How can I achieve the results I want with a breast lift?

Question

I have double D cups, however they have sagged due to weight loss. I've lost a lot of volume on top. I want a breast lift but i feel like I need something more to fill the volume on top. I'd consider implants but I don't want my breasts to be any bigger. I've heard of the internal bra. Can you add an internal bra to lift it more to create more volume?

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

To get your breasts as high and tight as possible, a breast lift/reduction does a great job of reshaping and making you breast proportionate to your body. To do this, lower breast tissue must be removed so you don’t have recurrent ptosis (sagging). Yes you breast will be smaller, but your result will be durable and maximized. This satisfies a majority of the patients without an implant. But, if you desire an implant, a small implant can be placed in a delayed fashion. Having said that, implants are not without potential problems, and if you do take this route, a saline implant is the least expensive and troublesome option. Especially if you are you because you will have them for years and the longer they are in, the greater chance of rupture. Thank you.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, the idea of an "internal bra" or auto-augmentation may be a potential solution for addressing concerns about sagging breasts and decreased upper volume without necessarily increasing overall breast size. Internal bra surgery can be performed in conjunction with a traditional breast lift. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, the breast shape is adjusted, and the nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher on the chest. Same with the auto-augmentation, the breast tissues is actually used to create an implant effect, and create volume on the top. To determine the most suitable approach, your surgeon must assess your breast tissue quality, level of sagging, and desired outcome.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! You sound like a great candidate for a Mastopexy (breast lift). There are only two options to add volume to the top of your breasts which is fat transfer or implants. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to create a surgical plan targeted towards your specific goals.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you want to address sagging and loss of volume in your breasts without increasing their size, you can consider an internal bra technique. This technique can provide more support and create the illusion of a larger volume on top. It can be combined with a breast lift to correct drooping skin and raise the nipples to a youthful height. The internal bra can help re-engineer the natural breast tissue and achieve results that a breast lift alone may not be able to, especially regarding upper breast fullness. However, talking to a board-certified surgeon with experience with these procedures is important. They can provide you with more detailed information, show you before and after images of similar cases, and help you decide on the best approach for your specific situation.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Without pictures it's difficult to make a recommendation. That said, another option may be to get a reduction, which would lift the breasts, and add implants. I suggest scheduling a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that has extensive experience with breast procedures and clean credentials. Hope this helps. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Typically, a breast lift will elevate the breast and the nipple/areola to a new position, which is more youthful and better shaped.  A lift generally does not give you long term superior pole fullness as there is nothing holding the breast tissue upward except the skin which has already been shown to not have strength or elasticity.  As you state that you would not like your breasts any larger, and therefore wish to avoid having an implant, a internal bra with a material which not only holds the breast tissue higher but also incorporates into your tissue and becomes part of you and leaves your tissues stronger than they would be normally. This helps to hold the breast tissue in the superior position. There are other options, depending upon your individual anatomy, and these would be best discussed in person with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic750344,
thanks for sharing your questions, unfortunaly without an in-person consultation or at least pictures is hard to pick or recommend style, shape or sizes without an in person consultation, that provide the chance to get the measurement of key breast parameters, this is maybe the difficult step in this process. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Igor Burko, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Igor Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. There are many variables that determine which breast lift technique you may be a candidate for. It is best to consult with a trained plastic surgeon to discuss your options as well as your expectations. The internal bra is typically used to support the breast tissue and slow it from sagging again in the future. The internal bra does not provide any significant additional volume to augment the breasts.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fantastic750344,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Erman Ak, MD · Answer

In breast reduction, reduction and lift surgeries, prosthesis or upper pole fat injection is required in most cases to create fullness in the upper pole of the breast. However, for a double-d breast, I do not recommend a simultaneous lift and implant . First, it is lifted and reduced, and after 6 months, upper pole fullness can be achieved with the prosthesis. If large breasts are only lifted without reduction, their sagging rate is high.
Best Wishes
Erman Ak M.D

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Yes you can have volume on top with just a breast lift alone, however it is important to note that the volume on top will be less than that of an implant. I would also recommend a mesh "internal bra" to help support the tissues.
You could also get a breast reduction and implant at the same time. This is when your breast volume is reduced and replaced with an implant. This way you can have more fullness on top and keep your breasts around the same size. 
Go discuss your case with an MD and they can show you different levels of upper pole fullness and decide which option is best for you.
All the best

How can I achieve the results I want with a breast lift?

Answers (20)

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