Dr Maurizio and Dr Roberto Viel, Italian twin plastic surgeons and authors of “The Viel’s Beauty Bible,” discuss the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction.
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
Dr Maurizio: A breast lift, otherwise known as mastopexy, raises the breasts to a higher position. In contrast, a breast reduction or reduction mastopexy involves the removal of excess skin and fat.
Dr Roberto: Breast lift and breast reduction have a common purpose, and that is to reshape the breasts. Both surgeries involve the lifting of the breasts and the repositioning of the nipples, but the main difference is in the breast reduction, which surgically removes excess breast tissues.
Who is the best candidate for each surgery?
Dr Maurizio: A breast lift is for patients who have loose and saggy breasts. This type of breasts is most apparent on women who have had multiple pregnancies, whose breasts do not return to their pre-pregnant state.
Dr Roberto: Huge breasts can take its toll to the individual, eventually affecting physical and psychological aspects. Overtime, bra marks occur on the shoulders, and sometimes infections happen along the breast folds due to sweat and the rubbing of the skin. For women who suffer these symptoms, a breast reduction is the best option.
How are the surgeries done? Is there a difference?
Dr Maurizio: Both surgeries are carried out under sedation. Sedation is a type of anaesthesia wherein patients breathe on their own, assistive oxygen through nasal breathing apparatus is sufficient for proper oxygenation. While in general anaesthesia, a tube is inserted on the patient’s mouth for ventilation because the breathing is significantly affected and depressed.
The difference between the two surgeries is that a breast lift may involve the insertion of breast implants, which generally gives amazing results for women who present saggy breasts with loose skin and minimal breast tissues. On the other hand, patients who come for breast reduction are burdened with the enormous breasts weight and wants the excess weight removed. So technically, implants are usually not inserted in breast reduction. However, if we feel that the patient can gain more excellent results in having implants and a breast reduction, then it can be done.
Dr Roberto: Like what my brother said, both surgeries are done under sedation. When it comes to the procedures themselves, both are also a little bit similar. However, factors such as the extent of the breasts structure and the size of the resulting breasts play a crucial point for us to decide how the incisions are approached, also taking into consideration the patient’s needs and requests. In general, the incisions start around the areola (well-hidden on the areolar line), going downward medially (the vertical line), and finishing along the breast folds (horizontal line). This type of incision makes up the “anchor” approach. There is also the lollipop approach where the horizontal incisions on the breast folds are absent. The anchor incision is best for women whose breasts are very low and hanging. Through this technique, more skin can be removed. We don’t want to have an extra fold of skin underneath the breasts which can happen if there is so much excess skin and only doing a lollipop incisions. So basically, it will depend on the breasts structure of the woman.
How is the recovery period for each surgery?
Dr Roberto: Patients pretty well tolerate the recovery period for both surgeries. There is a downtime of a few weeks to a month when the breasts tissues are healing. You will have to wear a support bra up to a month following the surgery.
Dr Maurizio: The extent of the recovery will vary with each individual, but generally patients need to take it easy on the first month. So, no vigorous exercise or lifting, especially for the first couple of weeks until a month. They may return to work after a week – with light work only.
What are the complications of breast lift and breast reduction?
Dr Roberto: Your breasts will feel tender and sore for a week or so. Bruising and swelling are also expected. At first, the incisions will appear red and bumpy but will eventually flatten. Initially, the breasts will look a little bit high but they will gradually settle down and look more natural after a couple of months.
Dr Maurizio: Permanent scars are expected. There is a higher risk of losing the ability to breastfeed after a breast reduction, but we advise patients to have either surgery once they have completed their family.
When will I see results?
Dr Roberto: For breast reduction, patients immediately feel the lightness of their breasts; while in a breast lift, it may take time. The breasts will look a little bit high up at first but will eventually settle down to a more natural position.
Dr Maurizio: Final results for both surgeries are seen once the swelling has completely gone down, generally in a couple of months.
Here in Dubai, Breast lift and Breast Reduction are available at London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery located in Dubai Healthcare City.
Drs. Maurizio and Roberto Viel have over 25 years of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery industry and are known for their expertise in cosmetic treatments and surgeries.
To book an appointment, or consultation in Dubai at our LCAS Dubai Healthcare City Clinic, please contact 04-375 2393, WhatsApp +971 52 915 1461 or email gulf@LCAS.com
To book an appointment at our LCAS 15 Harley Street, London practice, please call +44 207 636 4272 or email info@LCAS.com