Breast Augmentation w/ Lift Needed?

I am getting a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. I am 41, 5'4" and currently weigh 120lbs. (normally 110 lbs. and more deflated) Had 5 children and nursed them all. I am single now. Will it look ok with just the aug? My dr. said it was up to me. I don't mind some sag.. Help!!

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36 Doctor Answers | Asked by San Francisco4668 in San Francisco, CA

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When is a breast lift needed with a breast augmentation?

Based on your photos, I recommend a breast lift. Please note, once a breast implant is placed, to have the best result, your nipple should be positioned at the highest point of the implant. In your case, your nipple and breast tissue will sag over the implant. The good news is you can have a breast lift at a later time. Therefore, if you are not sure, have the breast augmentation first, and see if you are pleased with the result. This is a subjective matter and only you... more

In your case I would recommend implant surgery alone.

Breast implants alone are certainly a viable option for you since as you say you "don't mind some droop". In fact, if the implants are positioned above the muscle then they will actually impart a slight amount of uplift but certainly not the equivalent of a lift procedure. Essentially, adding an implant creates mostly a larger version of your present breast. Although it would mean a second operation if you are unhappy with just the implant, having implant surgery alone will... more

To lift or not to lift?

A common question is whether a breast lift is necessary with implants. The answer is rarely straightforward. The implant will fill out the breast skin and provide some upward rotation of the nipple. However, this depends upon the size and shape of the implant, with larger/more projecting implants providing more of a "lift." In certain cases, the nipple is too far down on the breast to achieve an attractive look without the addition of a lift. I believe that you are a borderline... more

David Bogue, MD

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Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

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Breast implants with or without a breast lift

Based on your photos, I would recommend you have your breast augmentation alone. Then, if after 3-6 months you and your surgeon feel you really need the lift, then you can do that at later stage, usually under local anesthesia. This is called "staging" the procedures and is a great option in your particular case. The reason to do this is that you may be completely happy with breast implants alone, therefore, avoiding the potentially unnecessary scars involved... more

Augmentation mastopexy recommended

The problem you describe is a common one. Given the photographic and clinical information you submitted, you would likely be happiest in the long run with an augmentation mastopexy. In all likelihood, if you were to undergo only augmentation the implant would remain lower than desireable on your chest wall, in order to make certain that the point of maximum projection of the implant coincided with the nipple. This would leave you with a larger breast, but in many ways not... more

Do I need a breast lift ?

I try to avoid breast lifts with augmentations whenever possible. They add scars, expense and risk. Also they are notorious for requiring frequent revisions or touch-ups when combined with augmentation. Working from your photos only (and not being able to examine you and take the measurements I would in the office) I would say you might be a candidate for breast augmentation alone. I have obtained good results in 'borderline' breasts such as yours using an... more

Breast surgery and abdominoplasty - mommy makeover

Your case is borderline which is why the other surgeons have posted different answers. There is some drooping of the breasts but without measurements we cannot know how much drooping there is exactly or whether you have crossed that threshold for a lift or if you have by how much. There are other issues here including stretchmarks of the breast skin and the downward shift of breast tissue under the skin with some flattening of the breast contour. The correct answer to your question depends... more

Breast Aug with or without lift

The photos are very helpful in that they show the nipple relationship to the fold. You have mild ptosis(droop) that responds well to an uplift with implant. The lift will make the breasts look perkier and give you more fullness above the nipple where you need it, without the need for a bigger implant. If you elect not to have a lift, your surgeon should opt to use a bigger implant that will fill out your shape and give you the desired fullness. Your... more

Breast implants with or without the lift

For individuals caught on the edge, leaning between a breast augmentation alone or adding a breast lift, one of the first considerations is the breast scar. If you are scar averse then it only makes sense to complete the breast augmentation and see how things work out in terms of nipple position. Breast lift can be done after if the droop and nipple position is an issue. My vote is the augmentation alone. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Breast augmentation with or without a lift

Based on your photos, I think you would certainly benefit from a lift. For patients who are not sure if they want a lift and the extra incisions that come with it, one option is to hold off on the lift for now and perhaps do it as a second procedure. The reason for this is if you have very little droop and you are ok with this, you may be perfectly happy with just an augmentation. If after everything settles, you want things to be a bit more youthful and lifted, you can... more