Do I need a breast lift? (Photo)

When young patients just naturally have lower nipples (not after breastfeeding or significant weight loss), it is very possible and often even preferable to start with just an augmentation, especially if you understand and are OK with your nipples being a little lower than the "ideal." A lift can always be added in the future if you decide you want one, but in the meantime you can enjoy having a breast augmentation without the added scars and recovery that come from a lift!

Dear Independent183814,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question! I would like to see a side photo as well, but based on the photos provided, I do think you could get away with avoiding a lift for now. However, in order to correct some of that ptosis, you would need a rather large implant. The more projecting, the more it will correct. With that being said, you don't want to go bigger than you'd like just to avoid a lift. I would suggest an in-person evaluation. Good luck!

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

Hello, you are at a good place aesthetically to do a breast augmentation alone. A breast augmentation will give you some degree of a lift that you will appreciate. I also feel that you do not have enough breast ptosis to even consider a mastopexy at this time. If you desire more volume, it is a good time to consider augmentation.

Yes, my recommendation would be implants alone. Your nipples are a little low but not enough to require a lift at this point. Nipples that are a little low are not unattractive and appear very natural. A donut lift is to be avoided. It creates a scar around your areola, often distorts the areola, and provides no real lift effect. When it is time for a lift, perhaps a decade from now, a vertical lift (lollipop scar) is best. An anchor scar lift is not as effective, produces a boxy look, and has a long horizontal scar.

I think that if your nipple position doesn't bother you now, then you can achieve a very nice result with breast augmentation without the lift. You will maintain the natural shape that you are used to. Especially since you don't have children yet, I think it would be a reasonable choice to avoid the lift. If your nipples get lower later in life or after childbearing, then you can do the lift at that time. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

An exam would be necessary to fully determine how good of a candidate are you for implant alone but it's not out of the question. A lift would likely get you the best "textbook" result in terms of nipple position and shape but if the scar rules that out for you an implant alone could give you more volume.
I would anticipate that the droopiness would get worse over the next 10 years and more so if you have children/breast feed. A lift would almost certainly be necessary at that point if you undergo a revision. So important to understand that potential as well.
Get a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons to ensure you're getting properly educated on your options. Look at their results - ideally they should have some that are similar to your situation.
Virtual consults are a great option as well. Good luck.

Most women do not want a breast lift because of the vertical scars associated with the traditional techniques. For that reason, an alternative was developed called 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 or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Overall you are not sagging tremendously, and are starting with aesthetically pleasing anatomy. A conservatively sized implant would give you a mild lift, and more prominence of the breasts. Considering your young age, and not having the changes of breasts with pregnancy, you may be best off holding off on any surgery until you pass these milestones. In any case, don’t get a lift. A breast augmentation will not compromise the function of your breasts, but a lift does have the potential to make nursing difficult. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon, and ask lots of questions