Lift with or without implants: will a lift only give me upper pole fullness?

Question

I’m in my 30’s and have been interested in getting a lift and implants. My current is a 36DD. The first consultation I had resulted in the doctor determining I didn’t need implants—only a lift. He stated I had plenty of tissue. I’ve had a phone call with another office, who without seeing me, also said only lift. Will lift only give me upper pole fullness?

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. I would strongly consider an implant along with your lift. While you may have good volume, long term upper pole fullness may be more ideal with an implant. I hope this helps.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Breast lifts alone do not typically give much or any upper pole fullness. Upper pole fullness is best achieved through implants or fat grafting to the upper pole of the breast, both of which can be done at the time of your lift.

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

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

For relatively large breasts like yours and relatively loose skin, breast lift alone is not likely to provide long lasting solution, in particular in the upper pole. For that reason, placement of the implants will preserve fulness of the upper pole. If you want to stay within current bra cup size, small reduction (especially of lateral breast tail) can be done. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36 DD, you do not need implants but do need a lift. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CMNB1488,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Jairo Ulerio, MD · Answer

With the amount of breast tissue you have it is not necessary to use an implant since the same tissue can be used to make the breast. In case that you prefer an implant, we would remove breast tissue and the implant would be placed, achieving a good cleavage and a beautiful projection of your breasts.

Peter Andolina, DO · Answer

A breast lift is a great surgery and can really help to reshape a patient's breasts. In your case I believe a lift would be enough to give you the results you want. Just keep in mind that the upper pole of your breasts will not be as round as with an implant. You will have a more natural, lifted, full look. I would recommend starting with the lift. If after you have healed and your not happy with the results, then you may consider a small implant but I doubt you will need one.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and posting appropriate pictures. You look like a good candidate for a breast lift with or without implants. You would likely be a full C/small D cup if you had just a lift. If you wish to remain a DD, you need implants for the additional upper pole volume. It also seems that you have lost quite a bit of weight congratulations :-) however, you would likely need internal bra mesh support if you’ve lost elasticity in your skin.  It is best to have an initial virtual consultation of course to discuss options.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Well here comes another opinion.

Without a doubt, you will be unhappy with only a lift. But there is more.

You are a massive weight loss patient. The lateral sweep of your breast has dropped. Your axilla and likely back are loose.

In my opinion, two stages. Mastopexy with axilla and probably back lift. Stage two is augmentation.

Somewhere in there abdominoplasty and or other trunk work.

Lift with or without implants: will a lift only give me upper pole fullness?

Answers (11)

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