Can a breast lift be done without reduction on H cup breasts?

Question

my breasts (34H) have mild/moderate ptosis and some asymetry. I'm considering breast lift but dont want reduction. I was recently to surgeons consultation on other topic, and I mentioned breast lift. He said when he does lift on large chest he gets rid of 40% of tissue cause if not, weight will sag it again. did he mean that breast lift on large chest cant be done w/o reduction or that it's technically possible but he doesnt do it bcz of risk of sagging again? (he didnt examine me)

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is advised to remove some breast tissue during your lift to improve the results and prevent complications, especially with large/heavy breasts.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The other doctor that you saw is correct. The skin of your breasts has already stretched out and sagged due to the weight of your breasts. If the only procedure that’s performed is a breast lift, your tissues will stretch out again because the weight of your breast has not been reduced and your skin has already demonstrated to you that it can’t hold that weight up.  A breast reduction will give you several benefits:  better symmetry, correction of ptosis and less chance of recurrence.  Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bright406496,
it is possible to perform breast lift without reduction. 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

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A breast lift can be done without needing a reduction. However, on large breasts, the weight of the breast tissue may affect the long-term results of a breast lift without reduction. If the breast tissue is not decreased during the lift, the sagging might happen again. The surgeon's plan may depend on your anatomy, the desired outcome, and experience level. Thus, a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon is necessary.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

A breast lift can be done without needing a reduction. However, on large breasts, the weight of the breast tissue may affect the long-term results of a breast lift without reduction. If the breast tissue is not decreased during the lift, the sagging might happen again. The surgeon's plan may depend on your anatomy, the desired outcome, and experience level. Thus, a thorough consultation with a board-certified surgeon is necessary.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Additional tissue removal is not necessary when a lift is performed on larger breasts. It may be that the surgeon you spoke to does it to minimize the risk of sagging after surgery.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

The surgeon you consulted with is absolutely correct. Without tissue removal you will get nowhere. Nonetheless, even with tissue removal you will be a proportionate size that will fit your body. Tissue removal also allows for maximal perkiness of the breast over the long term. Thank you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When a breast lift is performed very little breast tissue is removed.  The breasts may sometimes appear smaller after the surgery because the breast shape has been altered and lifted (Think of placing one cup of water in a tall, narrow glass versus how that same cup of water appears in a shorter, wider glass). There is a risk that the breasts will sag again over time, especially if they are heavy.  There are other factors such as skin elasticity that will influence how the breasts appear over time.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is 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. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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. 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

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Can a breast lift be done without reduction on H cup breasts?

Answers (16)

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