I'm 19 and I'm Thinking of Getting a Breast Lift. I Need Advice. (photo)

Hello! Thank you for your question!  The mastopexy procedure raises the breast, which ultimately provides a more youthful and perky breasts. This is done by removing the extra loose skin and rearranging the surrounding breast tissue in order to reshape and support the newly formed breast. At the same time, the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is raised to the ideal position above the fold beneath your breast (the inframammary fold) as well as being placed at the most projecting portion. Oftentimes with age or following pregnancy, the NAC becomes widened and enlarged. This may be reduced in size during the breast lift procedure.It is common for the breast to lose its firmness and uplifted appearance over time, which is also accentuated with age, pregnancy/breast feeding, weight gain/loss, and gravity. This results in breast ptosis, or sagging of the breast, with a “deflated” appearance. Women seek the mastopexy procedure to regain the previous youthful appearance of her breasts and women report increased confidence, self-esteem, and femininity once achieving 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.  Hope that this helps!

Thank you for your question.  Most people would like to avoid having surgery whenever possible.  If you would like to get a breast lift, you can choose surgery.  If you wish to avoid surgery, you can choose a push up bra.  Those are really your only two options.

Based on your pictures, you right and left breast differ in size and shape and that would need to be addressed as well.  There is likely a reason why you wish to avoid surgery and once you are able to overcome that hurdle, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be your next step towards feeling more beautiful.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

According to stats from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lifts are quite common in the United States with close to 90,000 performed in 2010.  Breast lifts improve the overall appearance of the breasts by removing excess areolar tissue, as well as skin from around the areola and from the inferior portion of the breast. The areolae typically look smaller and the nipples sit higher after the procedure. Patients need to be content with their current size, in that they may end up being a bit smaller after surgery. To determine if a breast lift is a good idea, you may want to review photos of patients who have had a breast lift. It is important to find photos of patients who looked like you do before they had surgery.

I understand what you don't like and agree that a lift would help to make the breasts more even and more youthful. Your breasts are a little differently shaped from each other so don't expect them to a perfect match afterward but they should be much closer. The only solution is going to be surgery so you will have to come to grips with the idea. Spend time fining the right surgeon, one who you feel understands you and your concerns. Don't feel guilty about doing something good for yourself. Good luck.

Based on your photos, you appear to have some breast asymmetry and slight sagging of your breasts; both of which can be addressed at the time of a breast lift (mastopexy). The type of incision likely will involve a lollipop type of pattern. These scars generally heal quite well but are not invisible. You can have an improved breast contour however you will have some scars. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon at the time of your consultation. You can also discuss if this is something you may want to hold off on doing until you have children.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno