Small B. Is a lift necessary? What are my options? (photo)

Question

I am a 40 year old and have had 3 kids. My breasts are a small B and I would like augmentation to achieve a more balanced body. I am planning silicone sub muscular implants, and am wondering is mastopexy is necessary?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You seem to be borderline on one breast, but a lift would probably be advisable on the left breast (the last photo.) While you may be able to get away without a lift, please note that the added weight of the implants and aging will accelerate the rate of sagging, so you may need a lift in the future.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  The implants should be enough to get the balance you desire.   We would love to meet and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. From your photos, it seems that your nipples are still well-positioned and you have minimal sagging, so augmentation alone may give you the result you want without a lift. Submuscular placement of the implant can offer a natural result without requiring a lift. However, an in-person consultation is needed to assess nipple position and skin elasticity. Your surgeon will determine whether implants alone will provide a full, lifted look or if a mastopexy should be added for the most natural and balanced result.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Your breasts have minimal ptosis (sagging) as your nipple is in a normal position above the crease and centered about the breast mound. I think an appropriate sized implant will give you the enhanced, proportionate result you are looking for. I would not hesitate to proceed.  Thank you for sharing.

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

According to your pictures, you don’t have breast ptozis, so you don’t need lifting surgery. With appropriate implant size you can achieve excellent results.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

i personally would not recommend a lift with the augmentation. I expect that you would be happy with the implants alone. This will allow you to avoid the extra scarring, risks, and costs of the lift.

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
While it is difficult to provide a definitive answer without physical examination, based on your photographs, I would not recommend a mastopexy. The images provided demonstrate no evidence of ptosis and therefore the nipple areolar complexes do not need to be elevated. You should choose a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery  experienced in breast augmentation surgery for best results. Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire,

Here are some signs you may need a Breast Lift with Implants:
- Nipples sit below the breast fold (inframammary crease)
-Breasts appear deflated or saggy after weight loss/pregnancy
- You have excess skin but little volume
-You want a perkier, more youthful shape

Your plastic surgeon will measure nipple position and breast skin laxity to determine if a lift is needed. A virtual consultation or an in-person exam is the best way to get a clear answer.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

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

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

I do not think you NEED a breast lift.  I think you can have a very nice and natural outcome with just breast augmentation.  This approach would likely avoid visible scars as well.  A breast lift can elevate your nipples but your nipples aren't too low, so the change would not be very significant.  Also, a breast lift would leave many more visible scars.  Best of luck!