Do I need a lift & if so what type? What Implant would look good? 158lbs, athletic frame (Photos)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. The ideal way to determine implant characteristics is by taking measurements of the breast. An in person exam is always better than photos to see whether you need a lift - to see how far below the breast crease that the breast/nipples have fallen. Based on photos alone, it seems that you may benefit from a lift along with implants.

I would highly recommend an implant with a lift. The implant is to restore volume and the lift is to restore breast shape/reduce the size of the areola.

Dear Neat980731,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for your question.

The photos you provided are not ideal for an evaluation of a breast lift because, you would have needed to take some photos from the side view and frontal view with your arms down.
But with this photos we can see that, you have excess skin surrounding your breasts and asymmetry. Asymmetry is normal from one breast to the other. Your left breast is higher than the right, also you could use more projection. The nipple position has changed, probably due to pregnancy or breast feeding You would be a good candidate for a brest lift, using Superior Pedicle Technique and, breast augmentation.
The breast Augmentation depends on how much is your own volume of breast tissue and how much volume you desire. The ideal body balance is to create symmetry between the thoracic diameter and the hip diameter. By taking all these measurements we can then determine implant volume and projection.

Your nipples appear to be located below your breast fold, which would probably make a vertical lift suitable for you. It would be a good idea to bring in a bra in the size you’d like so you can try on sizers. Sizers are implants in a range of sizes that you can fit into your bra. This will give you a better idea of how may look and feel after surgery. Your surgeon will also recommend a range of sizes, based on your goals and current body measurements, to help you achieve your desired results.

Hello, thank you for your question. That is incredible on the running and working out daily. When choosing implants its based on the chest measurements as to how big you can go. Depending on the look you are going for, a lift would be a part of that plan. When going for a consultation try finding some wish pics of someone with a similar frame to yours. Check out our before and after gallery for a better idea of post op wish pics.

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation 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.

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, if interested. 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

Even with your arms held up, which actually lifts the breast, your nipple areolar complex (NAC) is low on the breast mound and arguably at the inframammary fold. With your arms at your side your NAC is below the fold and very low on the mound. You need a real breast lift that removes skin above and below the NAC, forming an 'anchor scar' pattern. Periareolar breast lifts like the crescent lift or donut lift will be wholly insufficient and lead to an abnormal, non-perky appearance of the breast mound.

Based on what I can gauge through your photos, you would have excellent results with high profile small breast implants. That will allow you to have a beautiful neckline, pronounced and according to your athletic body. I hope it has been helpfull.