Would I be a candidate for a breast lift without implants? 27 y/o. 5'9 and 224 lbs. Recently lost 120 lbs (photos)

Hi. Congratulations on your weight loss! You would benefit from a breast lift. I nearly always do a vertical, or lollipop breast lift. The anchor lift should only be done in very droopy breasts; in my very busy breast practice I do the anchor lift only every few years. You must understand that a breast lift alone will not give you upper pole fullness, despite the claims of some surgeons that they can move your own breast tissue into the upper breast. A breast lift alone will not provide any fullness, firmness, or shape. For that reason a breast lift alone is often not a home run: the patient has scars, but no upper fullness and no firmness. I have found that even a small implant makes the operation much more pleasing to patients. Another option might be fat grafting, but this is an unreliable operation that often needs to be repeated. The combined lift and augmentation is a challenging operation. I advise you to see a very experienced plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast procedures. All the best.

Congratulations on your weight loss! Based on limited photos you appear to be a good candidate for Bilateral Extended Mastopexy/lift with axillary excisions with or without implants . I do not believe that lipo alone (based on photos) is adequate. Since you did not post your back photos- it looks as though (based on the lateral look) that you would benefit from a circumferencial breast lift ( to lift your upper back as well).

A breast lift would improve the sagging or ptosis to your breasts, creating a more youthful appearance. You will likely lose some volume with the procedure. If you have a desire to maintain or increase your volume, implants would be recommended.

If your goal is to make your breasts perkier, then a lift alone would be sufficient. Implants would only be necessary if you want significantly rounder breasts.

Breast lift would be a good procedure to correct size and shape of your breasts. However, very likely, due to distended skin with minimal elasticity, you will be prone to bottoming out, deformity that happens few months to few years after lift. It would be wise to consider implants, even small, to maintain longevity of breast lift result. Good luck.

The technique I recommend is 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. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear toni2424,
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.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You should definitely start with a lift only. You can always add implants later. If you place implants at the same time as the lift you won’t get a good result. Because of how far your nipples need to be moved, trying to do a lift and implants at the same time is not a good idea.

Congratulations on your weight loss. A breast lift will definitely help you achieve a more youthful Appearance see her chest by repositioning your nipple and reshaping your breasts.

Congratulations on your weight loss! Yes, you would be a good candidate for a breast lift. Because of your stretchy tissue, you may need an internal bra for better support.