Breast Reduction vs Breast Lift

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift are both popular surgical breast procedures which address common breast shape and contour concerns.

The shape, size and position of the breasts are common concerns for many women and breast surgery has always been a popular group of procedures.

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift both address breast concerns; however, they each have their own benefits and outcomes. When considering breast surgery, it is essential to understand the differences between these two procedures to decide which is the most suitable for you.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and ageing can all affect the breasts, and as well as appearance, people may experience physical discomfort and self-consciousness due to their breasts.

Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist Consultant Breast Surgeons have been handpicked to deliver the highest quality patient care and results.

What is a Breast Reduction?

Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. In 2024, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported that Breast Reduction was the second most popular surgical procedure during the previous year.

During a Breast Reduction, excess internal tissue is removed from the breasts before they are reshaped. This results in breasts which are proportionate to the rest of the body and physically comfortable for the patient.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, Breast Reduction takes up to three hours to complete, and is performed under general anaesthetic.

What is a Breast Lift?

Also known as a Mastopexy, Breast Lift is a surgical procedure which repositions and reshapes the breasts. Between 2022 and 2023, The Aesthetic Society reported a 6.7% increase in the number of Breast Lift procedures performed.

During a Breast Lift, excess skin is removed from the breasts before they are lifted and repositioned on the chest. The nipples may also be repositioned as part of the same procedure.

Breast Lift surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Can You Combine Breast Reduction and Breast Lift?

It is very common to combine Breast Reduction and Breast Lift surgery.

Although Breast Lift can result in a small decrease in breast size by removing excess skin and repositioning the breasts, this is not the procedure's primary purpose. Similarly, although reducing the size of the breasts may lift their position, as a standalone procedure, Breast Reduction doesn’t address sagging breasts (also known as breast ptosis).

Combining Breast Reduction and Lift achieves a comprehensive procedure that results in breasts which are resized and repositioned in line with the patient’s desired results.

Breast Reduction with Lift is carried out under general anaesthetic and may take up to four hours to complete, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Our Expert Surgeon's Insight

Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Mr Will Sarakbi, discusses the differences between Breast Reduction and Breast Lift and which is suitable to treat different concerns.

Discover More Surgeon Insights

Which Breast Surgery is Right for Me?

Deciding on the right breast surgery depends on your personal concerns and your desired outcomes.

The best way to determine which breast procedure is suitable for you is to speak with a Consultant Breast Surgeon who can create a bespoke treatment plan and provide personalised advice.

Concerns Treated with Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction is suited to patients who wish to address a range of aesthetic and medical concerns:

Oversized breasts caused by genetics, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy or breastfeeding
Shoulder, back or neck pain caused by the excess weight of large breasts
Poor posture and mobility issues, which may be limiting exercise and other activities
Breast asymmetry and disproportion, which may affect the fit of clothes and physical comfort
Skin irritation beneath the breast fold caused by skin rubbing

Concerns Treated with Breast Lift

Breast Lift is typically recommended for patients who wish to address:

Sagging breasts or breast ptosis caused by ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss
Deflated breast appearance with reduced projection caused by excess skin
Skin laxity in the breasts, which can cause irritation and discomfort
Changes in breast shape and position, which can affect the fit of clothing, posture and mobility

Concerns Treated with Combined Breast Lift and Reduction

As well as the concerns above, a combined Breast Lift and Reduction procedure is suitable for patients who wish to address:

Comprehensive breast concerns related to size and position
The shape of their breasts, which may be affected by excess skin and tissue

Breast Reduction vs. Lift: Differences in Results

While both Breast Reduction and Lift address the contours of the breasts, the results they achieve differ because of their different purposes.

During your consultation, your surgeon will explain the results you can expect to achieve from each procedure, which may influence which option you choose.

Breast Reduction Results

Breast Reduction primarily involves removing excess weight from the breasts.

Breast Reduction results include:

Reduced breast size
Enhanced breast shape
Improved comfort, posture and mobility
Balanced breast and body proportions

Before and after images showing a dramatic breast reduction result

Breast Lift Results

Breast Lift surgery addresses the position of the breasts.

