Would I be able to achieve desirable results from a breast lift alone or should I consider implants as well? (photo)

Thanks for your question. From your pictures, you seem to be a good candidate for a breast lift. A breast lift would elevate the breasts to a higher, more youthful position. You can also consider a breast lift with implants. The breast implants would restore fullness and volume to the upper pole of the breasts. It all depends on what your goal is. Hope this helps. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

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. 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

Based on limited photo - you appear to be a good candidate for a lift. You have sufficient volume- if you are happy with your current volume- there's no need for implants. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and discuss your options in detail.

Hello @865161771191, thank you for your question. You can achieve great results by raising the base and improving the overall proportion. This will create overall harmony. The lift can be performed through an L shape incision scar rather than an anchor. This allows me to reposition the mammary tissue and enhance the projection of the upper pole and media areas. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Thank you for your question.It sounds like you will be going with a breast lift and this is great choice. The question you have is whether you should add an implant at the same time as the lift. You also have an additional option that includes adding an implant at a second operation. You could also consider fat grafting.
Considerations:Do you want more volume?Do you want superior pole fullness?Do you want perkier and uplifted breasts with a similar volume?
Breast implants provide volume, and provide fullness in the superior aspect of the breast. When combined with a lift this can provide a very pleasing aesthetic.
When is combining the 2 operations a bad idea?
The two operations have opposing forces and so combining the two in one operation increases the complication and revision rate. Looking at all surgeries by board certified plastic surgeons, if the chance of complication with breast augmentation is X, and breast lift is X, combining the two procedures gives a rate of complications higher than 2X.
The breast lift tightens the breast envelope whereas the breast implant expands the breast envelope. And so there is a balance that must be achieved to not push the tissues too much in either direction.
It may be advisable to do the surgery in 2 separate operations if:You need a lot of lift: For example: if the nipple areaola complex needs to be lifted by more than 4 cm your surgeon may consider doing these operations in 2 stages. OrIf you want a larger or high projection implant: For example: The breast implant selected should not be a high profile implant in a combined augmentation with lift, and the implant dimension must be within the base width of your breast. Your surgeon will know how to accurately measure this for you.
There is a lot that goes into this consultation and discussion with my patients.
If you may be happy with a lift and are not sure a breast implant is for you then I would start with that operation first. If you feel like you want to add an implant later you will have more options at your second surgery, and have a lower risk of complication and revision.An implant may still be a good choice for you depending on your goals. Having both surgeries in one operation can be done successfully and safely so long as you understand the limitations in terms of safe implant selection, and accept a slightly higher complication profile. A board certified plastic surgeon will help guide you through this. Good luck!

Hello !

Based on your pictures, I personally think that it is possible to achieve desirable results with a breast lift alone - with the right technique.

However, the procedure involves removing excess skin but not breast tissue, which may result in a slightly smaller breast size. The surgery does not increase breast size but instead aims to create breasts that look similar in size or slightly smaller.

If you want a bigger size/more volume you will need breast implants as well.

It is best to consult with a skilled board certified plastic surgeon for the best results.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Hello, thank you for your question. Thats incredible! It really just depends on what your post operative expectations are. I would suggest looking at before and after photos of a lift to see what you like. A small low profile implant will give you a bit of fullness on top that may not occur with a lift alone. If you are ok with that then there is your answer. Check out our webpage for more before and afters and speak to you plastic surgeon about your concerns and expectations. Good Luck !

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, I would recommend a full mastopexy (breast lift) which is the anchor and lollipop incisions. This will put your nipples into the correct position and allow excess skin to be taken away, giving you a more youthful looking breast. Some people are a little apprehensive to the full breast lift due to the scars, but typically they do very well.
You may be happy with just a lift and no implants, but if you get the lift done first, then you haven't burned any bridges to move forward with the implants at another time.
I would make a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and talk with your surgeon about the exact look you desire.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your inquiry regarding achieving desirable results from a breast lift alone or in combination with implants.


The ideal outcome of the procedure will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. Implants may be necessary if larger breasts are desired; silicone implants inserted beneath the muscle can provide a natural-looking projection. Without implants, satisfaction with breast size is not guaranteed. For those seeking an augmented and "fakey" appearance, silicone implants placed above the muscle may be an option.


For the best possible outcome, it is important to consult an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast lifts and augmentations.

Based on this photo, you would benefit from breast lift. Very likely that addition of small implant would contribute to longevity of result. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.