Mild sagging breasts: Can I restore volume with a small implant without a lift? (photo)

Question

I am 35, 4’11”, 132lbs with a natural 34E cup. I have some mild sagging. I wanted to get a breast lift but hate the scars I’ll be left with if I go through with the procedure. I have fair skin so I scar easily. My nipples point forward, I lost a lot of volume on the top of my breasts. I don’t care for my nipples to sit perfectly 21cm from my collarbone. I love the natural look. My question is, can I simply restore volume with a small implant without a lift?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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 with different size and style breast implants. They then get to 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. 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RSMember6326,
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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I don't think that you will get ideal results without considering a breast lift. If you have good scar management, eventually the scars can be nearly imperceptible. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your sagging is more than mild and implants will not solve your problem.  The technique I recommend is a lift using 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.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jorge Galaz, MD · Answer

If you are comfortable with the position of your nipple-areola complex and you don't accept the scars, then you shouldn't get a breast lift. 
I would recommend however mid-high volume (at least 350cc) and high profile implants, this will help with your cleavage and give better projection of your breast mound. I would also recommend subglandular placement of the implant, this means the implant will be below the breast tissue and over the muscle. The placement of the implant in this position will lift better your breast. If you decide to place it below the muscle, the implant will be high and the breast tissue low causing what is described as a snoopy nose deformity.
Sincerely, Dr. Galaz

Mild sagging breasts: Can I restore volume with a small implant without a lift? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Mild sagging breasts: Can I restore volume with a small implant without a lift? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.