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Lift or Implants for Breasts That Flatten While Lying Down?

I am 18 years old and have large, spread out breasts that are not fully droopy, but sag some. When I lie down, they spread out towards my armpits and appear flattened. Would a breast lift solve my problem or would I need an augmentation? I am worried that a lift will not keep my breasts perky while lying down.

Asked 28 months ago by Gamecocks13 in Columbia, SC
Sort 10 expert answers by:
+1

Breast Surgery for 18 Year Old?

Thank you for the question. Breasts “flattening while lying down” does not seem to be enough of an indication to proceed with breast surgery. You may want to visit with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals in more detail. This will be the best way to receive meaningful/ accurate advice. Although you may be a candidate for breast lifting/reduction surgery, there are many things to consider at your age especially... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breasts flatten when lying down

It is completely normal for the breast to flatten out and "go to the side" when you lie down. It happens to everyone. It's impossible to determine whether you need a mastopexy or implants without a photograph.
Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation

Larger breasts that aren't "perky" are due to skin tissues that are less elastic and thus have less tone. If the nipple areolar complex is anatomically in the correct location, at or slightly above the inframammary fold (crease), then it's more likely you'll need an augmentation. However, to reduce the amount of excess skin a circumareolar removal of skin may be needed in addition to an augmentation.
Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+1

Normal breasts will fall to the side when lying down

The normal or natural breast will fall to the side when lying down, even after a breast lift or mastopexy. When on your back the breast size is minimized by this effect and It has always been one of those rules of thumb which has been passed down, that you can never really tell how big the breast is until the woman stands up; common knowledge to most beach goers. It has also been common knowledge to beach goers that in women with augmentations the breast will stay up on the chest when lying... more
Peter E. Johnson, MD
Des Plaines Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift vs. implants

Without examining you, it would be difficult to state specifically what would help you.  If your breasts are relatively flat and poorly shaped, implant surgeyr may help. If they sag, then a breast lift may help.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lift, implants, both or reduction

What you are describing could be one of many things. It would be best to be seen by a plastic surgeon and let him evaluate you, you tell him what you feel is the problem, what you would like to see and he can advise you. Indeed, you may just need some reassurance that all is normal.
John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift

It is difficult to give you a complete answer without a consultation. But from what you describe your breasts are reacting appropriately to changes in position. If you have larger breasts, then when you lay down your breasts will go to the sides. This is completely normal. A breast reduction or lift - depends on your exam - will help some but will not eliminate the issue you are concerned about. Getting implants will make it worse as you will be larger. Most likely you do not need any... more
Bahram Ghaderi, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Relax, your breasts are normal.

You want your breasts to flatten out when you lie down. If they stayed up like two softballs, they would be abnormal and you would not be able to sleep on your stomach. There is nothing wrong with your breasts and you need no surgery.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift and or augmentation

A picture would help but if the breasts are not droopy when standing then you do not need a breast lift. All breasts will go out laterally when lying down. If you have the volume which it sounds like you do then an implant will probably not help. Consider a better bra to work with what you have. 
Sharon Theresa McLaughlin MD
Long Island City Plastic Surgeon
+1

Need more information

You need to provide more infomation about the size and shape of your breast . The other option would be to get a cosultation by a board certified plastic surgeon.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
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