Small Implant Used to "Lift" Breast?

asked 2 years ago by evan1584 in Georgia
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 166 times
Tags: volume loss, options

After two babies/breastfeeding most volume above my nipple is gone. I still wear a DD bra in most brands but was told by my plastic surgeon that in breast tissue he wouldn't consider me a DD. I went in thinking I would have a breast lift (not considering implant) but he suggested using a small implant to lift my breast. I've seen pictures of some implants that seem to push the nipple downward in a breast that had a bit more volume below the nipple. I'm just wondering how this type of lift works?

9 answers to Small Implant Used to "Lift" Breast?

Lift vs implants

If you need a lift then you need a lift. An implant will not lift the breasts it will only add volume to them.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

There's a difference between an appeareance of a lift, and a true lift....

I agree with the general theme of the answers here. Many woman have pseudoptosis, or an appeareance of deflated breasts. this is best viewed from a lateral view. The nipple position is often above the inframmary fold. in such a patient, an implant creates the appereance of a "lift", but the nipple truly has not changed position. For such a patient, that appeareance may be sufficient, without the more extensive incisions (and scars) required from a... more

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD
Chevy Chase Plastic Surgeon

Wondering how this type of lift works

It doesn't. The first five answers are correct, particularly the first one. Implants do not lift the breast. They are only pillow volume. I disagree that they act like a weight but they certainly don't lift. They increase volume and apparent size by filling the breast forward. I would agree with the lift only and strongly advise against an implant at your current size.

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Breast Lift vs Implant

If you are happy with your breast size in an unpadded bra (and a DD in almost any bra is usually adequate) you do not need an implant. Implants are only for adding volume. If you are trying to lift the nipple, an implant will not do it. You need a breast lift. This is the only way to lift the breast, even if you are adding volume with an implant.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants do not lift a low nipple to a higher position

Your observations are right on the mark. While it is tempting to think that an implant will stretch loose skin to raise the nipple, it does not. Also, if your breast tissue fills a DD cup bra, you have a DD cup breast, even if it is not the shape you once had. Implants will increase the size of the breast so they are the correct decision if you want to be larger. However if you are happy with your size but not the shape of your breasts, a lift is what you need. Please get another... more

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implants do NOT Lift sagging Breasts - Breast Lifts LIFT Sagging Breasts

This is one of those urban legends that has a life of its own despite its being contrary to common sense and logic . How can placing weight in anything magically lift it? Answer - it doesn't. Placing breast implants MAY temporarily expand minimally sagging breasts but subsequently be associated with recurrent sagging. Breast Implants do NOT Lift sagging Breasts - Breast Lifts LIFT Sagging Breasts. The only "breast implants" that would stand a chance... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Use a breast lift that decreases the nipple-to-fold distance

What you are describing is called glandular ptosis or pseudoptosis which occurs when the breast drops below the nipple rather than true ptosis when the nipple is displaced downward. This is reflected by a prolonged nipple to inframammary fold distance. In these intances placing an implant can pull the nipple downward with the skin envelope. Typically this can be improved by reducing the nipple to fold distance when performing the mastopexy.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Implants don't lift the breast!

I will continue to emphasize that implants do not lift the breast, they only add volume. I see so many patients still who have been misled by a doctor who has told them that putting an implant above the muscle will lift their saggy breast and move the nipple up. All they get is a ball-in-sock bottom heavy matronly looking breast.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Small implant used to "lift" breast

Yes it is possible to use a small implant to achieve a SMALL lifting. But from your description I think you may need an incisional lifting. Please seek additional opinions. From MIAMI Dr. B