It’s quite common for patients to combine plastic surgeries in one operation, but perhaps one of the most popular combinations of cosmetic procedures is breast reduction and lift.
In fact, some women think that you can’t get a breast reduction surgery without combining it with a breast lift. Others don’t even know the difference between these two procedures.
To set the record straight, read on to learn about the difference between breast reduction vs. lift, how the procedures are performed together, and how much you need to shell out to enjoy its results.
Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift
First off, we need to define each of these procedures.
A breast reduction reduces the size of the breasts by removing excess breast tissue, skin, and fat. It is often done on patients who find suffer from back, neck and shoulder pain due to the heaviness of their breasts.
Meanwhile, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, resulting in perkier and more youthful-looking breasts.
Keep in mind that a breast lift does not make your breasts smaller, while a breast reduction won’t raise your sagging breasts.
You need to get a breast reduction with lift if you have significant breast sagging after breast tissue removal. This should be discussed during your consultation to provide realistic expectations.
How to Perform a Breast Reduction with Lift
Before the surgery, your anesthesiologist will put you under general anesthesia as breast reduction and lift are two major surgeries.
Your plastic surgeon will make an incision depending on the extent of breast reduction and lift needed. The incision may be periareolar, anchor, or keyhole.
Through these incisions, your plastic surgeon lifts, reshapes, and sutures your breast tissue to improve contour. Excess skin and tissue are also removed, producing a smaller breast size.
For some patients, liposuction may be needed to remove excess fat from the sides of the breasts. Your nipple and areola are also repositioned to a higher location.
How Much is a Breast Reduction and Lift?
According to the 2016 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average breast reduction and lift cost in the United States are $5,631 and $4,636, respectively. You can usually get a discounted price if you do them together, but the final cost depends on various factors like location, breast size, and plastic surgeon.
But the good news is, it’s possible for breast reduction to be covered by insurance as long as it is deemed medically necessary. It is best to clarify it with your insurance company before the surgery.
To make insurance application easier, make sure that you provide documentary proof of why you need to get a breast reduction with lift, such as photos of bra strap marks digging into the skin and medical records of back and shoulder pain consultations due to heavy breasts. Coordinate these with your plastic surgeon.
Want to know if breast reduction and lift are suited for you? Schedule a Free Consultation with one of our reputable and double board-certified plastic surgeons, and we’ll be happy to assist you with your concerns.
