When breasts are balanced and more uplifted, the inclination to slouch or turn your shoulders inward is eased, and resulting back and shoulder pain is diminished. Your plastic surgeon can make recommendations based on your breast size and shape and help you make the best choice for you.
What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, also called mastopexy, is a reshaping of the breast. Breast lifts do not add to or reduce the size of the breast, instead, they raise the breasts, reposition the nipple, and remove excess skin to make them perkier. For some women, a breast lift can make all the difference, as it redistributes the weight across the chest. When the breasts are sagging and pulling down, the rest of the upper body also wants to pull inward. This can lead to slouching and stress on the neck. Incorrect posture over prolonged periods of time can lead to soreness, stiffness, and pain. A breast lift may help to reduce back pain while maintaining the current breast size.
What is breast reduction?
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, changes the actual size of the breasts by removing excess fat and tissue. Similar to a breast lift, the breasts and nipples are also repositioned during a breast reduction. For women experiencing pain due to their breast size rather than positioning, a breast reduction would reduce the weight on their chest, shoulder, and neck. Losing some of this weight can lead to decreased pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and back, as well as reduced discomfort due to bra straps digging into the skin and the general difficulties that come with having excessive weight on the chest.
Which one is right for me?
That depends on your body. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and what works for one woman won’t necessarily work for another. Some questions to ask yourself are: am I happy with my breast size and unwilling to change that? Do I feel like my breasts are very droopy and pulling downward? Do I feel like my breasts aren’t especially large to begin with? If any of these are the case, consider a breast lift. Otherwise, a breast reduction might be the way to go. If your breasts are very large, a breast lift may not be enough to alleviate pain and a breast reduction may be more beneficial, so think about this when you go for your consultation. Although you want to consider what will be better for you in terms of physical comfort, it’s also important to consider your relationship with your self-image and how the results of each surgery may impact how you view your body. The knowledgeable staff at Peterson MD in Kelowna, BC, can help you determine what option is best for you.
Chose What Feels Right for You
So, can a breast lift relieve back pain? It might, but it also might not. A breast lift is certainly a good choice to consider and something to discuss with your plastic surgeon, but a breast reduction is also an option. The experienced staff at Peterson MD can help you determine what is right for you depending on the size and shape of your breasts. If you would like to explore your options for breast surgery to reduce back pain, Dr. Brian Peterson is one of Kelowna’s Top Plastic Surgeons, providing fly-in and fly-out surgeries for people all over the world. Reach out to his team to book in for a complimentary consultation by calling 1 (888) 505-8895 for toll-free, 1 (250) 868-9099 if you are in the Okanagan, or by sending us your information in the contact form below.
FAQs
Q: What do breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries involve?
A: Whether you have a breast lift or a breast reduction, both surgeries are performed as outpatient day surgeries, requiring general anesthetic and typically not requiring an overnight stay. Some incisions are hidden within the contours of the breast, others can be seen on the skin surface but their appearance will significantly fade with time.
Q: Can I get both a breast reduction and a breast lift?
A: Yes, you can get both done. Discuss your goals for surgery with your plastic surgeon and they will determine if a breast reduction, breast lift, or a combination of the two is ideal for you. While consulting with your surgeon before scheduling your surgery, discuss your goals and desired outcomes for breast surgery.
Q: What will I need to do to prepare for a breast lift or reduction?
A: The first thing you need to do is to schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon. Once you have decided on the right procedure for you, Dr. Brian Peterson will provide you with specific pre and post-procedure instructions detailed for you. An important thing to note: on the day of surgery you will need to arrange to be driven home.
