Can I remove natural breast tissue and replace with an implant to change the shape and size of my breasts? (Photos)

Dear natalyalovitt,

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. 

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, it is actually breast tissue that is being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.

On the other hand, many women have overdevelopment of breast tissue and require reductions. Some of the questions you need to ask yourself are if you are willing to have scars from the surgery, take the risk of losing nipple sensation and other complications in addition to possible problems breast feeding if you plan to have children in the future.



It is best that you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.





Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question.
It wouldn't be advisable to remove all of your breast tissue and replace it with an implant unless you have a very high risk of breast cancer and you wanted to undergo prophylactic mastectomy for that reason. If you remove all of the breast tissue, the sensation in your breasts will be severely reduced.
There are periareolar (incision around the areolar) mastopexy techniques that are suitable for you. I'd go and speak to a board certified plastic surgeon about your options.
Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, have a full examination, and discuss your goals with them in detail. If you want more upper-pole fullness and a higher breast profile, these goals can be achieved through a breast augmentation and breast lift that will not require removal breast tissue which can have potentially undesirable consequences. Your surgeon can recommend the best and safest course of treatment to get you the results you want. During your visit, ask your surgeon to share before and after photos of past successful surgeries that are similar to yours so you can ensure he can deliver the results you want. Good luck!