Am I a good candidate for just a lift, or would you recommend an implant? Could I obtain natural perky teardrop shape? (Photo)

Question

I like the look of natural tear drop shaped breasts. But don't want them completely empty looking on top. I have noticed some breasts look much better than others with just a lift, but most need an implant.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   Breast lift surgery can certainly elevate the breast mound and nipple, but in my experience, once the tissue stretches and settles over months or longer after surgery, some of the upper fullness goes away (even if I use a technique called auto-augmentation).  On the other hand, inserting implants can provide more fullness, but there are additional costs, risks and long-term maintenance associated with implants.  It sounds like you have already looked at before-after photos of people who had different breast operations, which is an important way to judge what would suit your needs.   If you seek a consultation with a surgeon who has significant experience with different breast operations they will be able to explain the pros and cons in more detail.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Implants are only necessary if you’d like significantly rounder breasts and more projection. A lift alone would be sufficient if you’d like more fullness in the upper portion for a perkier shape. You may want to bring in some wish pics to help your surgeon get a better understanding of what you’d like to achieve.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

You look like a very nice candidate for a breast lift. This will elevate and reshape your breasts and should give you a natural teardrop shape. You do not need an implant unless you want to be larger. The implant also helps with upper pole fullness if you desire that. Discuss options with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear caitypea,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

A breast lift will reshape your breasts and will add some fullness to the top.   An implant has a firmer consistency than breast tissue and so will add more volume to the top of the breast than a lift alone.
I agree with you that some breasts look better than others with just a lift and many need an implant - some of the main reasons for this is the consistency and volume of the existing breast tissue and the laxity of the skin - essentially the tissues that are present determine what the outcome will be like. 
I recommend you go for an in person consultation as a breast exam will be helpful in predicting the kind of result you can get with a breast lift, and you can also try on implants to get a better idea of a lift will look either with or without an implant. 
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have plenty of breast tissue, but do need a lift and will need the anchor scar. Just adding implants will give you large and more sagging breasts.

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

It appears as though you have enough breast volume to obtain a natural teardrop shape and at the same time have a perky result with a breast lift alone.  I would not, based on your pictures, jump immediately to an implant.  Of course this would all depend on an examination and I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast enhancement.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for the posted photos. You need a full lift. As for use of implants? maybe small silicone gummy implant in the 200-300 cc ranges. Fees are $10,000-$18,000. Best to virtual consult with....

Am I a good candidate for just a lift, or would you recommend an implant? Could I obtain natural perky teardrop shape? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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