A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue.
A study published in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), found that women may experience a decrease in bra size after undergoing a breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy. The follow-up survey included 20 women who underwent mastopexy at an average age of 47 years. All patients underwent breast-lifting only, without any significant breast reduction or augmentation.
Five years later, the women reported an average decrease of approximately one cup size—from a D to a C cup. Despite this change, all of the women expressed satisfaction with their breast lift surgery results. This suggests that while a breast lift does not significantly change the size of the breasts, it can result in a perceived decrease in bra size due to the removal of excess skin and tightening of the surrounding tissue. Patients must discuss these potential outcomes with their surgeon before a breast lift.
However, there are a few ways that some reduction can occur. Let’s discuss:
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How a Breast Lift Works
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that raises and firms the breasts for a youthful contour. It works by:
- Making incisions around the areola, vertically down from the areola to the breast crease, and along the breast crease.
- Removing excess, sagging skin and tightening the remaining breast tissue.
- Reshaping the breast tissue to lift the nipple and areola to a more central, forward position.
- Contouring the new breast shape for optimal projection and proportion.
- Closing the incisions carefully for minimal scarring and long-lasting results.
The procedure removes loose skin and reshapes the breast tissue internally for a healthier, firmer, uplifted breast contour.
Slight Size Reductions Can Occur
Though the primary goal of a breast lift is not size reduction, some patients do lose anywhere from half a cup size to a full cup size. This minor reduction can occur due to:
- Removal of excess skin
- Minor breast tissue removal
- Breast tissue reshaping
In some cases, a very minor amount of underlying breast gland tissue may be removed or reshaped to accomplish improved breast contouring. However, removing a significant volume of tissue without dramatically reducing skin envelope tightness is impossible.
When Can Breast Size Be Reduced?
For patients primarily concerned with reducing the size of their breasts, rather than just lifting or reshaping them, there are a couple of surgical options:
Breast Reduction Surgery
A breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, focuses on decreasing breast size through surgical removal of glandular tissue and excess skin. Most patients drop 2-3 cup sizes from an adequately executed reduction procedure.
Breast Lift with Implant Removal
For those who currently have breast implants but want to both reduce their size and improve shape/position, a breast lift combined with implant removal can be performed. The lift will tighten and reshape the skin envelope after removing the implants.
Factors that Influence Breast Size Reduction
While the specific techniques used during a breast lift can influence breast size minimally, there are a couple of other factors that determine how much reduction occurs:
1. Original Breast Size
The larger the breast size pre-operatively, the more potential reduction in volume can be attained through mastopexy skin/tissue tightening and reshaping techniques.
In contrast, patients with smaller breasts will experience negligible size decreases since less excess tissue can be removed.
2. Skin Elasticity
The firmness and elasticity of a patient’s skin can also impact results. Those with poor skin elasticity will require more skin to be excised during the lift, allowing for a slightly greater reduction.
Patients with firm, elastic breast skin can still achieve an uplifted, youthful breast shape but with less potential for size decreases.
Will Breast Feeding Be Impacted?
An essential question for those considering pregnancy in the future is whether the surgical techniques used during a breast lift could affect the ability to breastfeed successfully.
Fortunately, standard breast lift approaches that avoid significant disruption to the breast ducts and glands should not impact breastfeeding capability.
Only in rare cases where substantial amounts of breast tissue have been removed would milk production be compromised. As long as the nipple/areolar complex remains connected to the breast tissue with intact ductwork, breastfeeding should still be possible after mastopexy.
Recovery and Results After Breast Lift Surgery
While breast lift surgery is considered relatively safe with high patient satisfaction rates, it is still essential to have realistic expectations about the recovery process and final results:
| Timeframe | Recovery | Results |
| 1 Week | • Swelling, bruising common • Low-grade pain • Wear a surgical bra 24/7 | • Breasts still settling • Bruising and swelling present |
| 2 Weeks | • Decreased pain • Start light activity • Bruising subsiding | • Less swelling • Mild lift visible |
| 6 Weeks | • Little discomfort • Resume regular activity • Stop wearing bra 24/7 | • Continued settling • Noticeably firmer contour |
| 3 Months | • Most swelling gone • OK for sexual activity | • Good breast shape • Nipples in the proper position |
| 6 Months | • Resume exercise • Fading incision lines | • Improved nipple symmetry • Natural, youthful shape |
| 1 Year | • Healed incision lines <br> • Final breast contour | • Permanent lifting effect • Scars fading further |
Your plastic surgeon will guide you through recovery milestones and what to expect month-by-month. Follow all post-op instructions closely.
Consult an Experienced, Specialized Surgeon
Because breast lift techniques walk a fine line between lifting/reshaping the breasts while still retaining a natural appearance, it is vital to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specialising specifically in breast surgery.
An experienced surgeon will be able to advise you on whether a breast lift alone will meet your goals or if an additional procedure like a reduction would be recommended. Relying on a specialist helps ensure a successful, safe outcome.
While a breast lift is highly effective for elevating, firming, and reshaping the breasts into a more youthful position, it does not typically significantly reduce breast size. Some minor reduction in cup size may occur from skin tightening and removal during the procedure, but the breasts maintain a similar overall volume.
For those patients seeking noticeable breast reduction, alternative approaches like breast reduction surgery or implant removal with mastopexy are better suited to meet that particular goal of decreasing breast size substantially. Ultimately, the techniques used during a breast lift can lift, tighten, and even mildly reduce breast volume, but dramatic reductions are not the primary aim. Speak to your plastic surgeon about the options if “will breast lift reduce size” is your main objective.
Dr. Tarek Bayazid is a highly skilled plastic surgeon specialising in breast surgery, including lifts, reductions, and augmentations. Rely on his artistic vision and technical excellence for beautiful, natural-looking outcomes.
To book a Consultation with Dr. Tarek Bayazid, reach out today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about breast lifts and breast size:
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