39F, 145 lbs, 168 cm. My breasts are currently size 32DDD. Am I a candidate for a breast lift?

Keep in mind breast lift is always and inevitably a breast reduction, so every woman undergoing mastopexy will lose 30-50% of breast mass; that's why quite often a breast implant is associated to maintain similar volume or modify it.

The implant also has another role: fullness at the upper breast pole, given the breast lift won't ever and in any case be able to provide volumen where it was non existent before surgery.

I think you are a great candidate for a breast lift. If you are happy with your size, then you shouldn't need an implant. There are other options to achieve more fullness at the top of your breast if you want like using absorbable mesh, also called the "internal bra" to help keep everything up and perky. You can also use your own breast to "auto-augment" the top part where you need it the most. Talk to your surgeon about these options, and I hope you really enjoy the outcome. Best of luck!

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 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The breast lift 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. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your photos. You have ptosis of your nipple, and a breast lift would lift your nipple position to its proper position on the front of your breast. Initially, your breast would be lifted as well, however, your DDD cup would likely cause some settling of the breast due to your breasts weight. As you mentioned that you are happy with your size presently, I would not add an implant as an implant makes your breast volume larger and increases the weight. The implant also increases the cost, possible complications, and the need for surgery in the future. Best wishes.

I think with a lift alone you would keep a similar volume with an improved shape. A small implant could give you some more volume but you might find with a well done lift that isn’t necessary. An alternative option for modest volume augmentation would be fat grafting.