Does a breast lift reduce breasts & will the breast grow again or does the size stabilize? (Photos)

Question

I had breast fat grafting without a breast lift because of my concern about the scars, but there would be little improvement. I am currently considering a breast lift, but I also do not recommend silicone implants. Is the tightening alone sufficient, and does the breast grow again after lifting operations, or does it stabilize in its size Does a breast lift reduce breasts?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

From the limited photo view, a breast lift discussion seems reasonable, but the exact plan would need an in-person exam. A breast lift mainly changes breast shape and nipple position; it is not designed to make the breast larger. In most lifts, extra skin is removed and the existing breast tissue is reshaped. Some techniques remove little or no breast tissue, while others may remove a small amount if needed for symmetry or shape. Because the breast becomes tighter and higher, it can sometimes look slightly smaller in a bra even when very little volume has been removed.

A lift also does not usually make the breast grow again. The size should stabilize as swelling settles over several months. Future changes can still happen with weight gain or loss, pregnancy, hormones, aging, or additional fat grafting, but the operation itself does not stimulate new breast growth.

Whether tightening alone is sufficient depends on your goals. If you mainly want the nipple higher, the breast envelope tighter, and the lower breast less droopy, a lift alone may be enough. If you want a rounder upper pole, a larger cup size, or a very full implant-like shape, a lift alone may not achieve that. Fat grafting can add modest volume, but some of the transferred fat is commonly absorbed, and more than one session may be needed. If you do not want silicone implants, options may include lift alone, lift with internal reshaping or auto-augmentation techniques, or staged fat grafting, depending on how much natural tissue and donor fat you have.

The tradeoff is scars. For many patients with meaningful sagging, accepting a vertical or anchor scar gives the surgeon more control than trying to avoid scars and getting only limited improvement. I would ask your plastic surgeon to show you lift-alone results in patients with a similar starting shape and to explain how much tissue, if any, would be removed. That will give you the clearest idea of whether the expected size and shape match your goals.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are a good candidate for a breast lift. Not only will it tighten your breasts, but it’ll put them into a more youthful position. While it is necessary to discard some tissue in order to tighten the breast, it should not significantly reduce the size of your breasts. There are techniques, such as an auto augmentation breast lift, that uses your own breast tissue to provide volume. This is particularly powerful when combined with fat grafting. You can avoid an implant with this technique frequently. Good luck.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @aya.. thank you for your question and showing your picture. If you want to improve the shape of your breast as well as the volume of it at the same time, you might consider getting a breast lift (pexy). However, the size of the breast reduces it's size because we are talking of repositioning all the mammary tissue and this can be improve with fat transfer to the breast. If the breast grows again depends on hormonal or weight changes. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

On these photos it looks that you have sufficient breast size so you do not need implants. In your case, simple vertical (lollipop) type breast lift would create nice improvement. Good luck.

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. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. With this technique, the breasts will no longer sag. However, if you gain weight your breasts may gain volume and if you lose weight your breasts may lose volume.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A breast lift would be a good procedure for you to lift the nipple-areolar complex and shape the breasts nicely.  It would reduce the size a small amount from the skin removal.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aya..,
breast lift will not reduce the size of breasts. 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 surgery, I would suggest you 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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You clearly need a breast lift. Your breasts will seem smaller even if no tissue is removed. Get the lift first and decide later if you want implants. Not crazy about silicone? Just use saline. They work perfectly well

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The lift only lifts the breasts and removes excess skin, but you will be somewhat smaller because of removing the excess skin. a breast reduction can be done to decrease the breast as well as lift and tighten. You do not have to get implants.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A breast lift removes excess skin and raises the position of the nipple.  The small amount of any breast tissue removed would not be visible with the naked eye.  The future breast volume can potentially change with weight fluctuations or pregnancy/breastfeeding.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Does a breast lift reduce breasts & will the breast grow again or does the size stabilize? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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