3 kids, weight gain, loss, lifting. Breast lift without implant and what kind? Photos

Thank you for your photos. The determination on what type of lift you would need would be made after measurements of the distance from your nipple to your fold underneath your breast. If that distance is greater than 10 cm, usually a wise pattern is required to help shorten that distance as the breast is lifted. If you are pleased with the volume that you have when you’re in a bra, then you don’t need an implant. However, an implant can add volume, give a better silhouette to the breast and give you fullness in the superior portion of your breast, which a lift would not do. Have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about your wishes and what’s best for you.

It is not possible to provide a definitive recommendation in the absence of a physical examination, but your photos suggest that you would not achieve a good correction of the deflation with a lift alone. If you were to choose one or the other, implants alone may in fact provide a better aesthetic appearance than a lift alone. For a more precise recommendation, seek a consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

It is always beneficial to perform a breast lift for any laxity or ptosis. Depending on expectations and desires, a small implant or fat grafting can be added to help with upper pole shape. Having said that, a breast lift alone is an excellent option and will provide maximum lifting and tightening of the breasts, Avoid any non-invasive skin tightening modalities as they do not work and you will waste $$. I hope this helps, thank you for sharing!

Hello, if my patient is uncertain whether they want a lift alone, I first start by understanding their expectations of the result. Are they happy with their current size or do they want to be a little larger? Would they accept the scars of breast lift surgery, and which type of lift will best match their desired outcome? Would they be happy with the more "natural teardrop" look of a breast lift alone, or to the desire more upper fullness that can be provided with in implant or fat transfer? I then to a proper breast examination, taking into account factors like the degree of sagging (ptosis), skin tone and if stretch marks are present, amount of breast tissue, asymmetry, lumps, etc. We then discuss the pros and cons of each operation, plus the long-term possible complications of breast implants. My patients find it helpful to review my extensive photo gallery, to get a sense of the possible outcomes.l It is a long consultation, beyond the scope of this reply. However, if you seek an appointment with an experienced breast plastic surgeon, they will better inform you of your options. I hope it goes well.

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 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

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.
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, while you are a candidate for a breast lift you would likely benefit from an augmentation in conjunction with a lift. This will add volume to a newly repositioned mound.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

It is always ok to consider a breast lift without an implant. From your photos provided, your nipple areolar complexes do still seem to be positioned well. You will certainly need an in-office consultation to see how much "lift" you would realistically get with a mastopexy.

Implants are not necessary if all you’d like to do is get perkier breasts. A full breast lift (vertical) would be sufficient. However, if you’d like to increase the size of your breasts, then implants would be necessary.

Dear Gypsy32,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dear Gypsy32, thanks for sharing your questions and concerns, after evaluating your case the position of your nipples are under the inframammary fold with a little ptosis, you look like a great candidate for breast augmentation with implants rather than just lift with this you can ensure long term results. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia

Hi, according to your pictures, it seems like you don’t have enough tissue to lift and reshape, but good thing is you don’t have too much excess skin either. Small implants with donut lift will work you well.