Do I need a breast lift? (Photos)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You have a small amount of pseudoptosis on the left side which may require correction if you desire, but I agree with you otherwise, I formal lift may not be needed and implants will achieve a good result.

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and the breasts are asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. If implants are placed, they have to be centered underneath the nipple-areola complex, which is below the level of the pectoralis major muscle, so the implants will end up low on the chest wall. You may be better off doing a lift by itself and then doing implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure. Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
Based on your photos, you do not appear to need a lift. Your nipple position is preserved. the mild amount of pseudoptosis/glandular ptosis may not warrant the added scar burden of a mastopexy.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hello, thank you for sharing your photos. After reviewing them, I noticed that your nipples are at the level of the inframammary fold. Based on this, a breast lift does not appear to be necessary. With an appropriately selected implant size, it should be possible to achieve fuller, more lifted, and perky breasts.However, please keep in mind that a definitive treatment plan can only be determined after an in-person examination. I hope this information is helpful.

Do I need a breast lift? You might not need one. 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