Is a breast lift needed for good results with fat transfer? Can I have implants or fat transfer only for more fullness? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, the most reliable options are a breast implant or autologous fat grafting. You can skip a lift if you’re happy with your breasts' position because your nipples are above the inframammary fold, but if you want them higher, a lift should be considered. Have an in-person exam with a board-certified surgeon to measure nipple-to-fold distance, base width, and tissue thickness, and to confirm which approach aligns best with your fullness goals with the least trade-offs.

Hi, Thank you for your inquiry! We here at Mays Plastic surgery would love to sit down for a consult to discuss your concerns. With breast laxity you have options. A breast lift, and adding volume, whether its fat transfer to your breasts or implants. Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Dear LostBody,

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

Based off your limited photos - you have upper pole deflation, small axillary breast tissue, angulated IMFs with grade 1 ptosis (based off your nipple position) - so the question is are you ok with how your breasts are positioned now? If you are ok with their position, adding fat would be ideal for a more natural volume increase that will still leave your breasts the way they are but slight fuller. Adding implants potentially can work if the implants settle into the breast pocket and give you an augmented breast envelope versus waterfall deformity (therefore, would have to see how the implants settle 3-6 months post placement) - this option would give you more fixed projection and likely more upper pole fullness vs fat. Third option would be implant or fat plus breast lift (this would result in an anchor scar that you would have to be ok with). If your goal is to have the least amount of scar, you like your breast position - fat grafting for more volume throughout the breast but still with a natural drop. Hope this helps.

In my experience, fat transfer can be performed without lift for more upper fullness, depending on the presentation. You appear to be a good candidate.

This is usually an easier option and recovery vs. implants and/or lift.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Thank you for posting some photos. It appears you have a slight sag of the breast, but you did not specify if this was a concern to you? If you just want more fullness, I would recommend the combination of liposuction with fat transfer under ultrasound. This could give you more fullness expect that fee to range from $5000-$8000. If you want just implants that would give you fullness too, depending on the type of implant, silicone versus sailing, that fee would be in the $5000 to $6000 ranges. In some cases, you could do a combination of implant with fat grafting, but that would need to be discussed in a virtual consultation. As far as a breast lift, unless you want to have a permanent scar from the Lyft, I would not recommend at that time since you did not specify you were concerned about the slight Ptosis of the breast or sag of the breast. Again, best of virtual consult with.

In your case you would benefit from a lift. Fat grafting to the breast, just like an implant, will add volume to your breasts but it doesn't lift the breast. The idea that an implant or fat will lift the breast is a very common misconception but the golden rule is: if you need a lift, you need a lift, regardless of whether you are using fat or an implant to augment the breast.