Do I need a lift or would implants alone be okay? (Photo)

Question

I have breastfed 2 kids and am wanting implants - unsure if I will also need a lift. Thank you

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. Whether you should proceed with a lift in addition to your implants, depends upon whether you are happy with the present position of your nipple and areola in relation to the fold underneath the breast. In a youthful breast, the nipple and areola level is 2 to 3 cm above the level of the fold underneath the breast. Adding implants to your breast will increase their weight and they will settle slightly more. If you’re unhappy with the position of your nipples, then in addition to your implants, you would need a lift to elevate your nipples up to a better aesthetic position.  If, on the other hand, you are happy with the position of your nipples and breast then no lift is required. Best wishes.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In the photo, there appears to be breast deflation with some lower-pole skin laxity after breastfeeding, while the nipple position looks close enough to the fold that measurements will matter. Implants alone can restore volume and upper-pole fullness, but they do not reliably lift the nipple or tighten loose skin; if the nipple sits at or below the inframammary fold on exam, a lift is usually needed for a rounder, higher shape.
If your nipple is still clearly above the fold and you are comfortable with a more natural, slightly lower breast position, an implant-only approach may be reasonable, especially with the right implant width and profile. An in-person exam should measure nipple-to-fold distance, breast base width, skin stretch, and your desired implant size, because choosing a larger implant to avoid a lift can sometimes create heaviness rather than a better shape.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Here is your blueprint: nipple location compared to your inframammary fold (IMF). Nipple above the IMF? Implants alone, no lift scar needed. Nipple at the IMF? Gray area: a small donut lift (Benelli) or a BodyTite RFAL can lift one to two centimeters without committing to a full vertical scar.

Nipple below the IMF? Real lift, vertical or anchor.

Breastfeeding deflation is misleading: the looseness appears greater because the breast is empty. A filled envelope often means you need less skin removed than anticipated, sometimes no skin removal at all.

This happens multiple times weekly during consults. A patient comes in expecting both an aug and a lift but leaves having booked an aug alone.

Resist booking a lift on paper. Measurements must be taken in person while the surgeon pinches the skin and tries sizers, because your situation is unique and the optimal plan can vary.

#StayBeautiful,

@RealDrWorldWide

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

This is common, borderline and depends upon your goals.

If you are ok with natural appearance, remain slightly low, then implants alone will give a nice result. This will improve upper fullness and “lift” lost volume and shape. Usually perform larger implant dual plane or totally above muscle.

If you prefer higher, very perky breasts, than a formal lift with implants would be best. This will add additional scars.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your best options and expectations.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

I completely understand your dilemma, as it is incredibly common to wonder if you can achieve your goals with implants alone after breastfeeding two children. Looking at your anatomy, you have some natural stretching and tissue descent (mastopexy/ptosis), meaning that if we were to simply insert an implant without a lift, the volume would push the breast out but your nipple would remain pointing downward, creating a deflated or "sagging" appearance over the top of the implant. To achieve a beautifully rounded, youthful contour where the nipple sits proudly at the crest of the breast mound, combining your augmentation with a breast lift is going to be the most definitive option. I highly recommend an in-person physical examination so we can evaluate your skin elasticity, measure the exact distance from your collarbone to your nipple, and determine whether a full anchor lift or a more conservative periareolar "donut" lift will best complement your implants.

Waylon Zeng, MD · Answer

Hi thank you for your question! You are asking about implants vs implants with a lift. In your case, I think you would be able to manage with an implant only. This would require a slightly larger implant though to allow for the breast tissue to lift up with the implant placed underneath. Because your areola sits right where the fold of your breast is, you would not require much of a lift. Hope that helps!

Do I need a lift or would implants alone be okay? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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