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Breast Lift Alternative for Large Breasts?

I am 5'6" approximately 168 pounds, my breasts are large (about 36 DD), they are fairly full, but due to the heaviness, I have ptosis. I am not interested in a breast reduction.

Originally, I had wanted a Breast lift but am uncomfortable with the amount of scarring. (Anchor incision, especially since my stomach will be scarred up after my Tummy Tuck) A relative had suggested that Breast implants might perk me up but I don't know if that is possible or wise. Your advice is appreciated.

Asked 30 months ago by ch3ryl in Canada
Sort 13 expert answers by:
+8

Breast Lift alternative for Large breasts

Hi, The most commonly used technique to lift large breasts is currently based on the Wise pattern. This was developed in 1957 based on the concept of excising the skin in a pattern identical to that used by bra manufacturers of that time. Unfortunately, this results in an anchor shaped scar with cuts around the nipple, vertical and horizontal cuts. The principal of the Wise pattern is based on using the external skin envelope to hold up the breast. Women with large breasts have already... more
Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Implants for a DD?? You must be kidding...

The purpose of breast implants is to make breasts larger. In some cases, the process of filling up an empty breast appears to perk it up, but that is not the primary purpose of a breast implant. And there is no way ANY breast implant can lift up a DD breast. Further, since you describe your breasts as heavy now, let me ask you: do you want them heavier? And you also mention that you have ptosis (droopiness). If you add the weight of an implant, you will increase the amount of... more
Steven Teitelbaum, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift Alternative for Larger Breasts?

Thank you for the question. Although it is difficult to give you good advice without direct examination, many patients in your situation decide to have breast reduction/lifting performed followed by a second stage breast augmentation. During the first stage procedure the breasts are lifted and reduced to place them on the appropriate place on the chest wall; I describe this as similar to creating the foundation of a building. During the second... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift

Without an exam it is hard to say but making your breasts heavier with implants will most likely cause early relapse
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift alternatives.

Hi! 1) You are already very big. I think breast implants are not a good idea. 2) I personally would not do a breast lift on you unless you agreed to a small reduction. Breasts this large are just too heavy and will sag again, and they will not age well. 3) The good news is that you don't need an anchor scar for a breast lift. We use a lollipop scar which fades nicely. In fact, Dr Elizabeth Hall-Findley is one of the surgeons who popularized the lollipop approach, and she is Canadian!... more
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lift alternative for large breasts

Dear Ch3ryl, Regarding - "they are fairly full, but due to the heaviness, I have ptosis". The appearance of the breasts is at its most basic a inverse relationship between Breast Fill and weight and the Breast skin envelope; If the skin envelope is unchanged and the fill increases, the breast become fuller (but with time, skin gives and these larger breasts droop, as is seen with virtually all women). If breast fill decreases and skin stays the same (IE not breast... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Lifting

Dear Ch3ryl You ask a very good question!  The breast implants will make you breast even larger and probably more ptotic.  The Breast lift is a good procedure - with good deep layer support the scars should be minimal. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD
Trevor M. Born, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lift without implants

Dear Ch3ryl I would not recommend implants unless you wanted to be extremely large and probably droopy. I would recommend a lift and possibly even a small reduction to give you a perkier breast. Depending on you size shape etc. I am often able to reposition your own breast tissue to auto - augment the upper portion of the breast to give you a better shape, a narrower breast and a perkier breast. It is very unusual I use an anchor incision and many plastic surgeons like myself almost... more
Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

I would not use an implant.

There are techniques for breast lift that work better for a larger breast. I like to take a wedge of the extra tissue hanging on the bottom of the breast and use it to "auto-augment" the breast, basically tucking it up under the breast and making it look like an implant. If you have a lot of sagging, with stretch marks and nipples below the infra-mammary crease, then you will still need a "lollipop" incision, at least. If your breasts have good skin, then you may be able... more
Lisa B. Cassileth, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Implants Will Add Weight and Size to a Large Breast

Your first statement was you are a DD cup and large, albeit saggy. Implants will possibly give you some more upper pole fullness but will add even more weight to your breast, and promote more ptosis over time. I offer patients such as yourself a LeJour breast lift using a lollipop scar, and re-arrange your tissue to provide more fullness up top and shorten the long ptotic breast. An example at www.realself... more
John LoMonaco, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Bigger + Saggier

Sounds like you need a breast reduction - if your breasts are that large, usually only a lift will re sag in no time.  Implants will make you bigger and y ou will sag faster.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast lift with minimal scarring

It seems that you want to have a breast lift performed, but do not want any reduction in your breast size. This can be achieved with a breast lift. Scarring is a common concern with any surgery. Specifically in regards to a breast lift, many women do not like the scar that goes across beneath the breast ("anchor" incision). Other techniques for breast lift exist that have reduced scarring, such as a "lollipop" incision. This incision usually heals well with reduced scarring. You may be a... more
Matthew Schulman, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to lift large breasts with minimal scars?

For women with large breasts seeking a lift, the options are to insert a breast implant, perform a breast lift surgery, or employ a combination of these procedures. Breast augmentation is a personal decision some women choose to make during their lifetimes. A breast augmentation will increase the size of the breasts, and may add volume to the breasts that has been lost with breastfeeding or weight loss. Breast augmenation may also help to lift the nipple position slightly by creating more... more
Karen M. Horton, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
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