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

Question

I am in the process of researching and scheduling consultations for a breast augmentation and I want to know what to expect. Will I need a breast lift in addition to implants?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear graacee112,
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

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on the photos, it doesn’t seem that you will require a breast lift, but this is a decision to be made by your surgeon after an evaluation.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. The best way to determine the procedure which is the best for you is to find out your expectations. 
Breast implants focus on creating volume while breast lift focuses on eliminating sagging breast tissue. 
If you are unhappy with the position of your breasts (drooping), a breast lift is definitely the right choice for you. This procedure will raise drooping tissue and boost your appearance significantly but will not increase the size of your breasts. I recommend you breast uplift with implants. 
Best wishes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello! My best advice for you is to truly think about what you are looking for and what is your expectation of what you want your breasts to look like in the end. When getting implants, it does add more volume and can give you a natural "lift" since it is filling in the breasts. If you add a lift that is just going to give you more perky breasts and nothing wrong with that. You and your surgeon can discuss both options and see what you feel is best for you. 
Best of luck!
Dr. Julia Spears MD

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

It really depends on what look you are after.  In your case you could go either way but each option would give you different results.  For larger more pendulous breasts, just an aug would do.  For perkier breasts and slightly more volume, a lift would be ideal.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, it appears that breast augmentation may be better procedure. Although you have some asymmetry in position of areola/nipple (one is 1-1.5 cm l) I still think that augmentation with implant around 300 ml. would be good procedure for you. Good luck.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your need for a lift depends on your goals. Breast implants provide volume, but very little lift. If your goals are only to have larger breasts then implants alone would suffice. However, your photos suggest you would achieve an overall better aesthetic outcome by including a lift.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends on what you want or expect from a breast augmentation. To be clear, your nipples appear to be below the inframammary fold, almost certainly on the left were it sits on the inframammary side of the breast mound.  This also means you have asymmetry to nipple position, as well as breast size asymmetry. A breast augmentation without a lift would not correct any of those issues except size discrepancy, which ironically would potentiate shape asymmetry. Finally, there is a sense among women who want a 'natural' look to think that foregoing the lift would be just fine. However, going without the lift would not necessarily lead to a 'natural' look, and in fact might lead to an 'abnormal' look.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think you definitely need a lift. Look into the lollipop lift and avoid the temptation to opt for a donut or Benelli lift. Also fear in mind that not all plastic surgeons are comfortable with the lollipop lift and will try to steer you away from the lift at all