Mini Breast Lift with no implants; What really happens in this procedure and what visible benefits can be achieved?

Question

Hi - After breast feeding both my kids for more than a year, my breasts have taken an impact. I am very uncomfortable with the idea of breast implants but would like to improve the appearance of my breast, so I was wondering what benefits I can achieve with a mini breast lift but with no implants. Also, what is the recovery time for this procedure and how soon can I go back and workout? Appreciate your thoughts and advice.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I really don't what a mini breast lift is. Traditional breast left techniques can improve the shape of the breast without implants. Typical recovery is 4 to 6 weeks.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The Mini Ultimate Breast Lift&trade; is a new technique
which reshapes your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevates them
higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.Aligning the areola and breast tissue over
the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes anterior projection without the
use of implants.This technique avoids
the ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique, maintains nipple
sensation and the ability to breast feed.This technique was developed because of the dissatisfaction with the
lollipop incision, which does not provide adequate lift.Patients wear a compressive underwire bra for
2 months and avoid physical activity using the pectoral major muscle for that
time.This is required because the
weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying muscle and muscle motion will
interfere with the healing process.Patients frequently go back to work within a few days but do not work out
for 2 months.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You may be a good  candidate for a minimal "short" scar technique breast lift without an implant. If more superior breast fullness is desired then consider a fat transfer procedure at the time of the lift - The "California Breast Lift" is a procedure which transfers unwanted fat from the abdomen or thighs to the breasts. See the below links for additional details. Typically the recovery is 3-4 weeks for most activities and 6 weeks for unrestricted exercise.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Much of the lift effectiveness will be determined by the surgeon and how it is employed.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Maya,    Submitting your front and side views would have very helpful. Breasts lift without implants is a very common procedure. Mini lift is indicated for breasts with level 1 ptosis ( saggyness  ) or moderate level 2 ptosis. This procedure raises the nipples above the IMF ( infra mammary crease ) , reduces the size of the areolas and makes the upper poles some what fuller. The shape of the breasts becomes round. The procedure is limited to 11/2 or 2 inches of nipple elevation. When the breasts ptosis is level 3 or severe level 2, full lift ( key hole ) is indicated because of the large amount of excess skin and the need to elevate the nipples more than 2 inches. The result is very youthful breasts with oval shape. The scars , usually fade with time and are a good trade off for beautiful breasts. You can go back to light duty work after 2-3 days and normal physical activity after 2-3 weeks. Always consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive. Check also the 'realself' reviews for positive patients experience which provides important information on the surgeons.               Best of luck,                             Dr Widder

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.The type and success of a breast lift depends upon your starting degree of droop. The types of lift include Crescent, Periareolar, Lollipop or vertical and full lift.Only a visit to a plastic surgeon can help you determine which is the best option for you. Recovery and return to activity depends on the type of lift.  In general lifts are more easily tolerated because they are largely skin operations and hurt less than muscular operations.I have included a link with a diagram of the types of lifts.I hope it helps.Best wishes.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

If you like your present size, but do not like the position or shape of the breasts, then a breast lift would likely work for you. The breast is elevated. reshaped, and nipple positioned correctly in one procedure. See your plastic surgeon for evaluation and to see how this can be achieved. Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without an exam in person, it is difficult to say what type of lift would be best for you. If you need more volume or want more upper pole fullness, then you are better off with implants as well.

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

Mini lift means different things to different people including surgeons.If by a mini lift you mean as circumferential scar at the border of the areola it only has the power in most cases to help a small degree of sagging.So to determine if it was useful in your case only a consultation can tell you

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

After a pregnancy the breasts certainly do change. The skin envelope is stretched and the volume decreases leaving you with a flat and droopy breast (nipples low on the breast mound). If you are happy with your volume then a breast lift can help to re-shape the breast but it will not improve the "feel" or density of the breasts. Just how much skin you have and your nipple position relative to the underbreast fold would be the major determinant of the type of lift that you would require. It is difficult to achieve superior pole fullness without an implant however. It would be best to have a face-to-face consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to see where you are and to determine what would be necessary to achieve your goals. Best wishes.

Mini Breast Lift with no implants; What really happens in this procedure and what visible benefits can be achieved?

Answers (11)

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