Do I need a breast lift or can I just get implants? (Photo)

Jclark36816,The best way to answer this question is to understand the difference between a lift and an augmentation. A breast lift, or mastopexy, will elevate the height of your nipple and tighten your skin envelope. A breast augmentation with an implant (or fat) will add volume to your breast. In some situations, an implant will add enough volume to fill in the lose skin and raise the nipple. In other situations, an implant will be combined with a breast lift for the desired result. Some patients want a breast lift alone because they want perkier breasts without any additional volume added. Best to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to understand the results of these options and see what meets your goals the best! You may realize once you select your implant size that your nipples will still be too low and to get the look you want will require a lift as well. Dr Stein

Thank you for your inquiry! Based on the photos, an implant may give you enough volume so you would not need a lift. We would love to meet with you to discuss your options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

From the front, it appears that your nipples are located below your fold. For this reason, a lift is recommended. The implants need to be centred behind the nipples, so without a lift, your implants may not give you much fullness in the upper portion of your breasts.

Dear jclark36816,
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

Thanks for your question! It depends on a lot of things, but the best way to determine what you need is through an in-person consultation. Definitely take some wish pics with you for reference! Good luck!

Hello, from the photos it looks like you would be a candidate for implants without a lift. But depending on different measurements and any wish photos you may have that may change. You can always decide to do a lift later as well if you'd like.

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 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

I cannot answer your question without a full examination. It is difficult to determine your nipple position in relation to your breast fold. This is one finding that helps a plastic surgeon guide a patient through these questions. Good luck with your surgery.

Breast lift will need to be done in your case.
There is sagging in the breast area and the upper pole is empty, so doing breast implant alone won't be possible.
Breast lifting with anchor scar + implants under the muscle (hi-def round) will provide the brest result, will add fullness and gives a natural look.

Hello there. It is difficult to answer your question without a formal in person consultation and understanding your goals. Consider scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck to you!