Breast Lift & Breast Reduction

Breast lift and breast reduction are surgical procedures designed to reshape and enhance the appearance and functionality of the breasts.

A breast lift focuses on addressing sagging by lifting and repositioning the breasts, while a breast reduction reduces breast size and weight, often to relieve physical discomfort. Both procedures aim to improve overall breast aesthetics and, in some cases, enhance physical well-being.

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Dr Terence Goh

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Who Can Benefit from Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

For those seeking to rejuvenate their breast appearance, a breast lift offers targeted solutions to address sagging, improve symmetry, and restore youthful contours. Key benefits of this procedure include:

  • Enhancing Breast Shape

    Factors such as ageing, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy can cause the breasts to lose their firmness and shape, leaving them looking deflated. A breast lift reshapes the tissue and removes excess skin, creating a firmer, more youthful contour that enhances overall breast aesthetics.

  • Repositioning the Nipple

    In some cases, the nipple and areola may shift downward as the breast sags. A breast lift repositions the nipple to sit higher on the breast, ensuring it aligns with a natural, youthful silhouette. For those with enlarged areolae, the procedure can also reduce their size to create a balanced, proportionate appearance.

  • Restoring Post-Pregnancy or Age-Related Changes

    Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and natural ageing often lead to significant changes in breast shape and firmness. A breast lift effectively addresses these concerns, restoring a perky and youthful appearance that aligns with your body’s natural proportions.

  • Improving Symmetry

    Minor asymmetry is common between breasts, but for some, this imbalance can be more pronounced. A breast lift can correct these differences, reshaping and repositioning each breast to create a more symmetrical, harmonious look.

Who Can Benefit from Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Breast reduction is ideal for individuals experiencing discomfort or limitations caused by large, heavy breasts. This procedure offers several benefits that improve both physical well-being and overall proportions:

  • Alleviating Physical Discomfort

    Large breasts often contribute to chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as poor posture and tension headaches. By reducing the size and weight of the breasts, this procedure can alleviate these issues, providing relief and improving overall comfort.

  • Improving Proportions

    Disproportionately large breasts may appear out of balance with the rest of the body, leading to challenges with clothing fit and self-confidence. A breast reduction rebalances the figure, helping individuals achieve a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.

  • Enhancing Mobility

    Excessively large breasts can restrict physical activity and make exercises like running or aerobics uncomfortable. After breast reduction, many patients experience improved mobility and find it easier to engage in both fitness routines and daily tasks.

  • Reducing Skin Irritation

    Skin irritation, such as rashes or chafing under the breasts, is a common issue for individuals with large breasts, particularly in warm climates. By removing excess tissue and reshaping the breast, the procedure minimises these problems, promoting better skin comfort and hygiene.

Surgical Techniques

Breast Lift Techniques
  • Anchor Technique (Inverted-T Incision)

This approach involves three incisions: around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the crease. It allows the surgeon to remove significant amounts of skin and reshape the breast for those experiencing severe sagging. While the scars are more extensive, they typically fade with time and are positioned in areas that can be easily covered by clothing.

  • Lollipop Technique (Vertical Incision)

This method uses two incisions: one around the areola and a second vertically down to the breast crease. It is commonly chosen for moderate sagging and provides effective reshaping with less scarring than the anchor technique.

  • Periareolar Technique (Donut Lift)

This technique involves a single incision around the areola, making it suitable for addressing mild sagging. It provides subtle lifting and reshaping, often in combination with breast augmentation if volume enhancement is desired.

Breast Reduction Techniques
  • Liposuction

This minimally invasive technique removes excess fat from the breasts using a thin tube called a cannula. It is best for individuals seeking a slight to moderate reduction and is particularly effective for those with good skin elasticity. However, it does not address excess skin or significantly reshape the breast.

  • Traditional Reduction Surgery (Anchor or Inverted-T Incision)

This comprehensive method removes a combination of excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. It is well-suited for individuals requiring a significant reduction in size and allows for comprehensive reshaping of the breast.

