Is it possible to get upper pole fullness with just a lift?

Question

Is it possible to get upper pole fullness with just a lift (no implants) my surgeon says yes but I have heard lots no’s. Help!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding upper pole fullness expectations after a breast lift.

It would be helpful if you shared photos. However in my experience, most women will still look the upper powerfulness that they desire.

I hope this helps!

Mark McRae, MD · Answer

Certainly the best way to achieve upper pole fullness is a breast implant. There are breast lift techniques that utilize your own tissues to achieve more of an augmented appearance. The technique I use moves the footprint of the breast up on the chest wall and can produce very nice superior fullness in select patients. No 2 breasts are alike and there are many types and shapes of breasts. There are certain breast shapes where you can achieve the appearance of more superior fullness with your own tissues. However a flat, ptotic, deflated breast will not achieve upper pole fullness without an implant or fat grafting.Fat grafting is an option for a more subtle upper pole augmentation. You will not get as much volume as with an implant, but the contour is quite appealing and natural. You should make sure to discuss these options with a board certified plastic surgeon to see what procedures will best meet your goals.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Neat729665,
Breast lift is able to remove excess skin, raised the nipple vertically, and centralize the breast tissue which is low. In general, this produces more central fullness and a nice contour to the upper pole, but the upper pole generally has a straight line contour as opposed to a rounded contour. Around upper pole contour can really only be achieved with an implant. While some patients have that nice upper pole fullness in the immediate postoperative period, as everything stretches and settles, it tends to decrease.
To be fair, lift alone can have an incredible aesthetic result, producing a naturally shaped breast with improved central fullness. Ultimately, you would need to decide if this meets your goals.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

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. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Neat729665,
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. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

The short answer is maybe.  It really depends what you are trying to achieve.  A breast lift will place the breast mound and nipple/areola back up above the breast crease/fold.  So yes, you will get some more upper pole in comparison to what you have before surgery.  However, a breast lift, no matter what is done, will not achieve the SAME amount of fullness in the upper pole that an implant can.

I usually demonstrate in the office on the patient what a breast lift will look like when the breast has settled and the swelling is gone.  If the upper pole is enough for them and the size is fine then all that is needed is a breast lift.  If they desire more upper pole fullness or more volume, then an implant is needed.

Hope that helps.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Short of seeing photos, one can only give general advice.  If you do not have much breast tissue, it's hard to create upper breast fullness. Breast augmentation is the most predictable way to add volume to the upper breasts.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Yes you can get upper pole fullness with a breast lift, but it will not be as significant as a lift with an implant. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consult to see if an auto-augmentation is possible. Good luck!

Anne-Sophie Lessard, MD · Answer

Hello therewhile its possible to improve the fullness in the upper pole with a lift, it will never give the same result than a breast implants and it usually settles down over years to give you a more natural look. I hope that help you !

Ersin Gonullu, MD · Answer

with fat grafting to the upper pole or advancing a lower pedicle auto prothesis tissue to the upper pole, fullness can be made stronger and more visible.

Is it possible to get upper pole fullness with just a lift?

Answers (12)

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