Do not want to lose size - Should I get Breast Lift or implant? (photos)

Question

Before scheduling a consult I want to know what questions to ask, I'm currently a 40DDD or F depending on brand and am looking to have a lift but do not want to lose size. I would like to be approximately a G cup for my body size What would my options be for surgery?

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi. Patients that do not want to lose their size can always get a breast lift without a breast reduction. Just keep in mind that a breast lift does not last for ever and the size and weight of the breasts always play a factor in how fast the breasts drops after a Breast Lift.

In some cases, breast implants alone can help avoid breast lift scars. In your case however, if you opt for implants, you would still need a breast lift with your implants. I personally do not recommend implants because of I feel you have more then enough tissue to fill out your breasts without losing any size. If you want them a little bit bigger, then a breast lift with implants would be your best option.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Usually, I only remove a small amount of tissue during a breast lift. Therefore, patients tend to be about the same size after surgery as they were before. However, some patients do find that they fit into their bra differently, and sometimes find a smaller or larger size to be more comfortable. If you want perkier breasts, then a breast lift would most likely be sufficient. Implants would only be necessary if you want to be larger or get significantly rounder breasts.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique 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. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jules Feledy, Jr., MD · Answer

Your photo shows that you have large pendulous breasts and are missing volume especially upper pole volume. The breasts have laxity. A breast lift could be easily performed. But with the size goal and the skin laxity, there is a high likelihood that you will have bottoming out of the lifted breasts. At least another alternative would be to place an implant which would be a stable form for many years. And it would hold the upper pole volume. I believe that you would get the best result with an augmentation (of the volume) and a mastopexy (breast lift) including areolar and nipple reduction. But if you wish for fuller, perkier breasts, realistically an implant is required for added volume for the long haul. Thank you. Respectfully, Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
Breastlift alone will reduce cup size a bit due to reduction of all of the excess skin. It is likely you would be at least a D cup. The shape will be improved. You can either opt for augmentation with implant or with fat suctioned from another body region. This will help improve the upper pole of the breast and provide pretty cleavage.
Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon with a photo gallery so you can see her/his work. Best of luck to you!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, all three at the same time. Although nothing is better than your own tissue in terms of feel, it will fail you in terms of appearance, so its reduction is necessary to enhance the results and durability of the lift. If you want to also be larger, than an implant should be placed as well. This will result in the best appearance.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nurseStephanie9,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
Just have a breast lift with minimal tissue removal- and make sure you discuss this with your surgeon so they don't go crazy and make you a B cup all of a sudden.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your best choice would to have a breast reduction and go down to a size that your tissue can support and stay lifted. Going larger will just stretch your own stretched tissue even more and sag again fairly soon. Please do not go bigger.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no replacement for an in person exam but you appear to be a good candidate for a breast lift. Some tissue will be removed and your breasts will be a bit smaller by the lift and displacement of your breast tissue. I recommend you only consult with board-certified plastic surgeons as you decide who will care for you.
Dr. Edwards