61 years old: what kind of results can I expect from a breast lift with implants?

Question

I WAS ABOUT A 40DD IN MY 30 S , 2 KIDS LATER , I WANT THOSE FULL FIRM BREASTS BACK.! I LL WANT TO WEAR THE DEEP CUT DRESSES, T SHIRTS , BIKINI TOPS ,, TIGHT TIGHT SWEATERS,,, AGAIN !!

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A breast lift with implants can often make the breasts higher, rounder, and fuller in the upper portion, but the exact result depends on your current breast size, skin quality, nipple position, chest width, amount of sagging, and general health. Age alone does not rule you out. Many healthy patients in their 60s can be candidates, but you need a careful in-person exam, medical clearance when appropriate, and up-to-date breast screening before surgery.

It is important to separate the goals. A lift repositions the nipple and reshapes loose breast tissue. An implant adds volume, especially upper-pole fullness. Together, they may improve the way clothes, swimwear, and lower-cut tops fit, but they cannot recreate the exact tissue firmness you had in your 30s or stop future aging and gravity. If you already have a good amount of breast tissue and want to remain around a DD range, your surgeon may recommend a conservative implant, or sometimes a lift alone or lift with fat grafting, depending on your exam.

The tradeoff is scars, usually around the areola, vertically down the breast, and sometimes in the breast fold. Larger implants can create more fullness, but they can also increase the risk of recurrent sagging, bottoming out, implant malposition, and a heavier look over time. For a stable result, implant width, projection, and placement need to be matched to your tissues rather than chosen by cup size alone.

The best next step is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Bring goal photos, but stay open to what is safe and realistic for your anatomy. Improvement in shape and fullness may be possible, but the safest plan is one that does not overload the skin envelope.

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

A breast lift combined with implants is the best way to restore youthful shape and position of the breast if you want a 'full' look. Generally the anchor pattern breast lift gives the most control over reshaping the breast. An implant will provide "upper pole fullness" or volume at the upper inner portion of the breast in women with a deflated breast after pregnancy or breast feeding.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They then get to choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Without photos you can not expect any concrete answer. In general for your age, size and after 2 pregnancies, you will likely need both lift and implants. In person  or telemedicine consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your current bra size. However, I recommend a lift using 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 and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. Later, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear GoddessofMinerva,
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. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can get good results, but you won't have 30 year old breasts with 30 year old skin. Your breasts may not stay as tight as you want and you need to avoid going with large implants.

Arthur Shektman, MD · Answer

Without photos it is impossible to give you any kind of helpful advice. You should reach out to a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person conusltation. Make sure you bring photos of your desired look, but keep in mind that your body shape and size is different from anyone elses, so these should only be a guide as to what you wish to acheive.

Best of luck.

Best of luck.

61 years old: what kind of results can I expect from a breast lift with implants?

Answers (8)

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