Do I need a lift for implants? (Photos)

From your photographs, even with large implants, you would probably need a breast lift to reposition your nipples. Larger implants rarely change the position of the nipples much and sometimes make them lower. Another approach is having the augmentation and living with it for a while and deciding whether you want to proceed with a breast lift and the added scars. This is not ideal because you may need to surgeries… A discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon would probably go far to give you more information and realistic expectations of the different approaches.

A lift is recommended when the nipples are located below the breast fold, rather than basing it on the size of the implants. It does appear that your nipples are below your breast fold, so you may benefit from a lift and implants.

Dear kb1009,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery