I'm 18, a 38D and my breast sag. Would a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation be best for me? (photo)

  A breast lift would improve the droop and shape of the breasts, but this would not be covered by insurance.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question! It is normal for the breast to lose its firmness and perkiness over time, which is accentuated with age, pregnancy/breast feeding, weight gain/loss, and gravity. This ultimately results in ptosis, or sagging, of the breast with a “deflated” appearance. Women often seek the mastopexy, or breast lift, procedure to regain the previous youthful appearance of her breasts and desire that uplifted and perky appearance of her breasts. Women report increased confidence, self-esteem, and femininity once she achieves this desired shape and fullness. Breast lifts may or may not be performed with implants – the implant would add increased size but also greater fullness in the upper pole of the breasts which creates more cleavage. The implant itself will add these things - given your photos, a breast lift alone is a reasonable decision. It us also common for the areola to enlarge and stretch during these changes. The lift will also serve to raise the nipple areolar complex to its appropriate position above the breast crease and at the most projecting portion. In addition the areola size will be decreased, which is often desired by the woman. So, the changes of your breasts are normal and will continue to occur. The decision for a breast lift will be up to you...depending on how much you are bothered about the shape as well as your concerns. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon well-versed in breast surgery and s/he will assist you in deciding if a mastopexy will be the right decision for you.  Breast procedures to simply improve shape or appearance typically are considered aesthetic procedures and do not qualify for insurance coverage.  Thank you for your question! Hope that this helps. Best wishes for a wonderful result! 

Thank you. I think you would be best served by getting a breast lift with a small reduction to equalize your breast shape.