How much smaller will I become?
Breast reduction makes the breast smaller and uplifted. A mastopexy simply lifts the breast but keeps all the breast tissue so leaving the breast as the same overall volume.
How much smaller a breast reduction will make you is variable as this comes down to partly patient preference and partly what is safe.
As a general rule the breast can be safely reduced at least 50% of the original volume. If you want to be really small then this may require different techniques but is still feasible.
Can I have breast implants alongside a mastoplaxy procedure?
Yes, both procedures can be safely carried out to enhance both the size and appearance of the breasts. For patients who want to achieve a fuller effect, a mastoplaxy alone may not deliver the desired result, whereas implants will help fill out the breast to give a firmer shape.
It may even be the case that the breast needs less skin tightening once an implant is in place.
My breasts are already quite small – can I still have a breast uplift procedure?
Yes, a breast uplift is still possible, even on smaller breasts. Many women successfully achieve perkier breasts through an uplift, and it is a particularly popular procedure after pregnancy and breastfeeding which can cause the breasts to lose their shape in some cases.
How much swelling can I expect after a breast uplift or reduction?
As with all surgery, it is normal to expect some temporary swelling and bruising. These side effects will generally settle down within four weeks.
Why can I not just have an implant?
Implants do create some lift in a breast. However, if the laxity or droop is of such a degree an implant will not be able to create the lift. Also you may need an implant that is much too big to try and achieve the lift. So, implants are good for small amounts of droop only.
What scars will I have?
The scars for breast reduction and mastopexy are often the same. They can be the full scars of around the nipple, down from the nipple and under the breast crease. These are the ‘anchor’ or Wise scar pattern.
With some breast reduction and more commonly in breast lift the scar in not needed in the breast crease, therefore just a scar around the nipple and down, sometimes called the short scar techniques.
How much fullness will I achieve with a breast lift?
The main effects of a breast lift are to tighten the breast skin and lift the nipple. This will achieve more fullness in the upper part of the breast, especially in a bra.
However, there can still be some reduced fullness out of a bra in the upper part of your breast, if the skin is very stretched as it cannot ‘hold’ the breast tissue in position. In some cases an implant in addition to a breast lift gives that extra fullness.
Do I get a breast lift with a breast reduction?
Mostly definitely! A breast reduction works by lifting the nipple and reducing skin and breast tissue. Leaving the breast smaller and up-lifted.
What will happen to the sensation of my breasts?
Sensation is usually fully retained after a breast lift but has a 20% chance of being lost in a breast reduction. If you have any concerns please discuss these with us in your initial consultation.
Answers provided by Mr Stephen McCulley and his expert team. You can see further helpful information in our Resource Centre or in our Ask Our Specialist Nurse section.
Stephen McCulley offers a wide range of cosmetic breast surgery procedures including breast enlargement, breast reduction, inverted nipple surgery, correcting impact problems and more!