Would I be able to get breast implants without a lift? (Photo)

Question

I recently went in for a consultation and was recommended that I get a lift in addition to the implants. I wanted to get some other opinions on if a lift is absolutely necessary if I just want to achieve bigger, fuller breasts and do not mind some sagging (I actually would prefer teardrop shaped vs round)?

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 then get to choose what looks right for them. 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

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Great question and a constant debate for patients. It really all has to do with expectations...and yours are perfect for just an augmentation. It appears that you have something called pseudoptosis (which is where is above or at level with your breast fold but the majority of your actual breast tissue falls below). As long as you choose a large enough implant and just want to achieve fuller, rounder and more NATURAL of a breast shape, you are a great candidate for just a breast augmentation. Surgical technique and implant selection will make all the difference in your final result. Good luck!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

From the front, your nipples appear to be below your breast fold but from the side, they seem to be above or in line. If your nipples are in fact, in line with your breast fold, then breast augmentation alone may be sufficient. However, if they’re below then a lift is recommended. If implants alone are sufficient, it would be advisable to choose proportionately sized ones, as the heavier the implants are, the faster the rate of sagging (making a lift inevitable in the future).

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi! I don’t believe you need a lift! Your nipple position is good, you do not have too much excess skin and tissue, plus your breasts are small. This means implants alone will fill out your breast and should give you great results. If anything, a Beneli Lift / Circumferential lift ( Scars only around your areolas) would be more then enough. This is a minimal lift with minimal scaring but it will help correct your asymmetries.

Best of Luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of Luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are slightly low on the chest wall. 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 place totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nipples are above your breast fold so you do not have to have a breast lift. I think you would look great with a well done dual plane augmentation. Discuss this option with your surgeon. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not about looking fake or perfect, which is the biggest misunderstanding about what a lift does. It's actually about making you look NORMAL with implants. Your breasts have a high inframammary crease and trying to stuff a large implant into your soft tissue envelope is unpredictable and is dependent on the whether the fold remains intact or gives way. If it holds, then your implant will ride high and your tissue will hang off of the implant (waterfall deformity). If it releases, you'll get a double bubble. Further, you have shape and size asymmetry which will lead to each breast reacting uniquely.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Oke45,
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

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You are borderline and many similar patients avoid a lift by placing larger implants above the muscle or dual plane (half under, half over muscle).

Breasts will appear slightly lower and more natural without the additional lift scars. Size to be determined, smooth round gels likely.

Further discussion with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended until you feel comfortable.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos you have some breast asymmetry and some ptosis (sagging).  You could elect to have augmentation alone as long as you are okay that the nipple position will remain essentially like it is now and that one breast will be a bit lower than the other.  I encourage you to discuss your options with your surgeon so you can make an informed decision.

Would I be able to get breast implants without a lift? (Photo)

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