Will I be happy with a breast lift alone and no implant?

I am a 36 yr old mom of 2, currently a D cup and happy with my size. My beasts are saggy and have lost all upper volume. My nipples don't point down, but they are low and definitely need to be moved up. The doctor I visited said I only need a lift, but I can't help but wonder if I will be happy with out a small implant. I would have an anchor scar and he said something about an "internal bra" so that they would be "perkier" and that is why I wouldn't need an implant.

Sort: Date | Helpful

12 answers to “Will I be happy with a breast lift...”

A: Breast implants often benefit lift results

By Peter E. Johnson, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

The type of breast lift or mastopexy is determined by the position of the nipple relative to the fold under the breast and when the nipple falls below the fold a vertical lift is usually best. This is the around the nipple and down or lollipop pattern that is commonly used. The nipple position is... more

A: Do you want a "home run?"

By Christopher L. Hess, MD - Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Except in rare occasions loss of upper pole fullness cannot be restored without an implant. Now you stated that you don't want to be any larger so this can be somewhat difficult to achieve. When a mastopexy is performed the nipple/areolar complex is elevated by removing excess skin. ... more

A: If you have enough volume, you may be able to avoid an implant

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

It all depends on your anatomy and you goals, but if you have enough breast tissue to work with, you can usually achieve a very natural result with god shape to the breast without using an implant. An implant will certainly add more upper pole fullness, but there is a cost associated with this, including the... more

A: It's HOW the breast lift is done that determines the result.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi! This is a very important, frequently asked question. 1) Many surgeons do a lift just by tightening the skin envelope of the breasts. But skin stretches, and this approach will definitely not give you the upper fullness that you (and every other woman) want. 2) You can... more

A: Correct solution

By Bahram Ghaderi, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Being a larger cup size allows you to avoid having a breast implant. Your own tissue can be used to give you the fullness you desire. Also the anchor type scar will give you the most powerful and long lasting lift. Adding an implant to an already larger breast size will only add to the weight of your breast... more

A: Decision should be based on your desired breast shape....

By Armando Soto, MD - Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Hi there-- With an implant, the upper area of the breast will be full and variably round. Without an implant, and even with a very well done breast lift, the upper pole will be a bit more sloping (as a natural breast is). I agree with my colleague below that if you think you would be happy without an implant,... more

A: Aesthetic expectations

By Andrew J.L. Gear, MD - Charlotte Plastic Surgeon

It depends on what you expect aesthetically. You have the volume of breast tissue necessary fabricate a nice result, but it is difficult to create upper pole fullness that many women want or think they want. Dr. Placik makes an excellent point about cultural influences on breast aesthetics. Women in the... more

A: It all depends what you are looking for

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The choice of an implant or not is really dependent on what you are looking for. If you want considerable upper pole fullness then you many need an implant. However, if you just want the nipple elevated, then you do not need an implant. In most cases, it is possible to do an internal auto-augmentation with... more

A: Breast appearance... a plea for the natural

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

If patients are fortunate enough to have enough volume, but have droopy breasts, I encourage them to have a breast lift and not to have an implant. Breast implants can cause a lifetime of repeat surgeries... why subject yourself to that if you have enough breast volume? If the nipples are at the... more

A: Would you be comfortable being larger than a D cup

By Francisco Canales, MD - Sonoma Valley Plastic Surgeon

Hello I agree with your doctor' s assessment that a lift should suffice. To get upper fullness with an implant, the upper part of the implant has to show in the upper pole of your breast. Small implants have a narrow diameter so they won't add to upper fullness. You would just get added volume without... more

More answers to Will I be happy with a breast lift alone and no implant?
Chicago - Is an implant necessary for a breast lift?
Seattle - You have enough volume but it depends on the upper pole look you...

Comments

momof2lilon
8 posts
22 Mar 2009

Also, if this matters, my nipple falls just below the inframammary fold, but the top of the areola is still above it. (the size of the areola is pretty big and will be reduced.)

Post your question

Email to friend