Can't afford both, so wondering which would be the best option - breast implants or breast lift? (photo)

Question

I can only afford getting breast implants or breast lift but not both. Which would be the best option? I would like to go bigger but I do have some fullness in my breasts still so maybe a lift would look better. Any suggestions welcomed.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. Implants only change volume not shape and position. The technique I recommend is a mini breast lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
It depends on the look you want and the size you want your breasts. I suggest setting up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

If you can't do both a lift and implants you are best off doing nothing. A lift alone will make you very small. An implant alone simply won't look right.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
I think you are going to get better value out of the augmentation rather than the lift- you aren't that saggy so go for bigger boobs!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear baydestrian,
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

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation with a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An in person evaluation or further photos are needed for the best recommendation.  From the photo submitted it appears the nipple is below the level of the breast fold which would indicate a lift is recommended.  If you choose to have implants with no lift you will have a larger version of what you have now.  Breast augmentation doesn't really lift the position of the nipples.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will not be even without the lift. With just implants, you will have larger and still sagging and uneven breasts. I would suggest doing the lift now, or wait until you have saved more money to do the procedure you really want--augmentation and lift.

Gokhan Temiz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. Based on your pictures, You are a good candidate for the breast implant&uplift operation. You can have both procedure in same session or separate sessions. It is about your priority but my advice for you is having breast uplift operation first if you want, breast implant procedure can be performed in the future.

Can't afford both, so wondering which would be the best option - breast implants or breast lift? (photo)

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