Am I a good candidate for breast implant without a lift? (Photos)

Dear Plucky680588,

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

Your nipples are located below your breast fold so a lift would be recommended. Without one, your implants would sit low on your chest and you wouldn’t have fullness in the upper pole, leaving you with a “rocks in socks” result.

Thank you for submitting your questions and photos. Based on your photos, you have a couple of options. If you want a more conservative increase in breast volume from implants, I'd recommend a breast lift to shorten the length of your breasts and help with nipple/areola positioning. This would require a circular incision around the areola and a vertical incision from the areola to the breast fold.
Another option would be to place a significantly larger implant in order to fill out the breast envelope and create the illusion of a lift. You may still require a lift later in life. I highly recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options in more detail. Good luck and thanks again for reaching out.