Breast Lift Alternative for Large Breasts?

Hi,

The most commonly used technique to lift large breasts is currently based on the Wise pattern. This was developed in 1957 based on the concept of excising the skin in a pattern identical to that used by bra manufacturers of that time. Unfortunately, this results in an anchor shaped scar with cuts around the nipple, vertical and horizontal cuts. The principal of the Wise pattern is based on using the external skin envelope to hold up the breast. Women with large breasts have already overstretched their skin capacity. Using stretched skin without reducing the breasts will result in hanging breasts. For this reason, a new technique was engineered. The Ultimate Breast Lift is based on the principle of transferring the weight of the breast  (especially large breasts) to the underlying muscle. This technique uses the excess skin to make an internal 'cup' and 'straps'  similar to that of a brassiere. The straps are then attached to the underlying muscles. When a woman assumes a vertical position gravity pulls on the breast. The muscle responds by contracting - lifting the breast. This technique does not depend on skin's elasticity to pull the breast up. Women with large breasts often have neck, back, shoulder and breast pain. Pain is relieved by this technique since the weight is now transferred off the skin envelope onto the muscle. The other advantage of the Ultimate Breast Lift is that  there are NO VERTICAL INCISIONS. The disadvantage of the vertical incision is that the weight of the breast widens the scar. The Ultimate Breast Lift was specifically engineered to correct the deficiencies of the current techniques, relieves pain and provides a new alternative for patients with large breasts who need a breast lift.

Best wishes,

Dr. Horndeski

         In women with large
breasts, breast augmentation is not a viable solution for breast sag. Under
these circumstances, breast implants won’t fix breast sag, but instead will
create larger saggier breasts.

 

         Without pictures or
a physical exam, it’s hard to know what option is best for you. Patients will
go to great lengths to avoid surgical incisions and in some cases this may not
be in their best interest.

 

         In your case,
correction of your problem probably isn’t possible without a breast lift. In
fact, placement of an implant might accelerate your breast sag and make your
problem even worse.

 

         It’s also important
to understand that gravity is an unrelenting force and that your breast sag
will only get worse with time. If you’re concerned about breast sag
consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate. 

You state that you have DD breasts and with that size there is no indication for breast implants.  Implants would only make your breasts heavier and they will not lift your breasts.  I think you will need a breast lift or reduction.  There are techniques to avoid the anchor scars.

Dear Ch3ryl
You ask a very good question!  The breast implants will make you breast even larger and probably more ptotic.  The Breast lift is a good procedure - with good deep layer support the scars should be minimal.
With Warm Regards,
Trevor M Born MD

The purpose of breast implants is to make breasts larger.
In some cases, the process of filling up an empty breast appears to perk it up, but that is not the primary purpose of a breast implant.
And there is no way ANY breast implant can lift up a DD breast.
Further, since you describe your breasts as heavy now, let me ask you: do you want them heavier?
And you also mention that you have ptosis (droopiness). If you add the weight of an implant, you will increase the amount of droopiness.
From what you describe, you are in need of a lift and not an implant.

Your first statement was you are a DD cup and large, albeit saggy. Implants will possibly give you some more upper pole fullness but will add even more weight to your breast, and promote more ptosis over time.
I offer patients such as yourself a LeJour breast lift using a lollipop scar, and re-arrange your tissue to provide more fullness up top and shorten the long ptotic breast. An example at
www.realself.com/all/before-and-after-photos/John-LoMonaco%2C-MD?page=16&sort=recent&full=y
You will trade a scar for the shape, but it would not be an anchor scar.

It seems that you want to have a breast lift performed, but do not want any reduction in your breast size. This can be achieved with a breast lift. Scarring is a common concern with any surgery. Specifically in regards to a breast lift, many women do not like the scar that goes across beneath the breast ("anchor" incision). Other techniques for breast lift exist that have reduced scarring, such as a "lollipop" incision. This incision usually heals well with reduced scarring. You may be a candidate for this technique so check with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Double D breasts have plenty of tissue to work with and a reduction alone can provide good shaping without implants.  Incisions will be made as necessary to reshape your breasts. There are many before/after photos on RealSelf of reductions with a variety of techniques.

There are many types of breast lifts or mastopexy procedures.  Most patients will require either a vertical or lollipop type breast lift or an anchor type breast lift.  If the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple is less than 26 cm then usually a vertical breast lift can be performed.  If the distance is greater than this distance then an anchor type is required.  If you breasts are very ptotic and there is a good deal of breast tissue below the crease then the anchor type lift was appropriate. Your plastic surgeon will review your options.

Thank you for the question.

Although it is difficult to give you good advice without direct examination,  many patients in your situation  decide to have breast reduction/lifting performed  followed by a second stage breast augmentation.  During the first stage procedure the breasts are lifted and reduced to place  them on the appropriate place on the chest wall;  I describe this as similar to creating the foundation of a building.

During the second stage procedure,  breast implants are used to  increase the breast size;  the difference is  that the breast volume is where the patient wants it to be ( for example, more superior pole fullness).

In person examination is necessary for precise advice;  a thorough discussion of patient's goals is a critical.

I hope this helps.