Lift or no lift? Are 400cc-500cc too big for my frame? (Photo)

Question

On my first consultation I was told I don't need a lift and that based on BWD 14 I could go anywhere from 400cc-500cc. On a different consult I was told I could only go for 375cc and needed a lift. I am 5'3 and weigh 140lbs. I'm scared of making the wrong choice. I have wanted this BA for 25 Years!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

Your nipples are slightly above your breast fold. I think you would do well with a dual plane breast augmentation without a lift. This would save you the scar and expense of a lift. Implant size question I would want to see you in person, but most of my 5'3" patients wind up in 375-400 range. Good luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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. The augmentation lift can help eliminate the sagging skin and excess fat causing your breasts to develop a droopy look. It will give your breasts an uplifted appearance and a more desirable sloping shape. Schedule an email, Skype or in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper evaluation.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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. 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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Lady Bella, 
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

I agree with your second consultant for 325 cc's the 400-500 cc implants will be large and heavy for your frame and tissue, cause thinning of your tissue and sag with time.  The 325 cc implant will give you a lot of fullness and still fit you well. Plus, it will be a size you can enjoy.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

thank you for sharing your photos! If you're looking for perkiness, you may need  a lift—but  if you also want more volume, an implant may be sufficient to increase your breast size and give your breasts a perkier appearance. A breast lift raises droopy breasts from one to several inches and excess skin is removed. These are some of the factors I weigh with my patients when evaluating what type of procedure to do. I suggest making an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for consultation to discuss your options.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. Based on your photos and not an examination, you could probably do fine with dual plane implants alone and not a lift. It depends somewhat on what you are trying to achieve. Implants will not give you a lift but will make you bigger and fill out the upper pole of your breasts. If you went with the implants alone and decided afterwards that you want your breasts lifted, you can do that later. If you went with the lift at the same time as the implants and decided that you don't like the scars from the lift, not much you can do about it. Be sure to see and experienced, board certified plastic surgeon.

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