Should I get a lift or lift with implants? (photos)

Question

I'd like my breast to be lifted with an implant however I do not want my breast to be bigger in size because of the implant. Is it possible for me to get a lift and implant without going bigger or do I only need an lift to get the fullness up top and bottom that I desire? I'm currently a 36DDD and if possible I'd like to go down in size and most definitely not go up in size

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you don’t want implants, then a lift alone would be sufficient to give you more fullness and roundness. Implants would only be necessary if you want significantly rounder breasts.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for a breast lift without the need for implants, especially if your are happy with the size and volume of the breasts. I hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It appears that you would most benefit from a reduction or a lift, depending on your goals.  Hope this helps.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. You wouldn't have to get an implant if you want just a lift and even reducing the size with the breast lift is possible. The implant component adds upper pole fullness to the breasts shape. You wouldn't need to get a large size to achieve that. Usually the plastic surgeon can reduce some of the breast tissue to minimize weight and size of the breast and this will help to slow down the process of them drooping over time.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Since you are size 36 DD, you do not need implants but do need a lift. 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. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief and long term stability. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, you have 3 options. First would be breast reduction, which will give you nicely shaped, lifted breasts, 1-2 cup  sizes smaller than what you currently have. Next would be breast lift which will give you full breasts slightly smaller (1/2-1 cup size) from what you have but, considering your breast size, this result may not last too long? Third  option would be breast reduction with addition of implants to keep you within current cup size (which is similar to breast lift results), but would provide more longevity to your reconstruction. In person consultation with board certified plastic surgeon familiar with these procedures is recommended. Good luck.

John Reilly, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, For the best aesthetic outcome your breasts require a lift. The purpose of that is to lift the nipple/areolar to a more suitable location over the new elevated breast mound. Once you have established a better shaped breast and nipple position you can then augment that better shaped breast with an implant which is the only way to give the upper half of your breast and the cleavage area a more round, fuller appearance. Whatever size implant you put underneath your breast it will increase the same amount in size. You can overcome this increase in size by doing a small reduction of breast tissue to offset the size of the implant. Best of luck.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon,
Unless you have a reduction of your breast tissue, implants will make you bigger. I suggest you discuss it with your PS and have a lift with only a very modest reduction, and skip the implants!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

A reduction operation will make your breasts smaller. Lifting of breasts is part of the reduction surgery.  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

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  I think you will have a good outcome from a breast lift. An implant can give you more volume at the top, as well as more roundness in this area.  But an implant will make you bigger. So if you don’t want to be bigger, then a breast lift without implants will be better for you. If you want to be smaller, then you can have some volume removed at the time of the breast lift to achieve this goal.  Best of luck!