30, 5'5, 166lbs, what breast lift can i get without too much scarring? (Photos)

Question

Hello! Thank you for reading. I'm 30 years old, and i do not have children yet. I'm about 5'5 ½ and i weigh 166lbs. I lost over 50lbs and my breasts look worse now. Although, they have always been saggy since i went through puberty. :( i would like to know if i could be a F or G cup with implants after a lift or what's realistic. Is there a lift with minimal scarring where i can still breastfeed in the future? Thank you!

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best approach would be an anchor lift, which removes excess skin, reshapes the breast, and elevates the nipple. Although this procedure does leave more noticeable scars, they tend to fade over time, and many find that the improved shape and support are well worth it. You mentioned wanting to achieve an F or G cup size, but it’s important to consider that your skin and breast tissue have already been stretched. Opting for large implants could exacerbate sagging due to the added weight, potentially lead to complications like bottoming out, or result in unsatisfactory long-term outcomes that might necessitate further revisions. Plus, it is difficult to achieve a full breast lift with placement of large implants at the same time due to healing concerns of the incisions stretched against a large implant. A better approach would be to consider smaller implants at the time of the breast lift, and then later once your skin has healed and stabilized without sagging you could consider going up in size further. Ultimately, an in-person consultation with a board-certified surgeon can provide you with the best guidance on which approach to take.

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss !  It is difficult to provide specific recommendations without a full physical examination. However, based on the photographs provided, you do have significant ptosis with loss of a pole volume. In my opinion, you would likely need a full anchor incision to achieve the optimal nipple areolar position and breast shape. I would caution against placement of very large implants because often soft tissue support is compromised after such significant weight loss. Over time , this can lead to bottoming out. In my practice, I commonly use absorbable mesh to provide additional support in weight loss patients. For best results, it is important that you consult with a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has extensive experience with  breast surgery in the weight loss population. Good luck. I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear milcow1,

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

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend performing a lift first and then coming back for an implant. The only reason I recommend a staged procedure is because of the high degree of breast ptosis (sagging) and the long nipple-to-fold length. It could potentially be done in 1 single surgery, but it would be more challenging with higher changes of unpredictability (including asymmetries and implant malposition). The key is finding a very experienced American Board of Plastic Surgery certified physician with extensive knowledge of aesthetic breast surgery.

David Branch, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is difficult to provide full recommendations without a proper exam- but with the photos youve shown I would recommend a lift followed by implants should you desire at least 3 months later to prevent the likely need for a revision.  Any surgery including a lift and/or augmentation can affect your ability to breastfeed.  An augmentation alone would provide the least amount of scarring, though I do not feel implants alone would achieve your desired results.  Best of luck!

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. 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You'll need an anchor scar pattern due to significant vertical skin excess. This amount cannot be accounted for with a lollypop scar pattern. Do not worry, light skin African American individuals make some of the most inconspicuous scars on their breasts. Although no guarantee, you should be able to breastfeed with a modern type of lift using a superior medial tissue pedicle for your nipple areolar complex. An implant should be considered in a second procedure.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is 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, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

The three main types of breast lift are circumareolar (donut), circumvertical (lollipop), or wise-pattern (anchor). The best surgical option for each patient depends on their starting anatomy and their ultimate goals. With the degree of ptosis that you have, a anchor-style lift is the best way to improve nipple position while also improving breast shape. While this carries the most scar burden of the lift options, it is the most powerful to make the changes needed. If the goal is to maintain as much breast tissue/size as possible, there is a good chance that you will be able to breastfeed should you choose to breast feed in the future. Augmentation with breast implants can be performed in addition to a lift, either at the time of the breast lift or as a secondary surgery. In patients seeking to significantly increase breast volume through the use of an implant, it is often best to perform this in a staged fashion after a breast lift has been performed.
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Seattle, WA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos you are a candidate for an anchor lift.  This will remove excess skin and raise the position of the nipple.  Breast tissue is not removed unless you want a reduction.  Any time surgery is performed on the breasts there is a risk that future ability to breastfeed could be impacted.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

30, 5'5, 166lbs, what breast lift can i get without too much scarring? (Photos)

Answers (12)

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