Lifting Without Reduction for Large Breasts Possible?

asked 2 years ago by amberojo in Nashville
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 801 times

I have been trying to have my size 38F breast lifted for quite a while now and each surgeon that I have consulted has recommended a Breast reduction. I do not want a Breast reduction. I love my breasts. I simply want them lifted. Is this unreasonable? I can not find any information on the web about Breast lift only for large breast. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

12 answers to Lifting Without Reduction for Large Breasts Possible?

Breast Lifting for Very Large Breasts?

Thank you for the question. The saying that “time and gravity are not our friends” holds true in your case. Although breast lifting is possible, because of the effects of breast weight, time, and gravity, the results of the breast lift will likely be relatively short-lived. Some patients who wish to have “uplifted” large breasts decide to have breast reduction surgery followed by (believe it or not) breast augmentation ( second stage surgery) to... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift without reduction for large breasts

In a patient with large breasts who is not interested in a significant reduction in size, a breast lift is a great option. In our practice, we perform this procedure by first addressing the internal breast mound. With the use of suture techniques, we re-create the breast mound and stabilize its position on the chest. Once this is done, we can then redirect the skin under no tension over the new breast mound. This will help the patient achieve a long-lasting results, a... more

B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift does not last in huge breasts.

Hi. There are several reasons to try to talk you into smaller breasts. But the most important reason is that even the best breast lift will not last when the breasts are so big. Gravity is too powerful. Believe me, I have tried. So I would not operate on you.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lift without reduction possible for large breasts (38F)

Amberojo: The simple answer is, sure you can have a lift without reduction. You can maintain your generous breast size and the lift will reduce, but not eliminate the fullness and looseness of the lower breast (hanging below the inframammary fold). Also the lift could raise your nipple and areola, if they are are low. The lift is unlikely to be effective at raising the heavy breast gland tissue itself, to a higher position on the chest. The surgery would probably attempt to raise the... more

Sutton Graham II, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Can be done with skin removal only

It is not a common request since most women who are an "F" cup do have symptoms of upper back and neck pains and posture problems. You do not state you height and weight which would put your breast size in better perspective. I do a vertical scar medial pedicle breast lift which gives you more cleavage and superior fullness with increased projection. I also do significant liposuction of the lateral chest wall and axillary breast for contouring. The end result is that you can look... more

George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

www.bellevueplasticsurgeons.com

Breast lift for large breasts

With an "F" cup breast you are quite large. Although it is possible to just lift them, because they are probably very heavy, they probably won't stay lifted for very long.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

While that is a little bigger than most would want it can be done.

A double flap technique is a good way to lift your breast and preserve the size and increase the projection. This is done with a vertical breast lift with an anchor shaped incision. This allows the nipple areolar complex to be moved up and the breast tissue elevated on the chest wall. Normally the bottom portion of the breast would be removed and discarded. I have found that almost always this inferior breast tissue can be maintained on the central blood supply. The flap of tissue has... more

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon

Breast volume may need to be decreased to tighten and lift the breasts

38F is a large breast size so to try and perform a breast lift with minimal reduction in volume may make the surgery difficult to accomplish. Without the benefit of examining you it is hard to give much more advice than that. Remember that often a breast lift alone with make the breast size smaller. Best of luck. Dr Edwards

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift fror large breasts requires some reduction of breast tissue

Lifting the breasst requires that some excess skin be removed. To make your lifted breast have a nice normal shape, some of the sagging skin has to be removed. The new uplifted breast skin will not be large enough to hold all of the breast tissue-you simply cannot squeeze the extra breast tissue into the new normally shaped breast. This should be able to be accomplished and still leave you with a large full D cup breast, but not an F cup.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Some reduction is necesssary but it can be minimized

In doing a breast reduction the skin has to be lifted off the breast thick enough that the remaining skin has enough blood supply to survive. In removing the extra skin, you become somewhat smaller. This can be customized to your desires to some degree. The problem with staying too large is that you will probably sag again under the weight and gravity so your lift won't last as well.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Listen to your surgeons

The answer to your question is that it is possible, but most reasonable plastic surgeons won't do it because it's too risky. The chances of you getting a poor outcome having such large breasts is high. When you remove significant skin in order to perform the lift, you also need to remove breast tissue so there isn't undo tension on the wound. Remember, you're having a completely elective operation--any complications, no matter how small, is a big deal.