Will I need a lift when I get breast implants again? (Photo)

Question

I had my implants removed in 2020 after having them for 12 years, and then I breastfed two babies. I'd like to get implants again, but much smaller this time. I had 450s before, and would like something closer to 250s now (hated how big the 450s were). I'm pretty deflated and would just like to fill in the extra skin while staying very natural looking. Based on my photos--do you think I need a lift as well? I would prefer not to have a lift, but interested in your professional opinion.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The small amount of sagging to your breasts do not justify the extra surgery, costs, and scarring from a breast lift. I would expect you to have a very good aesthetic outcome with implants alone.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and the nipple-areola complex is lying below the level of the pectoralis major muscle. The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  I think you will have an excellent result without having a breast lift. Talk to your pS in person about it but I’m sure he/she will agree.  Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tw824,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

measurements are needed to be sure, but you probably do not need a lift. The smaller size, 250-300 cc's, will look nice on you.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi dear , according to your photos we can put implants behind the muscle without lifting, you can put on 270cc and you will have a very natural and harmonious appearance. 
If you're willing to travel, Surgeons in the Dominican Republic have experience and very high standard of excellence when it comes to plastic surgery.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

You have no need for a breast lift. Proper sizing of the implants will fill the skin laxity. The volume should be significantly less than 450cc. however this can only properly be determined with measurement

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you are deflated. A lift with implants if it’s in the 250cc ranges would be appropriate. Otherwise you need a larger implant back in the 450cc ranges. Seek in person or virtual consultations.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Your nipples appear to be above the lower breast fold thus making a lift not required with new implants.

Will I need a lift when I get breast implants again? (Photo)

Answers (9)