Do I Need a Breast Lift or a Breast Reduction?

Women are often confused about these two procedures and the answer is really simple. If you are happy with your cup size but not the sagginess of your breasts, then you need a breast lift. If you feel that your breasts are too large, then you need a breast reduction.

The procedures are very similar from a surgical standpoint. With a breast lift (mastopexy), only skin is removed and the breast mound and nipple are repositioned higher on the chest. With a breast reduction, skin and breast tissues are removed to make the breasts smaller, and then the remaining breast mound and nipple are repositioned higher on the chest.

Both breast augmentation and breast lift procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, allowing you to return home the same day. Each surgery typically lasts about three hours, with an additional hour of recovery time before discharge. These surgeries are conducted under general anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort throughout the procedure, as local anesthesia or sedation would not be suitable.

Post-surgery, all sutures are placed beneath the skin and dissolve over time. We apply flesh-colored band-aids to the incisions and provide a post-surgical bra, often referred to as a “Granny bra,” for necessary support. Notably, there are no drains involved in the recovery process.

Contrary to common expectations, the postoperative discomfort is generally manageable. We administer a long-acting numbing medicine during the surgery, offering relief for the initial two or three days. Additionally, oral pain medications are provided to enhance your comfort.

Patients can shower the day after the procedure, pat dry, and then resume wearing the supportive post-surgical bra or switch to a comfortable sports bra. It’s essential to note that the initial appearance may seem different, with the breasts appearing elevated and fuller on top. This intentional approach compensates for the effects of gravity. Over the subsequent weeks to months, the breasts will undergo a natural rounding-out and settling process, with the final results becoming apparent within three to four months.

For personalized consultations and information on Wilmington plastic surgery prices, schedule an appointment with our experienced team of plastic surgeons in Wilmington, NC. Experience the journey to achieving your desired breast aesthetics with La Belle Vie’s expertise and patient-focused care.

Patients can drive when they feel safe to drive and they are not taking pain medications. I have most of my patients avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that gets their heart rate or blood pressure up, for the first two weeks. After that, I ask them to ease into their normal activities and listen to their bodies.

There are risks with any surgery. With both of these procedures, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and problems healing. Anytime you cut skin you get a scar, and these procedures leave a scar around the nipples, a scar from the nipple down to the bottom part of the breast, and a scar underneath the breast. It is rare to end up with two perfect, mirror-image breasts, but they are usually very close in size. Revision surgeries are uncommon.

If you have any questions about breast lifts or breast reductions, please do not hesitate to reach out and Contact Us. We will answer any and all questions you have.