Do You Have to Have Breast Tissue Removed when Getting a Breast Lift?

Question

i went to a consultation in Austin Texas for a breast lift only and wanted an idea of how small my breast would be after. i have a small c right now and am comfortable with the amount of tissue i already have. the doctor i saw told me i would probably have an A because he has to remove a small amount of tissue to do a lift.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A breast lift can be done without removing any breast tissue and without adding an implant.  It all depends on the technique used and the amount of breast tissue you have to begin with.  However, whena breast is,lifted it seems smaller even if no tissue is removed because the breast has been made more compact by the lift.  Ask your surgeon to see  photos of patients similar to you to get an idea of how large you would be.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-

	A well-done breast lift does not remove breast tissue, but only skin. 

	It is true that removal of this excess and sagging skin does in some cases cause the perception of the breast size to decrease, but not usually in a significant manner.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, it is possible to do a breast lift  and remove skin only. Of course, much will depend on each patient's individual anatomy and goals. I would suggest that you communicate your goals clearly with a carefully selected plastic surgeon.   The use of cup size during this  communication process can be confusing/misleading.  However, communicating your goals (I  prefer the use of goal pictures) will be very important in allowing your plastic surgeon to guide you  in determining whether breast lifting alone will be sufficient to meet your goals.

	 Best wishes.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

If you truly have C-cup volume now, I'm not sure why the doctor you consulted with told you that you had to lose 2 cup sizes, as it is totally untrue. When I have a breast lift patient whose breasts are the size she likes, I remove only 15 - 30 grams of tissue per side (the skin needed to be removed to provide a more tailored and youthful "skin brassiere"). This is 1/2 to 1 ounce, skin only. This leaves all her native breast tissue intact except for that tiny amount of skin. No change in size, only "perkiness."

	Of course, more tissue may be removed if the patient desires a small reduction--the pattern and incisions are the same; only the amount of tissue removed varies between patients.

	I hate to sound overly dogmatic, but unless there is volume asymmetry and more tissue must be removed from the (larger) side to improve symmetry, you CAN retain your full C cup volume--you may just need to see one or more ABPS-certified plastic surgeons and have your surgery elsewhere. C to A is simply not necessary. Take a look at several of my breast lift patients by clicking on the web reference link below--they did not go smaller unless they wanted to. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

George Marosan, MD · Answer

If you are happy with the current cup size, a lift can be done by removing skin only. I prefer a vertical breast lift with a medial-superior pedicle, but the inferior pole breast tissue I use for autoaugmentation to increase projection further. If you surgeon does an anchor type skin incision, he/she needs to remove some breast tissue from the lateral and medial inferior aspect of the breast for shaping and allowing to close the skin incision. This is not necessary with a vertical lift. Good luck.

Do You Have to Have Breast Tissue Removed when Getting a Breast Lift?

Answers (17)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast Lift does not necessarily remove tissue

Answer: Breast Lift does not necessarily remove tissue

Answer: Breast Lift and Tissue Removal?

Answer: Breast Lift and Tissue Removal?

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Answer: You do NOT need to be smaller, just tighter and perkier.

Answer: You do NOT need to be smaller, just tighter and perkier.

Answer: Does breast tissue need to be removed with a breast lift?

Answer: Does breast tissue need to be removed with a breast lift?

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Do You Have to Have Breast Tissue Removed when Getting a Breast Lift?

Answers (17)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast Lift does not necessarily remove tissue

Answer: Breast Lift does not necessarily remove tissue

Answer: Breast Lift and Tissue Removal?

Answer: Breast Lift and Tissue Removal?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Answer: You do NOT need to be smaller, just tighter and perkier.

Answer: You do NOT need to be smaller, just tighter and perkier.

Answer: Does breast tissue need to be removed with a breast lift?

Answer: Does breast tissue need to be removed with a breast lift?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.