Areola size and severe grade 3 ptosis? (Photo)

Question

Is it possible to keep your current areola size when getting a breast lift with or without implant? Can I keep my current cup size or will I go down 2-3 cup sizes if I get a breast lift? Will an implant be recommended in order for me to achieve the look I want?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

A properly-performed breast lift only removes an ounce or very slightly more skin, preserving the remaining breast volume (size) in a tightened and lifted skin brassiere. Surgeons who remove breast tissue to replace it with implants are misguided, IMHO. They have apparently been taught that removing breast tissue and then replacing it with implants designed to mimic breast tissue in feel and consistency somehow magically gives more upper pole fullness, or makes a breast lift last longer.Implants add volume, or more size, and a tiny set of risks associated with breast implants. So unless you want larger breasts, you do not "NEED" to have tissue removed and implants placed. You would want implants if your present breast size (minus that ounce or so of excess breast skin per side) is less than your final goal. Bigger CAN be achieved at the time of full breast lift, but only if you don't ask for too much!And yes, your areola size can be preserved, though areolas generally stretch after breast lift, and even more so after breast lift plus implants. Within reason, however, you and your surgeon can decide on the size of  areolas that are best for you.If you desire a "look" that is high, round, and "fake" then you should consider a good push-up bra after your surgery. Implants add size, not roundness (unless, of course, you develop capsular contracture--you really don't want this), so if you like your breast size now, find an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon who can remove only skin, preserve your areola size as desired, and lift what you already have into its new position. Then get cute bras for the look you want! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

A mastopexy or breast lift
operation is designed to improve the shape and position of the breast without
reducing their size. It is used for breasts which sag or droop (ptosis). The procedure can also be
combined with a minor breast reduction to reduce the breast width if desired.
The surgery will create an elevated, more youthful breast contour. Also, the
procedure will create nipple and areolae of the desired size and at the correct
height. The options are up to you, and your best bet is to find a local surgeon, schedule a consultation, and discuss all of your options and potential results. Best of luck to you!

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

Normally a patient will lose some size after a lift and yes the areola can certainly stay the same size if that is you prefer. Make sure that you tell your surgeon your desires and concerns in advance.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

The breasts may lose their
elasticity and firmness which can be caused by different factors such as
pregnancy, massive weight loss, lactation and aging. To reaffirm the breasts
and restore the natural look your surgeon can perform a mastopexy or breast
lift. A breast lift restores a firmer, perkier, and more
aesthetically pleasing shape to sagging breasts. This not only can improve
a patient’s appearance by restoring her youthful, feminine proportions,
but also help bras and swimsuits fit more comfortably and attractively. By
removing excess, stretched out skin, reshaping the breast tissue, and raising
the nipple & areola into a more forward position, a cosmetic surgeon can create
a more youthful breast contour. Stretched, large areolae can also be
reduced during breast lift surgery, creating an overall better proportioned,
natural looking breast, Actually the perkiness on a person or another, depends
on patients skin and breast tissuefor the first 3 to 4
months

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

It is possible to keep the same size areola with a breast lift.  Your cup size, however, would decrease with a breast lift alone. To maintain your current volume, you would need not only a breast lift, but also a breast augmentation to restore the volume removed by the lift.  Discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

It is possible to keep the nipple  and areolar the same size after a breast lift, even for very significant ptosis. Do keep in mind however that an implant with a lift does put pressure and cause some areolar stretch for most. Review the many before and afters with implants to get and idea.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A breast lift procedure removes excess skin and re-positions the breast tissue higher up on the chest wall.  If the areolar size does not fit the breast in proportion then it can be adjusted during the procedure.  Breast size does not change with a breast lift, however bra size may change due to the tissue rearrangement and how the bra is fitted.  If there is inadequate volume to achieve a nice natural result, a breast implant can be added during a breast lift.Good Luck!

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It is possible to either keep your present sized areolar or have them made smaller with a breast lift.  In most cases, patients who have a breast lift will maintain their pre op breast size or go down one cup size.  Most patients do not experience a 2-3 cup decrease unless they have a breast reduction performed at the same time.  From your photo, I don't believe you will need implants unless you want to go to a larger breast size.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The areola is usually reduced during abreast lift because they tend to stretch after breast lift-discuss with your surgeon-they can be kept the same size but will likley be larger after surgery. Breast size should not change after a breast lift but you will fit a bra differently.

Areola size and severe grade 3 ptosis? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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