Implants and lift or implants? Looking for firmness, not so much fullness (Photo)

This depends on where your nipples are located in relation to your breast fold. If they are in line or lower than your breast fold, then a lift is recommended. The lift would improve firmness and improve perkiness. If you’d like to have significantly firmer breasts, then implants may be placed at the same time as a lift.

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.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on this photo, you appear to have some ptosis and would benefit from a lift in addition to an augmentation. This will give you the proper shape. Firmness will likely depend on the size of the implants and the tightness of the skin envelope after the lift. I hope this helps.

Dear Charming321713,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

From the limited photo it appears you will have the best result from an augmentation with a breast lift. Selecting a conservative size and having the implant placed beneath the muscle should help in achieving a natural look. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Your photo is not good to actually see all of your breasts. But, you do appear to need a lift. If you want fullness, add implants.