  • Vertical Reduction (Lollipop Incision)

This method is effective for moderate reductions, combining the removal of tissue and skin with reshaping. It uses fewer incisions than the traditional approach, resulting in less scarring while still achieving noticeable improvements.

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Preparing for the Procedure

Medical Evaluation

Breast size, skin quality, and overall health are assessed to determine the most suitable approach. Imaging or other diagnostic tests may be recommended to evaluate underlying breast tissue.

Medication Adjustments

Certain medications, including blood thinners, will need to be discontinued before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. A list of approved medications that can be taken safely will be provided.

Pre-operative Guidelines

Smoking should be avoided for at least six weeks before surgery to promote healing, and alcohol consumption should be stopped two weeks prior. On the day of surgery, fasting for eight hours is typically required to ensure safety during anaesthesia.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Anaesthesia Administration

To ensure comfort throughout the procedure, general anaesthesia is administered. Once you are fully under, the surgical area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared in a sterile environment to minimise any risk of infection.

2. Surgical Process

  • Breast Lift: Excess skin is carefully removed, and the underlying breast tissue is reshaped to create a firmer, more lifted appearance. The nipple and areola are repositioned to align with the new breast contour, ensuring a natural, proportional look.
  • Breast Reduction: In addition to removing excess skin, breast reduction involves removing glandular tissue and fat to decrease breast size. The remaining tissue is reshaped to create a balanced, lifted contour that complements the body’s proportions.

3. Closure and Dressing

Once the reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures, ensuring the tissue is securely supported. Sterile dressings are applied to protect the area, and a specialised support garment is provided to minimise swelling and promote healing during the recovery period.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Immediate Recovery

After the procedure, you will be closely monitored in a recovery area as the effects of anaesthesia subside. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed medications.

Activity Guidelines

You can typically resume light activities within a few days, such as walking or light household tasks. However, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and activities that strain the chest area should be avoided for 4–6 weeks to ensure optimal healing.

Wound Care and Follow-Up

Proper wound care is necessary to prevent infection and promote healing. Incision sites should be kept clean and dry as instructed. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns that may arise during the healing process.

Potential Risks and Complications

While complications are rare, they can include scarring, temporary or permanent changes in sensation, infection, or asymmetry. These risks, along with ways to manage or minimise them, are discussed during the consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long do the results last?

The results of a breast lift or reduction are long-lasting but can change over time due to natural factors like ageing, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results.

Can I breastfeed after these procedures?

Many women can breastfeed after a breast lift or reduction, but there is a possibility that milk production could be affected, especially after a significant reduction. If breastfeeding is a concern, discuss it with your surgeon during the consultation.

Will I have noticeable scars?

Scars are an expected part of surgery but typically fade over time. They are placed in discreet locations and can often be concealed by bras or swimsuits. Your surgeon will provide tips for scar care to help them heal and become less noticeable.

Does a breast lift or reduction affect mammograms?

Yes, these procedures can change breast tissue, which may affect mammogram imaging. It is necessary to inform your radiologist about your surgery to ensure proper screening and interpretation of the results.

Can I combine a breast lift or reduction with other procedures?

Yes, many patients opt to combine these procedures with others, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. Your surgeon can discuss the feasibility and benefits of combining procedures during your consultation.

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Dr Terence Goh

Choosing to combine the intricate skills of microsurgery with aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh specialises in gynaecomastia, surgery of the Asian face, particularly Asian eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.

Blending the precision of microsurgery with the artistry of aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh has a special interest in gynaecomastia, facial procedures, including ptosis and eyelid surgery, as well as rhinoplasty.

He also offers a full range of body contouring procedures such as mummy makeovers, breast augmentation, liposuction, and body sculpting—designed to help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Beyond aesthetics, Dr Goh remains active in reconstructive microsurgery, with expertise in breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, and lower limb salvage—restoring both form and function where it’s needed most.

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, National University of Singapore
  • Master of Medicine, National University of Singapore
  • Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)

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