Breast Reduction or Lift with Implant for more youthful, perky and full breasts? (photos)

Question

Currently: 34 y.o, weight: 160, Height: 5'8. Bra Size: 34H. I've always had very large, saggy breasts, but excess skin has gotten worse the pAst several years. I'm unsure if I can do a reduction, lift AND implant? Would like to reduce size to something more manageable and have more perky/fullness. Biggest concern is heavy scaring and botched nipple placement since In majority of online pictures the ones with breast like mine get reductions but not a more youthful appearance. Is this achievable?

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breasts exhibit a natural 'rock in sock' shape, that is to say heavy breast (most likely glandular) tissue hanging in a stretched out skin envelope. The best approach to lifting this breast type is through precise skin removal in conjunction with breast tissue reduction; this both achieves a lift of the breast mound and nipple, and reduces breast tissue mass. The end result is, as you might expect, a smaller, tighter breast. For those like you who want a lift AND want more fullness, a breast implant would be necessary and appropriate in addition to the aforementioned lift and reduciton.

Kristopher Day, MD, FACS · Answer

To get the treatment and result that you want I would encourage a moment spent on defining and understanding the terminology. In the big picture, the things you can do to modify breast size and shape are: reduction (smaller, lifted), mastopexy (lifted, about same size), and augmentation (or mammoplasty, ie bigger). You can also combine two of these: augmentation+mastopexy, either at the same time or in different operations. Another point: all reductions include a lift but not all lifts include a reduction. Another rule of thumb: reduction and implant don't mix. The implant is used to augment, or increase, size. The reduction is a procedure to decrease size. So these are generally not talked about together. Most patients with your anatomy and thoughts between these approaches end up wanting a breast lift, or mastopexy, and that might be what you want to discuss. But having the above terminology down should help that conversation so that you get the right treatment for your goals.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34 H, you do not need implants.  You do need a breast lift and 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.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

I do a lot of augmentation and lift procedures together including one this morning. However, I do not think you should have this done in one stage. I think it would be unwise and unsafe. I would start with a massive breast reduction and then let your tissues settle for a few months. Then if you wish, add an implant and revise the soft tissues if need be at the second stage. Good luck.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear LaughLines2006 thank you for your question. 
Upon looking at your photos I think you are a candidate for breast reduction and lifting. An implant may give some upper pole fullness but overall a great effect can be achieved by reshaping the gland and skin, achieving perkier and youthful-looking breasts. 
As you mentioned scars will need to be long since the technique you require involves an inverted-T scar, but it usually heals nicely and can be concealed inside the bra or bikini.

Breast Reduction or Lift with Implant for more youthful, perky and full breasts? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Two stage surgery

Answer: Two stage surgery

Answer: Reduction + Lift

Answer: Reduction + Lift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Breast Reduction or Lift with Implant for more youthful, perky and full breasts? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Two stage surgery

Answer: Two stage surgery

Answer: Reduction + Lift

Answer: Reduction + Lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.