Which is More Suitable for Large Sagging Breasts, a Breast Implant or Breast Lift?

Why does one procedure have better results for large hanging breasts and getting a fuller and more natural look? (implant or lift)

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age 35-44 breasts sagging female 210-229 lbs breast size candidate comparison natural looking recommendation

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Sagging Breasts Require a Breast Lift not Implants Alone

Thank you for your question. When Breast Implants are placed into a sagging breast the Implants often rest higher than the breast and nipple and the breast appears to "hang off" the implant. This creates an abnormal look called the "Snoopy Deformity" because from the side the breast looks like a profile view of the head of the cartoon character Snoopy. The proper procedure for a sagging breast is the breast lift-either alone or in combination with Breast Implants... more

Larger breasts sagging

If you have large sagging breasts and want a fuller perkier look, it is probably best to have a breast lift. An implant alone will make them larger but not lift them.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Large Sagging Breasts

The two key words in your description are "large" so there may not be a desire for additional volume, and "hanging" so you may benefit from a breast lift to correct sagging breasts.

Treatment of large, saggy breasts

I always recommend a breast lift for large, saggy breasts. Breast lift is a procedure that has a relatively easy recovery, is long lasting, and does not require any maintenance. Breast implants are great for flat chested women but it doesn't sound like you are in need of volume. A surgeon who tries to correct sagging with breast implants probably isn't well versed in breast lift.

Breast lift vs implants for droopy breasts

If you have sagging breasts, a breast lift procedure is what you want to tighten, lift and reconfigure your breasts. If you want to also be larger or fuller, a breast augmentation can be done at the same time. Conversely, if you also want to be smaller, then a breast reduction is the procedure that you want - it not only lifts but also reduces the size of the breasts. Breast implants by themselves only increase volume - they don't lift the tissues.

What to do with Large Sagging Breasts?

Based on what you describe, I would consider a breast reduction which gives a lift also. Adding implants in this situation will likely give you larger and saggier breasts.

Correction of sagging breasts

The answer is that it all depends. If you have a small degree of sagging and want to be larger, then an augment might be sufficient but in many cases, the implant will not compensate for the degree of sagging and could result in even more ptosis later on. The larger the breast, the more likely the sag. A lift alone will slightly reduce breast volume but correct for pendulous breasts. These surgeries are highly individualized and I would encourage you to see a board certified plastic... more

Breast Lift For Large, Sagging Breasts

The answer depends: If you have large, droopy breasts and do not wish to have larger breasts, then a breast lift without implants (if you like the current size of your breasts) or a breast reduction (if you would like your breasts to be smaller) may be appropriate. If you have large, droopy breasts and would like to have larger, fuller breasts as well as more perky breasts, then a breast lift with implants may be appropriate. Breast implants along are not likely to a good option... more

Large Sagging Breasts Not Improved With Implants

The treatment for your large sagging breasts would be either a breast lift or a breast reduction depending upon the size you wish to be in the end. Implants will not improve your situation and would most likely add to the "largeness" and also create significant distortion of your breast shape.

Large Sagging Breasts

A very good question. In general, if you truly have "large sagging breasts, " a breast lift (mastopexy) can help restore the shape. It is a very subjective subject and would be easier answered with photos. With minimal sagging (also called "ptosis"), implants can be used but often a combination of a lift and implants are necessary.

Breast Lifting for “Sagging” Breasts

Thank you for the question. Based on your description of “large sagging breasts" and a desire to have a “fuller” look, you may benefit from both breasts lifting and breast implants. Direct examination obviously and discussion of your goals will be necessary to determine exactly what procedure would help meet your goals. If you are considering these operations you should be aware that it may be done in a single or a two staged... more

Which is More Suitable for Large Sagging Breasts, a Breast Implant or Breast Lift?

Can a sagging breast be lifted by adding MORE weight (ie a breast implant) to it? Of course not. The only exception would be if the implants were much larger (think BIG) and filled with helium. But since breast implant can only be filled with either salt water or silicone gel, both of which are heavier than air, breast implants will ADD weight to a breast that is already been defeated by its own weight AND gravity. The solution for a sagging breasts = Breast Lift. The solution to... more