Breast Lifts and Reductions

These procedures are discussed in greater detail in “BodySculpture – Plastic Surgery of the Body for Men and Women.”

A Breast Lift or Breast Reduction is a procedure in which the breasts are lifted and, to a varying degree, tissue is removed from the breast.

Many different symptoms are associated with enlarged breasts. They include neck, shoulder, and back pain, rashes, painful bra strap grooving, fatigue, and the inability to exercise or to sleep on one’s back (breathing is difficult in this position due to the weight of the breasts). Some people are skeptical that enlarged breasts can be associated with symptoms such as these, but there is no question that that is often the case. A tremendous amount of relief is achieved by these patients as a result of the breast reduction, aside from the improvement in the overall appearance, balance, ability to wear standard-sized clothes, etc.

The surgical techniques used for these two procedures are essentially identical. The amount of tissue removed determines whether it is called a Lift or a Reduction. When primarily skin, with or without a small amount of breast tissue, is removed, the procedure is called a Breast Lift, or Mastopexy (literally “securing of the breast”). When more breast tissue is removed, it is called a Breast Reduction. Even in this case at least some skin is always removed and in both procedures the nipple position is normally raised. In general, a reduction of less than about 300 grams (10 ounces) is considered a Breast Lift; a reduction of more than 500 grams (17 ounces) is routinely considered a Breast Reduction. The range in between (300-500 grams) is somewhat debatable but, depending on the patient’s BMI (Body Mass Index), may still constitute a Reduction.

Many different types of breast reduction procedures have been described and are in use. Various scar patterns are produced as a result of these procedures; the most common of these are the “lollipop”- shaped scar and the “anchor” – shaped scar. Different surgeons may have preferences for specific procedures, and certain anatomical factors can influence the decision-making process. For small lifts, particularly done at the same time as the insertion of breast implants, it may be possible to use an incision only across the top of, or completely around, the areola.

Depending on the amount of tissue being removed (in proportion to the patient’s BMI) a breast reduction may be partially or totally covered or reimbursable by the patient’s health insurance policy. There are no guarantees as to what is and what is not a “covered’ procedure; instead, each situation is unique, and those decisions depend largely on the specifics of the patient’s insurance policy.

This procedure can be performed in a hospital on an out patient basis, or in an office operating facility. Larger procedures in general, and certainly including larger breast reductions, are usually performed in a hospital.

For more information, and before-and-after photos, please visit the Breast Lifts and Reductions page of my website, http://www.bodysculpture.com