Would a Benelli lift and implants help me achieve the same perky look I had pre pregnancy? (photos)

You do need a breast lift along with augmentation. The Benelli or donut lift should really be called the 'Do Not' lift - it provides little lift, usually results in enlarged areolas and often produces ugly scars. The donut lift should be done as rarely as possible. I nearly always do a vertical, or lollipop breast lift. The anchor lift should only be done in very droopy breasts; in my very busy breast practice I nearly never do the anchor lift. I recommend smooth, round, cohesive silicone gel implants under the muscle. It is important to keep in mind that the larger the implant, the faster your lift will come down. You need to be sensible in choosing your implant size. The combined lift and augmentation is a challenging operation. I advise you to see a very experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast procedures. All the best.

Dear deeval,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi Deeval,

Thank you for reaching out with your question about achieving a perky look similar to what you had before pregnancy. Your detailed history and the photos you provided greatly assist in offering a tailored response.

Based on your situation, I recommend considering breast augmentation combined with a Benelli, doughnut, or peri-areolar breast lift. This approach will help restore the volume of your breasts. The choice between placing implants above or below the muscle will depend on the look you are aiming for. For more pronounced upper pole cleavage, placing the implant above the muscle is advisable, while for a more natural appearance, under the muscle would be preferable.

A thorough physical examination and implant sizing will be crucial to determine the ideal implant size for you. I would lean towards high profile or ultra-high profile implants, judging from your photos and body proportions, and I recommend smooth wall, silicone implants for a natural feel and appearance.

The implant insertion method around the areola allows for the combined benefit of a Benelli, doughnut, or peri-areolar breast lift. This technique not only repositions but also resizes the areola, contributing to the overall aesthetic you desire.

In summary, I believe that a Benelli lift with implants will effectively help you regain the perky appearance you enjoyed pre-pregnancy. I am confident that with the right approach, you will be delighted with the results.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

I would first like to make clear that a benelli lift (and the subsequent areolar reduction) is an excellent adjunct to breast augmentation in a deflated breast that has a low nipple areolar complex, which remains above the fold, and with minimal glandular ptosis. However, the ideal candidate is more likely going to just get an augmentation without this lift. The majority of patients that get this lift are not good candidates, and you are included. Although they have lost projection, your breasts are not really deflated or small. Perhaps most importantly, your breasts have either significant glandular ptosis or frank grade 1/2 ptosis, and are relatively flat and wide. Also there is significant asymmetry to the shape and ptosis of each breast. A Benelli lift will actually enhance breast flatness (unless an implant is considered) and do very little to relieve ptosis. In my estimation, a breast implant would be an important part of returning to pre-baby breast shape. However, without a true breast lift, your breasts will never look like they use to.

You would benefit from 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, small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for providing photographs. After pregnancy women often experience breast ptosis (or sagging), deflation or loss of volume in the cleavage area, and widening of the areola. You are a great candidate for breast implants and lift to restore your pre pregnancy aesthetics. If you plan on possibly having more children I would wait until after for your breast rejuvenation.
A Benelli lift will likely not give you the lift you need and will also result in widening of your areola over time. Long term you won't be happy. I would recommend a vertical or lollipop lift. I only use Benelli lifts in patients with very minor breast sagging (nipple only needs to move 1-2 cm upwards) and patients with smaller starting areolas. I hope this helps!

Looking at your photos, a good option for you would be a breast implant with a vertical lift. That is the best strategy to restore both the pregnancy related deflation (volume loss) and loose skin

You will need at least a vertical lift to reshape your breasts better. You might consider small implants behind the muscle for better upper breast fullness. If you plan to have more children, then wait for now.

From the photos it appears a lift with a small implant will help you to get closer to your pre-pregnancy look. During this surgery the areola can be reduced as well. A small implant will provide more upper pole fullness to restore the "perkiness". See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.