Breast Augmentation: Q&A

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Mastopexy and Augmentation? (photo)

20 y.o F with loss of upper pole volume after weight loss. I am a size 2 nl (what I am now) but I had gotten up to a size 6 in '11. After returning to my nl weight I had lost vol. in my breasrs and believe to have low grade ptosis. Interested in mastopexy but was on the fence about augmentation as well for the upper pole vol. Due to sagging unable to wear strapless bras or dresses. Would like to get opinions now that I posted photos for you to reference. Thank you.

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23 Doctor Answers | Asked by premed

Doctor Answers (23)
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Mastopexy and Augmentation

Thank you for your question and for the attached photos. I see in these enough tissue to do a breast lift without the need for implants. There are patients who really don't have enough to form a good shape without added volume, but that is not an issue for you. If the breast size is satisfactory to you, I would urge against implants. If you raise your arms over your head, this is at least partially simulate a lift. Although obviously no tissue is removed by this maneuver, some patients... more

You can achieve the upper pole fullness but you definitely need a lift

From your photos, you have what is considered grade 3 or "major" ptosis of the breasts. A breast lift alone can give you fullness superiorly: however, you're going to lose some of your volume. I would guess you would lose about 1/2 cup size with a lift alone. I'm starting to use more acellular dermal grafts (ADM) as an internal brassiere to help support the breast. I find that patients maintain a very nice shape for a lot longer with this procedure. You can always add a breast augmentation... more

Breast Implants and/or Lift?

Hello, Thank you for posting your photos along with your post. The degree of how much upper pole fullness you desire may not be attained by lift alone and implants may be required at this point. It is true that lifts will leave you with certain scars but implants alone will not provide you with a lift but rather more ptosis (sagging). That being said, please remember that commendable results require an exceptionally skilled surgeon to perform the surgery and settling for... more

Breast Augmentation/Lift Concerns…

Thank you for the question and pictures. Most of the young patients I see with your starting point and goals choose to proceed with breast augmentation as well as breast lifting surgery. In my opinion, at this point, the best way to achieve upper pole volume is with breast implants; a breast lift or small reduction may be necessary depending on exactly what your size goals are. Of course, the downside with breast lifting is the presence of scars; these... more

Mastopexy and augmentation with implants

I would disagree with several responses I see at this point. There are multiple mentions of using "small" implants with a mastopexy as if you can just choose any size implant and make it work or put it in the upper pole of the breast to fill out this area. It is true that a mastopexy does not "fill in" or "fill out" the upper pole of the breast the way an implant does, but a properly sized breast implant of the lowest profile and therefore volume will increase your apparent breast size by... more

Breast Implants and Lift

From what I have read you have 3 very different answers here so you realize it is a hard question to answer. For me it is simple in these situations. You first have to decide if you want to be bigger or not. Even if you do not want to be bigger I totally agree with Dr. Clark's response that she gave you. I have found that most women really desire the upper pole fullness for sundresses and all the other stuff you have listed in your question. In my opinion a lift alone is almost not good for... more

Breast implants and lift

You have ptosis and need a lift. You would benefit from small implants to add shape and volume where it is lacking.

Breast lift alone or with implants

Thanks for your pictures and question. It appears that you would be a great candidate for a breast lift. You should get a very good result since you already have good volume to your breasts. The question of adding an implant is entirely based on what your goals are. Most patients will want at least a small implant as once the breasts are lifted, they feel they look smaller than they wished. Also, restoring upper pole fullness that patients are truly looking for... more

If you like your volume I would consider lift alone

Hello, Thank you for the question and the photos. I personally think you are a great candidate for a breast lift alone. If you can make your breasts look close to how you would like them to look by lifting and shaping them with your hands then you will likely just need a breast lift. You have enough volume that will allow you to get a very nice result with a breast lift alone. You could always decide to get an implant down the road if needed. The link below shows... more

Breast Augmentation with implant

I would recommend a breast lift with a small implant to preserve upper pole fullness. When performing a breast lift alone I have found that most patients lack upper pole fullness, even when they have adequate breast tissue to start. If you don't want to be too big, but still want upper pole fullness, a little more breast tissue can be removed so that the implant won't make the overall breast size too large.

