I'm thinking of getting 360cc round extra high profile implants. Do I need a lift? (Photo)

Dear Harrietty11,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thank you for your question. It seems like you can benefit from a breast lift with implants. A breast augmentation and a breast lift work hand and hand to enhance the overall shape and size of a woman’s breasts. These procedures are ideal for increasing the size of the breasts while restoring balance and youthfulness to a woman’s bust. Schedule an email, Skype or in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper evaluation.

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. 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, if desired. 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. You should also be aware that results of surgery can change in the future with significant weight change and/or stretching of skin from the milk of pregnancy. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and augmentation alone will not be adequate. The technique I recommend is a 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 can be performed if additional volume is desired. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years. Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Measurements are needed to be sure if you do or don't need a lift. But, just based on your photos, I would say no.

A full consultation would be necessary to assess your tissues, anatomy, etc., but if you are just looking for more volume, including the upper pole/portion of the breast and your nipples are above the fold, you may be happy with just the augmentation for many years.