I'm 22 y/o, no children, African American. What type of incision would be best for me? Should I just get a lift? (photos)

Thanks for your question.  Having performed lifts and reductions on many African American patients, I have found that scars tend to do very well, despite the fears many patients have regarding keloids.  Keep in mind that scars are unpredictable, however, so you need to accept that risk if you're going to have surgery.Based on your photos, I think you have enough tissue to maintain a B cup after a lift without implants.  I prefer a vertical "lollipop" incision, though nice results can be achieved with a variety of techniques.  Find a local board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery to have a consultation -- shouldn't be too hard in NY!  Best of luck.

Since you want fuller, perkier yet smaller breasts, consider a breast lift that conserves underlying breast tissue. Personally, i perform mainly skin type lift in young women who have not had children yet. This will give a perkier appearance and reduce size. Since you want to go from current D to B, then you should not need implants.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations. 

Hi rochellemd,

Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both 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 breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift.

These two surgeries can be done at the same time and this may be optimal as the risks can be minimized. 

In addition, upper pole fullness is achieved with appropriate implant selection but more importantly, submuscular placement, and precise pocket dissection. The submuscular placement allows the muscle to cover the top part of the implant which allows the upper pole to appear fuller. Keeping away from the lateral chest during pocket dissection allows the implant to remain higher and prevents it from falling off to the side.

You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. You would benefit the most from a breast augmentation and a breast lift done as a single operation. The incision is for you lift would most likely have to be a lollipop configuration. This will best be determined during an in person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photographs, the best shape and contour could be achieved with an implant
and a wise pattern or vertical breast lift. Your nipple sits below the inframammary fold and
without a lift in addition to the implant, this will not have a natural
shape.  A breast lift with an implant can result in a very nice shape if
good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

You are a great candidate for a breast lift. If you are happy overall with your volume, there is no need to consider implants. Meet with several surgeons in NY and go with who you like the best. A lollipop or circumvertical scar pattern would be best for you. 

An in person consultation is critical -- it is important to feel your breasts and know the type of tissue present and to show you what you could expect with a lift only or just implants or a lift with implants. All are possible and would be explored at your consultation. Any information over the internet is a guess and inaccurate.

Dear rochellemd,Thank you for your question.  From your photos I believe that a "Vertical" type of mastopexy should be fine in terms of a lift.  This involves an incison that runs 360 around your areola then in a vertical line down from the 6 O'clock edge of the areola.  If you haven't had children you may want to consider waitin until your finished having children as there will be significant changes to the breasts with pregnancy/nursing.  Do you have a previous problem with keloids?  There some scar treatment options, but nothing can guarantee prevention of keloids, especialy if you are at risk for them.  Hope this helps.James Sheridan, MD

Thank you for your question and photos.
There are several variables to be considered when answering this question. It is always difficult to make a diagnosis on photos alone, but you do appear to be a good candidate for a breast lift with implants. When you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, they will perform a set of measurements that will help determine whether or not a lift is necessary. Another variable that needs to be discussed is what you are wanting. If you are wanting a fuller upper pole to your breast, then an implant will be necessary.  If you are just wanting the breasts to be a little perkier and don't mind the size, then only a lift is necessary. And to have the nipple in proper position over the implant, may require a lift. I hope this is helpful

Hello dear!!
Thank you for your question. It is my pleasure to help you with your concerns.
You can be your own best version, and can definitely achieve amazing results with plastic surgery in order to improve your breasts. I would recommend an anchor lift without implants, if your goal size is a B cup.
l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)