What's the difference between breast reduction or lift?

Very similar: Breast lift and breast reduction both involve reduction of the breast skin and underlying tissue to raise the breasts and create a more satisfactory shape, size and appearance. The scars are similar; around the areola, vertically down and possibly along the breast fold. The differences depend on how much tissue is removed and how much the breast size is reduced as with a reduction.

Size Reduction: The only difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction is that a breast reduction reduces the size of the breast. Both operations tighten the skin of the breasts and both lift mound and nipple areola complex on the chest.

Lift vs Reduction: Breast lift reduces/tightens the skin envelope only without removing breast tissue. Breast reduction removes breast tissue & then reduces/tightens the skin envelope to fit the smaller breast size. A breast lift can be performed w/ multiple techniques (periareolar, circumvertical, wise pattern) depending upon the amount of "lift" required. A reduction usually uses a circumvertical or wise pattern.

Lift vs reduction: With a breast reduction, the goal is to make the breast smaller, lighter and more uplifted. Breast tissue and skin are both removed. A breast lift keeps the breast about the same size, but tightens the skin mainly, removing little if any breast tissue. Similar external incisions may be used for both procedures.

Size Concerns...: Both operations serve to raise the breasts on a patient's chest wall. However, a breast reduction procedure serves to reduce breast size as well. Best to meet with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns and goals. Also important to learn about the pros/cons/risks/complications associated with each procedure. Best wishes.