Breast lift vs augmentation

If you are not looking to make your breast bigger than what you already have then all you need is breast lift which will reduce sagging and enhance upper pole fullness. If you are seeking to add volume in addition to what you already possess, then adding a small implant to the lift will give you the larger and fuller breasts that you seek. In any case, in order to reduce the sagging and flat upper pole you need to have a breast lift. For sure, the amount of upper pole fullness is greater... more

Mastopexy vs Augmentation vs Augmentation Mastopexy

The first question I ask my patients when confronted with this question is "Are you happy with the look and size of your breasts when they are in a bra?" If the answer is yes, I proceed with mastopexy alone. If you are unhappy with the lack of upper pole volume, an implant serves this area well in combination with a breast lift.

Breast lift with or without implants

Thanks for your inquiry and excellent pictures. If you are happy with your volume, you could consider lift only, but in my experience the breast always looks a little smaller even with the most conservative mastopexy because you are generally placing the breast mass and tissue into a tighter lifted envelop. It is like squeezing a dry sponge, it looks smaller even though it may weigh the same. There are several great surgeons in your area who could give a better answer in a... more

Breast lift with or without implants

A mastopexy or breast lift is an operation that removes excess skin, elevates the nipple to a more normal position, decreases the size of the areolas, improves symmetry and makes the breasts more "perky". What it doesn't do well is restore upper pole fullness or give that "implant look" that so many women desire. So, based on your photos here are your options: Implant alone, I would recommend above the muscle and silicone to decrease wrinkling, but you need to be at least... more

Mastopexy with or without augmentation

Based upon your photographs, it appears that you have sufficient breast volume to benefit from a lift alone. Unless you want to have significantly larger breasts, you would probably be better off undergoing mastopexy alone, and avoiding the added risks and long term maintenance that goes along with implants. I would recommend scheduling consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons, who can review your history, perform a physical exam, and discuss the advantages and... more

Mastopexy and Augmentation?

My advice based on your photos would be for you to consider just the breast lift for now. You should be able to get a nice youthful look that is age appropriate. After several months, if you don't think the volume is enough you can think about an augmentation.

Mastopexy with or without Augmentation

Without an examination I cannot provide a definitive answer, but based on the photographs it appears as if you have adequate breast tissue. While lifting breasts does somewhat decrease their apparent size, I believe that a lift alone would be your best choice. If you wish to be significantly larger, you should consider the use of implants, as well. However, adding breast implants to the mix does potentially complicate matters and poses some higher risks. Upper... more

Mastopexy alone or with Implant.

The simplest approach when it comes to breast surgery is sometimes the best. You certainly have enough of your own breast tissue to undergo a breast lift, and maintain a desirable breast shape. You should be able to wear the clothing you mention without a problem. Mastopexy is not very successful however when it comes to adding volume to the upper pole of the breast. That may become more of a problem as you age. For that reason some patients will... more

Breast lift alone has less issues than with an implant

When you look at patients who have lifts plus implants almost all of their problems stem from the implants and not the lift. Therefore, if you have enough tissue to sculpt, and you do, it is usually better to see if you can be happy with the lift alone.

Mastopexy will not restore upper pole volume

A mastopexy will lift the nipple/areola and lower breast tissue up to their normal position, but will not permanently replace the upper pole volume you have lost. Consider having the mastopexy only, then wait and see if you still want further improvement at a second stage operation to put in implants. Performing mastopexy and augmentation simultaneously frequently results in less than perfect results and some surgeons recommending staging the procedures anyway.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift) With Or Without Breast Implants

Good Morning and thank you for the excellent photos...they are very helpful in addressing your concerns. You are certainly a good candidate for a mastopexy (breast lift) alone because you appear to have enough breast volume and few stretch marks (based on your photos) which means your breasts have good elasticity to support the mastopexy. Some considerations are important before making your final decision. With a mastopexy only, you can get some improvement in the... more

Mastopexy with or without implants

Thank you for your question and for submitting the photos. They are very helpful. While it is impossible to determine anything definitively without an actual exam, based on your photos it doesn't look like implants are necessary. You appear to have sufficient breast volume to do a lift alone. The ultimate choice will depend on whether you are happy with the size of your breasts. If you are, then a lift alone can be done without adding to the cost or complexity by placing implants. The... more

Mastopexy vs. Mastopexy/Augmentation

If you are happy with your breast size, then a breast lift is a reasonable consideration to improve the shape of the breasts and the position of the nipples/areolae. If you struggle with weight gain and loss, and your breast size fluctuates along with your weight changes, then you may not want to consider an breast augmentation. If you gain weight in the future, especially if you have children, you may end up with significantly larger breasts with implants. In some patients, this is a good... more