Surgeon Differing Opinions...do I Need a Periareolar Lift Along with Implants? (photo)

I have had 2 consultations with highly reputable surgeons. The first recommended silicone implants under the muscle with insertion in the IMF. The second recommended the same but with a periareolar lift in addtion. I prefer the first surgeon and his practice, but now I am confused if I need the lift. I don't want to be unhappy with the results, and my husband is now worried that I will have saggy or droopy breasts if I don't get the lift. Thanks for you help!

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by snakes72 in Norcross, GA

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The periareolar lift is usually not a good option.

The periareolar lift is not a good option. It tends to produce a distorted areola, with very little lift effect. I think you are fine with implants alone. Your areola will get about a centimeter wider, just so you know. However, I don't think you necessarily have to have an areola reduction (which would prevent this). The inframammary approach is the most common one. The decision regarding saline versus silicone is yours, but both will give you great... more

Periareolar lift?

Great question! It really depends on what YOU want. Implants alone will fill your breasts and give you a great, natural look. Performing a lift to one or both breasts will help to elevate the nipples and possibly make them more symmetric. So if you want a natural look, and felt more comfortable with the first surgeon, then it may be best to go with him. And don't forget ... if you get the implants without the lift, then later decide you want a lift, you can still do the... more

Circumareolar lift optional

Thank you for your question and the photo. From the photo and your description, it really seems as though the circumareolar lift is optional. It would help correct the nipple asymmetry that you have and would also allow the surgeon to decrease the size of your areolae which will widen/stretch with the addition of implants. It really boils down to how much these details bother you and if you are willing to have a scar around the circumference of the nipple to correct this. I think... more

Periareolar Lift with Breast Augmentation

It is impossible to know for sure from only one picture, but you appear to have good reason for the periareolar lift. Your areolae are asymmetric and the right one appears to be somewhat ptotic (droopy). The lift would correct both. Depending on the exact anatomy, you may need only a lift on the right. If you prefer the first surgeon, go back for another consultation and discuss what the other surgeon said and what you have learned here.

Breast augmenetation

A periareola lift in your case may be used to address the asymmetry of your areolas. I will do that in patients with this problem.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Augmentation - Do I Need a Periareolar Lift Along with Implants?

Many years ago a surgeon-friend of mine said, "Want to know what's perfect? Nothing." Actually, some things may be perfect but your situation is one in which I don't believe there is a "perfect" answer. You have to decide which compromise is most acceptable to you. Implants alone will, in general, just enlarge your breasts and to the extent that you have sagging, that may be exaggerated, particularly if you go with larger implants. For... more

Breast augmentation together with breast lift

Your breasts are asymmetric with the right nipple lower and further from the midline than the left. My guess is it is about 2cm lower. If you just put an implant in each breast via IMF or periareolar incisions this asymmetry will be magnified and I do not think you will be happy. You will at least need to reposition/lift the right nipple. From the single photo you submitted it is difficult to tell if the left nipple needs to be repositioned/lifted as well. I hope you realize that this... more

Do i need a lift

With just the one photo and not an examination it is difficult to be totally sure. I do not like to put in a larger implant to avoid the need for a lift and make the woman too large. I would recommend using the implant diameter that fits you the best and make the decision for a lift or not, on the table if it is borderline. I would use the infra-areolar approach so that if you do need a periareolar mastopexy or lift you could just continue the incision. if you like the first surgeon... more

Rick Rosen, MD

3 reviews

Norwalk Plastic Surgeon

Is breast augmentation enough for me, or do I need lift also?

In agreement with the first surgeon and provided your nipple to sternal notch distance is 22 cm or less on each side, augmentation alone with possible slight lowering of the inframammary creases (slightly more on the right because that crease may be slightly higher) should be fine for you. Use the largest implant you will accept, and choose an implant that matches your base width to maximize the lift you achieve from the implants. It is not likely that formal mastopexy (breast... more

Periareolar Lift With Augmentation.

Thanks for the photos, they are a big help in ansering your question. I do a lot of periareolar lifts but would not feel that procedure is necessary for you. A subpectoral implant placement using a dual plane technique will work very well. But I much prefer the incision along the bottom edge of the areola when doing this procedure. BTW that scar is usually close to invisible while the IM scar may be great but is unpredictable.