Considering a breast augmentation after weight loss - will I need a lift in addition to implants?

Question

I have lost weight over the last few years (10 stone down to 7) and I have lost a lot of boob! I used to be a 34C and now am a bit of an empty 34A I am seeking opinions as to whether my results would still look good if I opted for just a breast augmentation WITHOUT any form of lift? I’m really not keen on adjusting the nipple or the scarring! Advice appreciated. Thank you!

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

"Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. Based on the picture provided and your concern, it seems plausible that you might experience some degree of droopiness with implants alone due to the lost volume from weight loss. However, if your expectations are aligned, you might find you're satisfied with the results from augmentation alone, avoiding the additional scarring from a lift. It’s crucial to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon about your aesthetic goals and expectations to decide the best surgical approach for you. Keep in mind, individual expectations vary, and what is satisfactory for one may not be for another.

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Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on the photos alone, I believe that you are a good candidate for augmentation without a lift using a properly positioned and correctly selected implant.

Steven J. White, MD · Answer

We offer saline and silicone breast implants depending on each unique patient case and their individual aesthetic goals. He is a master at his craft, and blends surgeons skill and years of experience to create gorgeous results.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
You may be a candidate for a straight forward breast augmentation. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Garrett Wegerif, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! That is a huge accomplishment. Accurate measurements are necessary to to give a definite answer but strictly based on your photos you would likely be a candidate for augmentation without lift if you were ok with a larger size implant to accommodate the skin envelope. Another important consideration is the technique used; I would recommend a dual plane 2 or 3 submuscular implant placement. This will allow for the upper portion of the implant to be covered by muscle and conceal rippling but the lower portion of the implant will be covered by the glandular breast tissue allowing the implant to fall into a more natural position in relation to the nipple. 
If you only wanted a very small implant you would likely require a lift.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

You absolutely could get implants without a lift depending on the size of the implants you choose. If the implants are large enough, you could do incision under the breast or armpit so they are out of sight. If you prefer a smaller implant size, you could do a benelli lift, where the incision is only around the areola and the surrounding skin is tightened around the implant to give you taught, perky breasts without the lollipop scar of a traditional lift. We would love to see you for an in person consultation here at Smith Plastic Surgery Center. Fee free to call our office at 702-838-7055.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Implants are centred behind the nipples, so without a lift your implants would sit rather low on your chest. You would also lack upper pole fullness. For these reasons, a lift would be recommended.

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss!  While it is very common to require some reshaping or reduction of the breast skin in combination with implant placement after significant weight loss, each case should be looked at individually.  In your situation, it depends on the degree of augmentation you desire, but your baseline nipple position appears to be at or above the level of your breast fold and therefore you are more likely to see a nice result with placement of implants alone, no lift required.  An in person consultation by an experienced surgeon can confirm this with you.  Best of luck in your surgical planning!

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 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

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

If you want a large implant, no lift would be needed; however, for a moderately sized device, you would benefit from a lift

Considering a breast augmentation after weight loss - will I need a lift in addition to implants?

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