Plastic surgeon says I don't need a lift... but I'm not sure. (photos)

Hello,Thank you for your question and for posting a photo. One rule of thumb when determining which plastic surgeon will perform you procedure is to make sure all your questions are answered. If you are unsure, I would recommend asking the plastic surgeon with whom you initially consulted. Secondly, I encourage patients to narrow their potential list down to 2 or 3. Lastly, I would schedule consultations and choose a board certified plastic surgeon that is aligned with your desired outcome.When making the decision to have breast surgery, understanding the difference between a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Augmentation is paramount. A Breast Lift can improve the elasticity of your skin and for many women improves the upper portion of their breasts while not addressing the overall size and fullness. A Breast Lift with Implants is essentially 2 procedures in one. First it lifts the breasts back to their original position addressing droopiness and elasticity. The breast implants work to achieve a perkier, fuller, more voluminous breast size by one or more sizes. A Breast Augmentation can aid in increasing the size and volume of your breasts. This surgery does not address issues related to sagging or loose skin that is common in women who have lost a lot of weight, had children, breast fed or simply a matter of getting older and gravity starting to kick in.The best thing you can do is to examine your plastic surgeon's before and after photos with a critical eye. I encourage patients to bring in photos of the results they desire. You need to know where you are at to know where you are going. I wish you the best on your journey and hope you find answers on this big step in self-improvement.Sincerely, Jeffrey Sweat, M.D.Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Sacramento, California

Thank you for your question. Determining the level of ptosis (sagging) isn’t just about nipple placement, but also about the degree of skin laxity and how much breast tissue hangs below the nipple. What every cosmetic procedure comes down to is what YOU want. If you feel that you and the plastic surgeon you consulted with are not on the same page, find another specialty plastic surgeon - perhaps one that specialises in breast augmentation. You want to make sure that you are comfortable with your surgeon and confident in their recommendations for your procedure. Good luck!

Thank you for your question and photos.  An in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is necessary to fully examine your breasts, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explore all surgical options. That being said, based on just the photos submitted, you appear to have volume loss and some degree of skin laxity therefore an implant alone may not give you the desired result. If your skin is lax there is only so much an implant can do in which case a mastopexy will be required. You can always opt to have the augmentation done first and stage the mastopexy at a later time; although the downside would be two surgeries and thus two recovery periods. Hope this helps!