If you like your size and simply want lifted, perkier breasts, then an expert breast lift surgeon will remove no more than around one ounce of tissue (skin). Some plastic surgeons, however, have received training that has taught them to remove much more than that, and add implants. These surgeons usually say that this technique "adds upper pole fullness," which many breast lift patients are seeking. If you only add back what you remove, this is hogwash. If you add more, then why not remove less tissue and use smaller implants?The question I would ask you if you came to me for consultation would be: "Do you want to be bigger than your present size?" Forget perkiness and lifting for a minute, and just answer the size question, since a properly-performed breast lift removes only an ounce of skin per side (in most women). If you want to be bigger, then you need to decide how much and choose the proper implant volumes. Add 30cc to account for the skin removed with the lift and there you go!Certainly, lift only is a less expensive and less complicated procedure, but lift alone will not add volume; in fact, as I have stated above several times, mastopexy (breast lift) removes one ounce of skin (30grams). Strictly speaking, your surgeon is incorrect if he stated that a lift does the same as an implant, since implants NEVER lift, they only fill up the loose skin and can give the breast an improved nipple/mound relationship. This occurs as the implants drop behind the breast and better fill the loose skin brassiere.But only a lift lifts. A lift plus implant both lifts and enlarges. For several examples of my patients with lift plus implants, click on the web reference link below. You can also navigate in our photogallery for examples of lift only. These are my patients as well. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
