Here’s a straightforward, side-by-side comparison to help you grasp the differences and similarities between these two procedures:
Duration and Complexity of the Surgery
- Breast Reduction: This surgery usually takes 2-4 hours. It’s more complex due to the removal of a significant amount of breast tissue, fat, and skin. The reshaping of the remaining breast tissue adds to the complexity
- Breast Lift: Typically, a breast lift takes about 3 hours. While it involves removing excess skin and reshaping the breast, it’s generally less complex since it doesn’t usually require the removal of much breast tissue
Recovery Process and Time
- Breast Reduction: Recovery can take several weeks. You’ll likely need to take it easy for at least a week or two, avoiding strenuous activities. Full recovery, where you can return to all normal activities, might take up to six weeks
- Breast Lift: The initial recovery period is similar to that of breast reduction. Most people can return to work within a week or two, but full recovery, especially for more physical activities, can also take several weeks
Expected Outcomes and Longevity of Results
- Breast Reduction: The results are noticeable immediately. You’ll have smaller, lighter breasts, which can relieve physical discomfort. These changes are generally long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and overall health
- Breast Lift: The lift provides an immediate change in the shape and position of your breasts. The results are long-term, but gravity and ageing will eventually cause some changes
Potential Risks and Complications
- Breast Reduction: Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and possible changes in nipple or breast sensation. There’s also a chance that the ability to breastfeed may be affected
- Breast Lift: Similar risks apply here, such as scarring, infection, and changes in nipple sensation. Asymmetry between the breasts is also a potential risk
Ideal Candidates
- Breast Reduction: Best suited for individuals with large, heavy breasts that cause physical discomfort or hinder activity. It’s also for those who are troubled by the size of their breasts
- Breast Lift: Ideal for those who are content with the size of their breasts but want to correct ptosis or loss of shape, often due to ageing, weight changes, or childbirth
Both procedures have their unique aspects and considerations. Breast reduction is more about reducing size and alleviating discomfort, while a breast lift focuses on altering the shape and position of the breasts. Recovery times are similar, though the complexity of the surgeries differs slightly. Both offer lasting results, but they come with their own set of risks and potential complications.
FAQs about the Difference between a Breast Reduction and a Breast Lift
What are the main differences between breast reduction and breast lift surgeries?
- Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy) are two different procedures. Breast reduction primarily aims to decrease the size of the breasts, removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to alleviate discomfort like back pain and to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body. A breast lift, on the other hand, focuses on reshaping and lifting ptotic breasts without significantly changing their size. It involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to raise and reshape the breasts.
Can a breast lift and breast reduction be done at the same time?
- Yes, it’s possible to combine both procedures. Some individuals may benefit from both reducing the size of their breasts and lifting them for a different appearance. This combination can be particularly beneficial for those who have large, ptotic breasts and wish to have them smaller and more lifted. However, combining these procedures can increase the duration of the surgery and the complexity of recovery. It’s essential to discuss this with Dr Carmen to understand the implications fully.
How do I know if I need a breast reduction or a breast lift?
- The choice between a breast reduction and a breast lift depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are experiencing physical discomfort like back pain, neck pain, or skin irritation due to large breasts, or if you find that large breasts are hindering your lifestyle, a breast reduction may be more appropriate. If your primary concern is ptosis (sagging) or loss of shape in your breasts without significant discomfort from their size, a breast lift might be the better option. Consulting with Dr Carmen can help you make the best decision based on your body and health goals.
What are the risks and complications associated with breast reduction and breast lift surgeries?
- Both procedures, like any surgery, come with risks. Common risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and reactions to anaesthesia. Specific to breast reduction, there are risks of changes in nipple or breast sensation, difficulty in breastfeeding, and asymmetry. For breast lifts, risks include scarring, changes in nipple or breast sensation, and potential for uneven positioning of the nipples or breasts. It’s vital to discuss these risks in detail with Dr Carmen to understand how they apply to your situation.
What should I expect during the recovery period for both breast reduction and breast lift surgeries?
- Recovery experiences can vary, but generally, for both procedures, you can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising for a few weeks. You may need to wear a special surgical bra or compression garment to support healing. It’s usually recommended to take at least a week or two off work and to avoid strenuous activities for about six weeks. Full recovery and the final results may take several months to become evident. Dr Carmen will provide specific guidelines based on your surgery and personal health, which are crucial to follow for the best outcomes.
Further Reading about Breast Procedures with Dr Carmen
- Read more about Breast Lift FAQs – Questions About Breast Lift Surgery
- Read more about Recovery After Breast Lift Surgery – Tips, Timeline and Healing
- Read more about When Can I Exercise After Breast Lift Surgery
- Read more about Breast Reduction FAQs – Dr Carmen’s Q & A about Breast Reduction
- Read more about Scarless Breast Reduction – Is it really possible?
Medical References about Breast Reduction and Breast Lift
- Reduction Of the Female Breast – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Reduction – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Lift – Cleveland Clinic
- Breast Reduction Surgery – WebMD
- Breast Lift – Mayo Clinic
Further Reading about Body Procedures with Dr Carmen
- Read Dr Carmen’s Blog about Compression Garments after Body Lift
- Read Dr Carmen’s Blog about How Can I Reduce Swelling and Bruising After Body Lift Surgery
- Read Dr Carmen’s Blog about How to Reduce Scars after Body Lift Surgery