A Breast Lift or just implants - best option for me? (photos)

Question

I have had 7 consultations in total and 3 doctors said I don't need a lift while 4 said I do. I was told with the size implant I'm wanting (425-450cc) that I would get that full natural look without a lift. Im curious what my best option would be.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Implants provide added volume but do not provide much lift. As the amount of sag you have is modest, many patients would accept this, rather than have the extra surgery and scarring with a lift. If you goal is to minimize the residual sagging then a lift would be needed.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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. 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. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, your nipples are slightly lower but still above the level where you would need ptosis correction (lift). I believe that augmentation only will give you satisfactory result for several years  in particular considering the size of implants. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are low on the chest wall. Adding large implants such as 425-450cc will result in your breasts descending even further. The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nipples are slightly low but still above your breast fold.I think you could get a great result with a dual plane augmentation which would enlarge your breasts as well as centralize your nipples. This would also save the scar and cost of a lift. If a some point in the future you want your breasts perkier you could add a lift. Good luck.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  The answer to your question depends on your expectations.  If you are wanting lifted breasts with upper pole fullness, I would recommend a breast augmentation with a lift.  If you are okay with your current nipple position as well as wanting a more natural results, you may be a candidate for a breast augmentation alone. I recommend you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ArcherLogan0107,
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

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
Although you didn't post any wish pics, I would say you could go either way but I lean towards a donut mastopexy- because your nipples are located in the bottom 1/3 of your breasts. The donut mastopexy hides the scar around the areola border, no vertical scar needed, but gives a nice lift.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You have already had 7 consultations and are still not satisfied or convinced with anyone you have seen. An Internet opinion will not help in convincing you what you need. I would suggest asking yourself why you have seen 7 doctors. Perhaps you really do not want implants.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You are in the "Grey" zone.  You are young, and your breast are a bit droopy now.  If you place larger implants, they will certainly stretch the skin, but will slowly descend over time and you will have beautiful round low breasts.  Its better to consider a periareolar (around the nipple scar) breast lift with an augmentation.  This will give you long lasting results.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow