Is an implant enough or will I need a breast lift to bring my nipples up higher? (photo)

The position of your nipple indicates to me that a lift is necessary for best results. There are limited incision lifts, but I feel a simple implant is not enough.

It is not uncommon for it to be a tough decision between implants only or implants with breast lifting. Your surgeon will take into account the relationship of the nipple to the crease under your breast. Often, if the nipple is lower than the crease when you are standing, would be a candidate for lifting with or without an implant. The distance from the nipple to the crease may influence this also. If it is a short distance, augmentation may be suitable. It should be noted that implants alone only elevate your breasts slightly. For sure they increase superior fullness but you should have a good honest discussion with your surgeon as to where he or she would expect the implant to sit and the nipple location relative to the implants.

Dear Graceful281874,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift 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 a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery