Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are agreat candidate for a breast lift/reduction without implants. This can be designed to result in animproved shape and contour of your breasts while minimizing scarappearance. Make sure you specifically look at before and afterpictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeonand evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find asurgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with aqualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACSHarvard-trained plastic surgeon
Hi Royalee67, Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both 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 breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. These two surgeries can be done at the same time and this may be optimal as the risks can be minimized. In addition, upper pole fullness is achieved with appropriate implant selection but more importantly, submuscular placement, and precise pocket dissection. The submuscular placement allows the muscle to cover the top part of the implant which allows the upper pole to appear fuller. Keeping away from the lateral chest during pocket dissection allows the implant to remain higher and prevents it from falling off to the side. You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
