I’m 24, 5’3 and 103lbs. Can I get away without getting a lift? (Photos)

Question

I’m 24, 5’3 and 103lbs. I had a consultation with a surgeon and he recommended a lift as well as getting 345/365cc silicone high profile implants. My question is if I can get away with no lift? I’m aware of my sag, I do want to look more natural so the sag is no issue, I just want to be bigger. I’m currently like a 32A/B.

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your nipple position is below the breast folds which means implants alone would not correct the sag or give you a youthful shape, so the lift is recommended. Without a lift, placing large implants on a breast with ptosis will make the sag more noticeable. The implant will initially sit high, while your natural breast tissue and nipple continue to droop, resulting in a "snoopy dog" or bottomed-out appearance over time. In-person consultations and examinations with a surgeon can advise the best approach to achieve your goals and determine the ideal size for your implant.

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. 
With regards to your specific question, you
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.
Based upon your photos, it would appear you would benefit from a lift. For patients who are uncertain or unwilling to commit to the additional scarring, these procedures can be staged. Start with a larger implant, assess the result and once settled revisit the idea of a mastopexy.
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.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are too low on the chest wall to undergo just an augmentation.  I recommend a breast lift using 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 or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos the nipple position is low which generally indicates a lift is recommended.  It's hard to say what you can "get away with" without further discussions of your goals for surgery.  If you elect not to have a lift and would like a "perky" lifted look you will likely be disappointed.

I’m 24, 5’3 and 103lbs. Can I get away without getting a lift? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Can I avoid a lift?

Answer: Can I avoid a lift?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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I’m 24, 5’3 and 103lbs. Can I get away without getting a lift? (Photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Can I avoid a lift?

Answer: Can I avoid a lift?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.