Do I Need a Lift w/ Implants If I Only Have Minor Sag to my Breast?

In general, we consider lifting when the nipple is at the level of or below the level of the fold beneath the breast.  Sometimes, following either weight loss or changes following pregnancies, one loses the fullness in the superior part of the breast which can make the breast appear as if it is sagging. But the nipple is still above the fold. In this situation, implants alone may suffice. Occasionally, one's anatomy may be suitable for augmentation only if the nipple is at the level or just below the crease. One of the dual plane approaches may be indicated. Your plastic surgeon should be able to give you the pros and cons of the various options after a good consultation and exam. Good luck.

This is a very common question in my practice. I would start with the statement
if you need a lift you need a lift.
Having a larger implant can lift the nipple about a cm or so. Unfortunately many patients are under the
impression that they can just put a really large implant and avoid a lift.

It is impossible to tell whether you are someone that would
get a good result with an augmentation alone or with some type of lift without
pictures.

The other thing to keep in mind is that there are several
types of lifts that are possible from a periareolar lift, vertical and full
anchor mastopexy. This gives your
surgeon several options to help you receive the best possible result with the
least amount of scars.

I would just be very cautious about placing a larger implant
with the sole intention of avoiding a lift.
If you want bigger breasts that is fine but don’t trade one problem for
another.

To give an accurate answer, an in-person examination would be necessary. Hopefully, you’ve scheduled a consultation with a Board Certified surgeon to ensure a safe and low-risk procedure.

Thank you for your question.  Without images it is difficult to answer if a breast lift is required.  In simple terms if you have breast tissue falling below your breast crease a lift may be needed. This is especially evident if you can hold a pencil when placed under your breasts.  In some practices surgeons recommend a sub-glandular placement of the implants to avoid a lift (versus placing the implants below the muscle). This may not be the best practice in the long term- since the amount of sag may increase with the added weight to the breast tissue, as well as may result in "low" sitting breasts.  You are best served to meet with a few plastic surgeons who are experienced with this procedure to best determine what is best for attaining your goals.Best,Sergio Maggi, MD, FACSDirector- Austin Plastic Surgery Center

Without seeing any photos, it's difficult to advise accurately regarding your situation.

I think being relatively young with only a minor sag and a desire for bigger implants, I believe you would be a potential candidate for consideration of a breast augmentation alone approach without the scarring involved in a breast lift procedure. It all depends on your expectation & preference for the ideal surgical outcome that is right for you.

It'll be best for you to seek a in person consultation with a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon for further advice.

Best wishes

Ellis Choy

Hi,The larger implants you get, the more "sag" or extra skin it will take care of, however there is a limit to this. Your plastic surgeon will be able to guide you in whether or not you need a lift as well. This is typically based on measurements and a physical exam. Best wishes,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

It's difficult to say without photos. Careful measurements and in person examination are used to determine whether a lift is needed. I look at the position of the nipple in relation to the crease below the breast. Nipple above the crease: Augmentation only; Nipple at the crease: May do well with an augmentation only, but I inform the patient that they may need a lift in the future; Nipple below the crease: augmentation/mastopexy. Depending on the desired implant size and how far the nipple needs to be lifted, this is performed as a single stage or two stage procedure. 

Getting #Implants without a #BreastLift is said to be a "mistake" by many patients. Most breasts will look larger and more droopy without the lift. They tend sag more, and, sooner due to the excess weight. At times a “#Snoopy” breast or double #bubble can result without combining the two. Also, if the nipples is in a fairly high position on the breast or “glandular” #ptosis or drooping, an implant may be useful.

Usually
a minor sag to the breasts does not require a lift when implants are placed;
however, it is not advisable to place large implants in any breast in an
attempt to correct significant sagging. The question can be more accurately
answered with an appropriate exam of the brasts to determine the degree of
sagging and the amount of breast tissue to determine whether an implant alone
will give a satisfactory result.

Your answer is all about a combination of how perky you would prefer after surgery, the shape of your breast, elasticity of your skin, density of your breasts, and other factors. An examination by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who can guide you is what is needed the most at this point. See the below link on how to choose your best plastic surgeon.