Breast Implant Type and Profile for Mild Sagging?

The answer depends on your existing breasts and your desired outcome.  If you have very short distance between the nipple and breast fold, you may want to consider a moderate profile implant, as high profile implants are more likely to leave you with downward looking nipples (if you don't do a lift)As to saline or silicone, there is no difference between then on the shape of your breasts.

Actually, a Breast Lift with the Implants may be something to consider. Getting #BreastImplants without a #BreastLift is usually said to be mistake by many patients who reflect back on the decision. Most breasts will look larger and more droopy with solely implants. They will sag more and sooner, due to the sudden and excess weight. At times it's possible for a “Snoopy” breast or double bubble to develop as a result.Additionally, an implant with lift may be useful to re-position the nipples which may have been affected by ptosis or drooping. One of the primary intentions of a Breast Lift (#Mastopexy) is to improve the shape and position of the breast without reducing their size. It is used especially for breasts which sag or droop (#ptosis). The profile is determined by the amount of projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the size of the implant and size of your chest. Also, the placement or incision location will also have an effect on profile. Your Plastic Surgeon will measure you to determine the best shape, size and placement of the #implants to be used.

This is what I do to maximize lift with a breast implant alone:- use silicone cohesive gel implants. The more cohesive the better. I am not sure if these are available yet in the US, but the Allergan Inspira Truform 2 implants are ideal- use high profile implants. The more projection you have, the more lift you will get- have the implants placed in the submammary pocket (under the breast itself). You should have a pinch thickness at the top of your breast of at least 2 cm

Generally the higher the profile, the more lift you will get. The problem with high profile implants is their potential visibilty particularly in a thin small breasted patient. IT is best to discuss these options and to try the different profiles on for size to assess the appearance and your acceptance.
Sizers are available at your physicians office or can be purchased commercially.

A breast augmentation alone can give a gentle lift in some cases, but if you truly need a lift, you may be disappointed afterwards. Speak with your surgeon about your goals so that he can review with you the advantages and disadvantages of a lift, so that you can make the best decision for yourself. In terms of style, silicone implants will usually give the best shape and feel, but you need a good exam to determine which style and profile will give you the result you want.

Mildly sagging breasts can be nicely lifted with high profile implants and using a duaI plane approach to breast augmentation. With a dual plane approach the upper part of the implant is under the muscle and the lower part of the implant is under the breast tissue. This allows redraping of the breast tissue over the high profile implant giving the breast a subtle lifting effect.

 Without examining you, I would have no idea what implant would be best for you. This is based upon a combination of physical exam, requests for volume, etc..

If you think of a breast as a balloon, it becomes a little clearer that adding volume provides a gentle lift to the breasts. If you add more volume, there's more of a lift, but only up to a certain point. Without an examination, it's hard to tell what type of an implant would work best for you, but if you are trying to avoid a lift and need more volume, a high profile implant may work best. I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon, and ask to see photos of patients who have had both augmentation alone and augmentation with a lift so that you can see the difference. Good luck, /nsn.

If you truly have very mild sagging a high profile implant of appropriate size to fill out the skin may give you the look you want. You will need to work closely with a plastic surgeon who has experience in dealing with sagging breasts and implants. Ultimately you may "need" a breast lift but your surgeon should be able to give you a faily good idea about that.

I would suggest moderate or high profile silicone implants. Understand that you may need a lift in the future. It is possible that you truly need a lift now. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon. If your breast tisse is hanging too low, it will 'hang" off the edge of the implant. I prefer silicone implants, especially in this situation, because they are lighter and do not stretch the tissue as much as saline. Hope this helps.
Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS