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

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Your left breast has some glandular ptosis which will look like sagging after your breast augmentation if a lift is not performed. Otherwise, you are a great candidate for breast augmentation.

Hello, thank you for your question. Yes that is common to have one breast different from the others. If you decide to not perform the lift during the augmentation, you can return at a later date in the future to have just the lift. The natural breast tissue will continue to be asymmetrical but appear bigger with the augmentation and if you think you would be ok with that then its really up to you.

It seems like you have mild glandular ptosis. This situation can be fixed perfectly with breast implants. For exact surgical planning we need to make some measurements during your consultation but regarding your photos we can say that you don’t need to breast lift surgery.

The lift was probably recommended to you to improve asymmetry in shape. It is difficult to say without a side photo, but your nipple may also be located below your breast fold, which is another reason why a lift is recommended.

Considering that your nipples are in good position, above lower breast crease, augmentation with moderate size implants would be appropriate. Have in mind that slight asymmetry in position of nipples (one is lower) will remain after augmentation; it is normal and barely niticeable. If needed, breast lift can be done secondarely. Good luck.

The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Since you are having liposuction done at the same time, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Dear Tough42682,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Yes, you need a lift on the lower breast, or you will just be larger and still sagging. In swim suits, you will not be even. Yes, you would be happier with a lift. You might consider Care Credit to help with payments.

I must agree with your Plastic Surgeon. Your left breast would look more symmetrical with a periareolar (around the nipple) lift along with your augmentation. Not only is the nipple lower on the left (which isn't as big a deal), there is too much skin hanging below the crease which will cause issues later if not lifted.
Best wishes,
Dr. Taranow