Do I need a lift in addition to implants? (photos)

Question

I have large breasts but would love for them to be even bigger. I’m not concerned about perkiness in regards to the way my breasts hang, but I’d love to make my breasts appear as though there’s more volume below the nipple. I’m wondering if it’s possible to lower my inframammary fold and add a large implant to make my breasts look fuller and improve the upper/lower pole ratio. I’m hoping I can achieve this without having to get any sort of lift with vertical scarring.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
It looks like you may need a lift. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at the photos you have provided I would recommend a breast lift and implant.  If you only place an implant you will still have a significant droop to the breast and it won't look right.  I would suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

In my opinion, yes, you will need a lift. Lifts can be done separately or at the same time as a breast augmentation. There are advantages and disadvantages to both strategies. The breast implant needs to placed within the natural boundaries of your breast. It can be adjusted to sit lower for smaller breast size, but it is rarely a good idea to lower the fold for larger breast sizes because it can cause problems with implant malposition in the future. If you are not concerned about upper breast fullness, you may want to consider a lift and fat grafting. Fat grafting involves using liposuction to harvest your own fat, processing the fat, and then injecting the processed fat into your breasts in thousands of tiny droplets. Fat grafting is good at adding volume. It is not very good at adding projection or perkiness because it is so soft.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jspam4090,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the provided photos a lift is recommended for you.  You can elect to add implants if you are wanting more volume.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Do I need a lift in addition to implants? (photos)

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Do I need a lift in addition to implants? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Do I need a lift

Answer: Do I need a lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.