Possible to only go up by 1 cup for deflated breasts? Donut lift recommended for me? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to breast augmentation, oftentimes your surgeon will allow you to "try on" different implant sizes prior to your procedure. They will have you place the implant within a bra, and then try on a tight fitting shirt to mimic the appearance of your breasts post-operatively. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for evaluation.

Hello, thank you for your question. Its common after having children for your breasts to deflate a bit. Its difficult to suggest any direction of advice with out a wish pic. Wish pics gives us a better idea of what you are looking for and what you like and do not like about certain looks. For more information about lifts and before and afters be sure to check out our website below.

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, and they choose what looks right for them. 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

Dear Eliverg,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It does not appear from your photos that a lift is indicated. You can consider a small implant to give you more of the upper pole fullness you are wanting. Yes it will add volume but a small implant can help you enhance the shape without adding too much size.

As I answered before, you do not appear to need a lift, and yes, you can go up just one cup size if you want.

There are all different sizes of implants and profiles. Any implant will increase your size some and help your shape. A "lollipop type lift would benefit more than periareolar and I find that the periareolar lift does not really lift much. The smaller the implant however, the less fullness and cleavage you would have. I always have my patients try sizers which can help in making that decision on size.

As you allude to yourself, no breast augmentation could be performed without increasing the size of the breast. The size of implant needs to be carefully selected through a consultation with your surgeon. Part of the assessment is the overall shape (width, projection, height) of your breast mound, and this could guide you and the surgeon as to which implant options you have. Some people prefer modest augmentations, and that is absolutely an option for most - yourself included. Many surgeons now have 3D software to simulate the change in breast volume and appearance in their office. I would recommend that you schedule an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in breast augmentation. The surgeon would also be able to assess whether a mastopexy would be recommended or not.

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note relatively symmetric breasts demonstrating minimal sag. There is a loss of superior pole breast volume. The nipples reside well above the fold at the bottom of the breasts. Although the options include a "donut" lift versus a vertical lift, I prefer the vertical lift. The donut lift (Benelli lift) will lift the nipple areolar complex only up to 1.5 cm or so. If more than that is attempted, there may be pancaking of the breasts, unfavorable areolar scars, and the possibility of permanent areolar suture disruption (which may occur even years later) causing stretching and enlargement of the areola. A vertical lift will tighten the lower breast poles and results in less tension upon the areolar suture line, preventing areolar scar stretching.
The most important measurement preoperatively is the base width diameter (BWD) which is the width of the implant (the footprint of the implant upon the chest wall). If the implant is too narrow, you will have inadequate cleavage and widely spaced breasts...if too wide, you will demonstrate exaggerated cleavage and "lateral boob". It is best to choose an implant approximately the same diameter as your breast diameter. The implant volume then determines your size. The profile of the implant determines breast shape.Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...