Currently an E / F cup and hoping to achieve a DD. Can this be done with a lift alone or will I need implants? (photos)

Dear westcoastie,
Thank you for your question. A breast lift does not significantly change the size of your breasts, but you will fit into a bra better after. Breastfeeding will change the size of your breasts, so to get a more accurate idea of size, you would need to be done breastfeeding.
I recommend you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and breast lifts.

As you are currently breast feeding, it is not possible to accurately answer your question at this time. At your current volume of 32F or 34E your should be able to maintain your desired volume after a lift without the need for implants. Your breasts will however be smaller after you've completed breast feeding and depending on the size at that time, it is possible that an implant would be required to meet your volume goals.

Dear westcoastie,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

From the photos provided it appears you are a candidate for a breast lift with possible reduction. You may also consider a lift with an auto augmentation which uses your own tissue to give more upper pole fullness. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you once you have stopped breastfeeding for three months for the most accurate recommendation. I've included a video on auto augmentation that I hope you find helpful.

Althought it is very difficult to say that without full in person evaluation, it appears that your skin and breast tissue are very loose and streched. Having that in mind, you definitely need reduction and lift; large size breats like D and DD will create bottoming out very soon after surgery due to skin/breast tissue laxity and lack of support. Placing a mash may not be of significant help in that scenario, as well. You may consider more radical reduction and placement of an implant to compensate for breast tissue volume. Considering your small, gracile frame, you should stay withn C/D cup size, at most to have longer lasting result. Hope this helps.