Breast Lift results include:

Repositioned breasts in a higher position on the chest
Breasts reshaped to improve projection and address flatness
Nipples resized and repositioned in balance with the breasts
Improved breast and body proportions

Before and after images showing Breast Lift results

Combined Breast Reduction and Lift Results

Before and after images showing Breast Reduction and Lift results

Breast Reduction vs. Lift: Differences in Recovery

Recovery times following Breast Reduction or Breast Lift are often dependent on the extent of the procedure carried out. Your surgeon will discuss your expected recovery during your consultation to ensure you can thoroughly prepare in advance.

It is essential to consider that, following either Breast Reduction or Breast Lift, it is crucial to avoid straining your incisions and the surrounding area. If necessary, your surgeon will recommend having extra support available for childcare and household tasks to allow you to recover easily.

All surgical breast procedures at Cadogan Clinic include a comprehensive aftercare package to assist you throughout your recovery period:

Follow-up appointments 7 days, and 6 weeks after your procedure with our specialist medical team to monitor your recovery and results
Access to our specialist surgical nurses’ 24-hour recovery phone line to seek assistance swiftly
All post-operative garments and medication provided by the clinic for ease and peace of mind

Breast Reduction Recovery

Swelling and bruising – After Breast Reduction, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising, which will resolve within 3-4 weeks
Sleeping position – Your surgeon will ask you to sleep on your back for at least 2 weeks after your procedure to prevent pressure on your breasts
Garments – You will be asked to wear a surgical bra (similar to a sports bra) for up to 6 weeks after your surgery to support your breasts and reduce swelling
Exercise – To prevent complications, you should avoid strenuous exercise and activity for at least 6 weeks after your surgery
Full recovery – Depending on the extent of your surgery, full recovery after Breast Reduction typically takes 6-8 weeks

Breast Lift Recovery

Swelling and bruising – Swelling and bruising after a Breast Lift are normal, and usually resolve within 2-3 weeks
Sleeping position – You should sleep on your back for at least 2 weeks after your procedure to protect your incisions
Garments – Your surgeon will ask you to wear a surgical bra to support your breasts in their new position for up to 6 weeks after surgery
Exercise – You should avoid strenuous activity, including exercise, for at least 6 weeks after your surgery
Full recovery – Full recovery after a Breast Lift typically takes 4-6 weeks, however in some cases, this may be longer

Words From Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift are both transformational procedures which address common breast concerns relating to the size, shape and position of the breasts. Having performed both procedures many times during my 40-year career, I have always found it gratifying to see the improvements in confidence and quality of life they deliver.

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Breast Lift make breasts smaller?

Breast Lift is not primarily carried out to reduce the size of the breasts. However, removing excess skin and repositioning the breasts higher on the chest may result in a small reduction in size.

For patients who are concerned about the size of their breasts, or who also want to achieve increased breast volume, a Breast Lift can be performed with breast implants, known as an Augmented Mastopexy.

Can a Breast Reduction help with sagging breasts?

Oversized breasts which are weighed down with excess tissue are more likely to experience sagging or a dropped position. Removing excess tissue through a Breast Reduction can improve the position of the breasts, however the most effective method is performing a combined Mastopexy and Breast Reduction to ensure both the size and the position of the breasts are comprehensively addressed.

Can you get a Breast Lift without Reduction?

Yes, Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy, is regularly performed as a standalone procedure. It is important to remember that by removing excess skin, the breasts may appear smaller following Breast Lift surgery, however their improved shape and projection will counteract this.

Does Breast Reduction surgery include a lift?

Breast Reduction and Breast Lift are separate procedures which are often performed independently. Although Breast Reduction may result in a small improvement in lift, if both breast size and position are concerns you wish to address, a combined Breast Reduction and Lift procedure is the most effective solution.

Is a Breast Lift and Reduction the same?

No, Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Reduction are separate, distinct procedures which are performed to address different concerns and achieve different results. However, Mastopexy and Breast Reduction can be combined with exceptional effect for patients who are looking for a comprehensive breast procedure.

Differences between Breast Reduction and Lifting include:

Breast Reduction primarily addresses breast size, reducing the size and weight of overly large breasts which may be causing physical discomfort.
Breast Lift is typically performed to address sagging breasts, lifting the position of the breasts higher on the chest and restoring their natural shape and projection.

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