Borderline lift - can I get away with implants only, no lift? (Photos)

You’re asking exactly the right question, and your instinct to avoid scars (for now) is very reasonable.Can you “get away with” implants only?Yes — in borderline cases, implants alone can be done if you accept:A natural, softer, not very perky lookThat a lift may be needed later (which you’ve already said you’re okay with)However, implant choice and technique matter a lot here.Why 350–400 cc may work against your goalFor your frame (5’8”, 144 lbs) and desire for a natural result:350–400 cc is not a small augmentationLarger implants tend to stretch the breast baseOver time, this can make the breast look wider, heavier, and lower, not perkierIn borderline-ptosis patients, big implants often accelerate the need for a lift, rather than delay itSo while you could do implants only at that size, the trade-off is:bigger breasts now, but more sag and a lift sooner than you expectA better compromise: Preservé augmentationIf your goal is natural, subtle improvement without scars, a Preservé (tissue-preserving) augmentation is a much better fit.With this approach:The native breast footprint and ligaments are preservedThe implant is used to fill the upper pole, not weigh the breast downThe breast looks naturally fuller, not “augmented”In borderline lift cases like yours, this usually means:Smaller implant: ~225–275 ccLower projection profiles (mini / demi / low-moderate)Careful pocket control to avoid bottoming outThis gives:A natural shapeMinimal scar burdenA result that ages more gracefullyAnd often delays the need for a liftAbout waiting until after kidsThat’s a valid choice. Doing a conservative, preservation-based augmentation now does not burn bridges — it keeps your anatomy in better condition if/when you decide on a lift later.

Thanks for your question! Your breast sits low on your chest wall so even with a lift, you will have lower sitting implants than some women. You're a tricky case. If you don't mind them sitting naturally, you should be happy with the right implant. Good luck!

Thank you for the inquiry! We would love to sit down and discuss your goals. With a implant you may be able to achieve your goals without a lift. Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Surgeon.

thank you for posting your question and pictures. It's a question, that comes up regularly. Borderline cases can be thoughest ones to make a decision on. It truly depends on certain measurements, anatomy, skin/tissue quality and a patients expectations. Sometimes a second opinion can be helpful. It truly helps a surgeon, if you can present him/her some fotographs presenting a result you are aiming for. This way, your surgeon has the opportunity to discuss your options during an in person consultation best. I hope this helps

I think you would be a great candidate for breast augmentation. You will have a very nice outcome without having the scars for a breast lift. Best of luck!

Kind581681,
Thanks for your question. The simple answer is yes. With the right implant (moderate/demi) and the right cohesivity (ergo/memory gel), you will get a natural tear-drop shape. If you cannot hold a pencil under your breast fold, then you definitely don't have enough sag in my opinion for a lift. Hope that helps.

Dear Kind581681,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yes, implants only, no lift.Do I need a breast lift? You might not need one. 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

Providing that you do not want additional scars, breast augmentation may be a good starting option. You can always do the lift later if you find that your shape is not entirely to your liking. Good luck.

You might! It depends on what you’re looking for. Your ptosis is mild so the correct size implant may be enough to fill out your breast and not need additional scars. Just understand that without these extra scars we cannot correct asymmetries. Plus, the heavier they are, the sooner you will need the eventual lift.
Worst case scenario, the implants don’t fill out the breasts and you are left with excess skin around the implants. This is would translate into a second round for a breast lift.
Best case scenario your breasts will be big and full and natural… not perky. It seems this is what you are looking for so this could be right for you. It worth a try!
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota