Can implants be used to lift natural large breasts?

Question

I'm a 30HH. I've heard a mastopexy can only do so much and wont give you that perfect, perky round look that implants do. Problem is, I don't want an augmentation as it would be too big for my frame. Is it possible for implants to lift large breasts without increasing their size too much?

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

With breasts as large as yours, breast implants will not make them any more perky or round.  Implants will only project them forward and likely change the shape unnaturally.  It will not change the position of the nipple which usually provides a more perky and round look.You may be a better candidate for a breast reduction or a mastopexy (breast lift).  A breast reduction can reduce your size a little (or a lot) and provide a lift.  A breast lift can improve the shape and the location of the nipple on the breast.It's hard to provide advice based on just a few sentences.  Seek a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery to get your best evaluation and advice.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A breast reduction would be indicated in your case.  This will involve a lift to reposition the areolas/nipples higher on your chest wall.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, You do not need implants! All you need is a breast lift that will use your own tissue to fill the top of your breasts. The Bellesoma Method was not only designed to achieve upper pole fullness without implants, but it has also eliminated the dreaded vertical scar component. Breasts are beautifully reshaped and elevated with minimum scarring. Long term results are this technique's hallmark. An internal support is fashioned using a woman's own tissue to keep the newly shaped breast high for years to come. Nipple sensitivity along with the ability to breast feed is also preserved. Remember, implants are not stable devices and as such require maintenance in the form of costly revisions. I hope this helps. Best wishes and kind regards, Dr. Gary Horndeski

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In general for women who desire a more implant-based appearance but who are starting from a large breast volume point of view the best decision is to pursue a breast reduction to remove excess breast tissue and skin, while repositioning the nipple and areola into a higher, more youthful position. Once fully healed an implant can be placed in a second stage to the desired size.  Implants alone will not be able to lift your natural breasts.  Hope this helps.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.   
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure.  Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.Ultimately, the choice will hinge on your exam. If you have significant ptosis, there is no substitute for a formal mastopexy. On the other hand, minimal ptosis can be addressed via a large subglandular implant.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

Scott Loessin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Given the current size of your breasts, I believe that a Bilateral Mastopexy alone would be able to give you the size and shape you desire.  If you were absolutely determined to have the full, round look that implants give, you could always do a combination of a Mastopexy with a small breast implant.  Please make sure you schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that can give you their best recommendation to help you achieve the size and shape you are looking for.  Best of luck to you!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants can be an excellent adjunct to a breast lift. However, if a patient needs a breast lift than breast implants are not a substitute. Consult in person with an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon to understand your options.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

No. Implants add volume and do not significantly alter the position or shape of the lower breast pole or areolar complex. Please don't fall into the trap of "just get implants to lift your breasts and you won't need a lift." I get it, implants are easier, create less scarring, and are less expensive than a full breast lift. However, women with breasts as large as you need to have a full lifting procedure (with reduction of breast tissue) to make their breast fuller, perkier, and less heavy so they won't pull back down again. I doubt you will need anything else after that, however, if after a nice lift you still want more volume, you could put implants in later if needed. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Based on your description of breast size and goals only,  it sounds like that you may benefit from breast reduction/augmentation surgery.  During this operation, some breast tissue is removed and breast implants are utilized for volume/fullness. Sometimes, the operation is best done in stages.I would suggest that you be very careful with your decision-making: undergoing breast augmentation surgery only, when breast lifting is also indicated, can be a "recipe" for an unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome,  disappointment, and potentially require additional surgery to "correct".  Also, I do not think that it is a good idea for patients to undergo breast augmentation surgery, with larger breast implants than they would otherwise select, in order to avoid the need for breast lifting.
 
  Ultimately, which operation you should undergo will depend mainly on your physical examination and personal goals. If I were seeing you in consultation, I would ask that you communicate these goals in terms of goal photographs and/or computer imaging.  This type of careful communication, preferably in front of a full-length mirror, is key. Avoid the use of cup sizes as a reference point; this can be a source of confusion and miscommunication.
 My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as discussed above. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  Best wishes.

Can implants be used to lift natural large breasts?

Answers (9)

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