Breast lifts and breast reductions are two procedures that can both improve the appearance of your breasts, but when researching them, it can feel difficult to differentiate one from the other. Both of these procedures remove tissue and reshape the breast mound, allowing you to attain a more proportionate and youthful-looking appearance. However, there are key differences between the two that make them distinct. Through this guide, you can learn more about what sets these procedures apart and which one may best suit you.
Dr. Gregory Fedele is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Fedele offers more than 25 years of experience in his field and has helped countless patients transform their lives through their appearance. He approaches each procedure through a combination of surgical precision and artistic expression and goes beyond conventional approaches to help his patients achieve more comprehensive results.
To begin working with Dr. Fedele, please contact us online or call (216) 464-1616.
About Breast Lifts and Breast Reductions
A breast lift, or a mastopexy, is a procedure that lifts and repositions the breasts and nipples to restore a perkier and more uplifted appearance. (1) It is often performed to address sagging tissue and misshapen or mispositioned nipples, allowing you to restore a more youthful-looking sculpt to your breasts.
On the other hand, a breast reduction is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue to reduce the size, weight, and volume of the chest. Overly large breasts can cause a number of physical concerns to develop, including poor posture, chronic pain, skin irritation, hygiene concerns, and mobility difficulties. (2) By correcting these concerns with a breast reduction, you can elevate your aesthetic contours and sense of personal comfort.
Breast Lifts or Reductions: Which is Better for Me?
The best procedure for you will be whichever one most effectively addresses your needs. During your consultation, Dr. Fedele will determine this by assessing a number of different factors. These may include your goals, your concerns, your pre-existing figure, the composition of your breasts, your medical history, and more.
Generally speaking, you may be better suited for a breast lift if you are interested in reshaping your breasts and repositioning your nipples without altering your natural breast volume. On the other hand, a breast reduction may be more appropriate if you have enlarged breasts and want to reduce their size and weight to improve your appearance and comfort.
Candidates
Dr. Fedele will assess each patient’s candidacy for both a breast lift and a breast reduction during their personal consultation. Regardless of which procedure you are interested in, you will need to be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine.
Breast Lift Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for a breast lift if you are interested in addressing the appearance of sagging or deflated breasts without altering their natural volume or size. You may also benefit from this procedure if you have noticed asymmetric areolas, malpositioned nipples, or downward-pointing nipples. (1)
Breast Reduction Candidates
Dr. Fedele may recommend that you undergo a breast reduction if you have been experiencing aesthetic or physical concerns as a result of having disproportionately enlarged breasts. These can include:
- Chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Postural concerns
- Difficulties performing certain tasks
- Deep grooving caused by bra straps
- Skin irritation or rashes caused by chafing breast tissue (2)
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation is fundamental for determining whether a breast lift or a reduction is better for you. During this visit, Dr. Fedele will review your medical history, converse about your concerns, and learn more about your personal goals. He will also assess your natural anatomy and breast composition.
Dr. Fedele will use this information to finalize your candidacy and create your treatment plan. He will recommend either procedure before tailoring each aspect of it to address your needs. He will explain what you can expect from your preparation, procedure day, and recovery. He will also answer any questions you may have prepared.
If you are ready to schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online or call (216) 464-1616.
Preparation
Preparing for both a breast lift and breast reduction is similar. Before your procedure, Dr. Fedele will give you a detailed set of preoperative instructions. They may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but they typically have you:
- Avoid Certain Medications: Discontinue using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
- Arrange Time Away: Prepare to take time away from your career and other personal commitments to focus on your recovery.
- Coordinate Care: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home and, if needed, stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery.
- Run Errands: Fill your prescriptions and rearrange your home to create a more comfortable recovery environment.
- Stop Using Substances: Abstain from consuming any alcohol or nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure, because these substances can lead to the development of certain complications.
Procedure
The breast lift procedure and breast reduction procedure are similar to each other in several ways, with the primary similarity being their incision pattern. When performing either procedure, Dr. Fedele may use one of the following incision patterns:
- Circumareolar Incision: The circumareolar incision follows the perimeter of the areola and hides scarring within the pigmented skin.
- Keyhole Incision: This pattern places one incision around the perimeter of the areola. A secondary incision is then extended downwards from the center of the breast towards the crease below it.
- Anchor Incision: This approach builds off of the former two, but adds a third incision that extends horizontally beneath the breast crease.
The exact incision pattern Dr. Fedele chooses will vary depending on your natural anatomy, your desired results, and the extent of the corrections he is performing.
Breast Lift Procedure
After Dr. Fedele accesses your underlying breast structures, he will proceed to reposition your breasts on the chest wall. He will reshape the breast mound to restore a more contoured look before redraping your skin and removing the excess. He may also reshape and reposition your areolas if needed. Once these corrections have been completed, Dr. Fedele will suture the incisions shut and dress the area to protect it.
Breast Reduction Procedure
During a breast reduction procedure, Dr. Fedele will use a technique called the “inferior pedicle.” This approach preserves your natural breast tissue and keeps the nipple connected to the breast to preserve its natural sensations and nerve endings. After he has placed the incisions, he will create a pedicle beneath the breast, which is a preserved section of tissue with its own blood supply. He will proceed to remove excess breast tissue and fat from around the pedicle. He will then close your incisions using sutures before dressing the region.
Recovery
Your recovery process will vary depending on the extent of your procedure, your personal pain levels, and how quickly your body heals itself. During your consultation, Dr. Fedele will provide you with written post-operative instructions so you understand how to care for yourself.
Generally speaking, you can expect some initial swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the breasts. These effects will subside on their own with time, but you may also manage them with medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Fedele may also have you wear a supportive bra to maintain your new breast shape as your tissues settle.
You may return to desk work and other nonstrenuous tasks after approximately 7 days. However, you will need to refrain from exercise, heavy lifting, or other arduous tasks for 3 to 4 weeks more.
Results
You will be able to experience the refined results of your breast lift or reduction once you have fully recovered.
If you underwent a breast lift, you will be able to enjoy more uplifted, contoured, and youthful-looking breasts. On the other hand, those who undergo a breast reduction will notice improvements in their proportions and sense of personal comfort.
The results of both a breast lift and breast reduction are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. To preserve them, Dr. Fedele recommends maintaining a stable weight and practicing healthy lifestyle habits.
Cost of Breast Lifts and Breast Reductions in Cleveland, Ohio
The pricing of your breast lift or breast reduction will vary depending on the details of your individual procedure, as Dr. Fedele tailors each one. Once he has met with you to discuss and establish your procedure, he will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. He additionally offers financing for those who qualify.
For more information about our pricing, please request a consultation online or call (216) 464-1616.
FAQ
What is the difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction?
A breast lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the position of the breast and reshapes the nipples to restore a more youthful look. A breast reduction is a procedure that removes excess tissue from the breasts to reduce their size, volume, and weight.
What type of anesthesia will Dr. Fedele use when performing a breast lift or a breast reduction?
Dr. Fedele will use general anesthesia to ensure your comfort during your procedure.
How long will the results of a breast lift or breast reduction last?
The results of both a breast lift and a breast reduction can last for several years, especially when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
How will I know if a breast lift or a breast reduction is right for me?
Attending a consultation is the best way to finalize your candidacy. During this meeting, Dr. Fedele can assess your natural figure and discuss your concerns and goals with you more personally.
References
- Sachs D, Hattingh G, Szymanski K D. Breast Reduction. Nih.gov. August 6, 2025. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441974/#article-18593.s6
- Toomey AE, Cape J D. Mastopexy (Breast Lift). Nih.gov. December 11, 2024. Accessed September 3, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610682/#article-162183.s3