Can I maintain my size after breast lift without implants? (photos)

A breast lift only removes a small amount of tissue, therefore your breasts will remain about the same size as they are now. However, your breasts will be reshaped therefore they may fit into your bra differently. Some patients find that a different cup size is more comfortable as a result. This may be bigger or smaller, even though the actual size of your breasts won’t be so different.

To accomplish a lift, some skin and underlying tissue has to be removed. That means your breast will have less tissue than it does now - or be slightly smaller. To keep the same size, something has to be added back.

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and 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.

Thanks for your question. In a true lift all you will loose is a small amout of skin. There is really not much volume reduction at all (unless you want it). The breast will appear shorter so sometimes patients think it is smaller, and initially the skin is tighter flattening you somewhat like a sports bra, but that will relax over time. You must be careful in your expectations. A lifted breast will take on a tear drop shape, and always have some droop, particularly if left large. Lifted breasts and implanted breasts do not look the same and many patients equate implants with Perky. Implants defy gravity, larger natural breasts want to go south again. The Perkiest patients have little natural breast tissue and are mainly implant. If you really wanted perky you would consider a lift and reduction, followed by a staged implant. In practice most patients do not want to go smaller just to add an implant, but I hope the concept makes sense. Best wishes. Follow the link for additional info.

Dear coco4180,
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
If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Maintaining your breast size after a breast lift without implants largely depends on factors such as genetics, aging, and lifestyle. While a breast lift can reposition and reshape your natural breast tissue, it won’t significantly change the size. To help maintain your size, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise can be beneficial. Additionally, using proper support bras and following post-operative care instructions from your surgeon can also contribute to long-term results. It’s important to discuss your specific goals and concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon for guidance.

You will be somewhat smaller after a lift since the extra skin is removed. However, you still should be a very nice size.

Dear Coco,
A breast lift removes only skin (except in your case where the larger breast would be minimally reduced to symmetrize them) and does not effectively reduce the breasts.
An aggressive lollipop lift should elevate your breasts, round and tighten them significantly WITHOUT reducing the size much at all.
Dr. Taranow

Thanks for posting great photos, it really helps. I agree there "could' be some minor size decrease by lifting only to gain symmetry. I would recommend full lift with 1 liter liposuction and fat transfer to bras to correct any decrease volume and symmetry. Fee in $10,000 ranges.

An uplifting procedure will not reduce the volume of your breasts. It lifts and tightens the breast, removing skin and reshaping the gland.
If your bra is appropriate now, it should be unchanged after surgery.