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.

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by ch3ryl in Canada

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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

Breast Lift Alternative for Large Breasts

You state that you have DD breasts and with that size there is no indication for breast implants. Implants would only make your breasts heavier and they will not lift your breasts. I think you will need a breast lift or reduction. There are techniques to avoid the anchor scars.

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

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

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

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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

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

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

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

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