Breast Augmentation Candidate? Would implants provide fullness at the top? (Photos)

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure. Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
Based on your photos, you are a reasonable augmentation candidate. Implants can be used to balance asymmetry. Your nipple position is preserved however, a lift may serve to help tighten the lower pole.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

Hello, thank you for your photos and question. You can certainly receive upper pole fullness with breast implants. Your asymmetry can be corrected to get you as even as possible, and that upper pole fullness can be achieved with a nice implant. Breast implants have come a long way and there is many different looks a surgeon can provide. I recommend looking for a board-certified surgeon, looking at their before and after photos and even looking for augmented breasts that you like for the look you desire. Best of luck.

I believe you could get a very next result and much improved symmetry with a combination of breast lift and augmentation. Instead of using 2 different sizes of implants, you may get better symmetry with a significant breast tissue reduction on the right to match the amount of breast tissue you have on the left. Good luck with your surgery.

Thank you for your query. You can certainly have breast implants to fill the upper poles of your breasts and gain better symmetry. The implants will have to be carefully selected and will have to be unequal. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Dear Inventive191696,

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

Yes, I would recommend a lift with implants. Implants provide superior pole (upper pole) fullness. The lift would be to help reduce the soft tissue envelope and make more symmetric nipple-areolar complexes.

By using different size implants, your volumes could be made more symmetric. Implants can also provide more upper pole fullness. Having a lift at the same time would improve your sagging and also improve the symmetry in shape and contours of the breasts.

Thank you for your inquiry! Asymmetry can be correct with 2 different size implants. Implants will give upper pole volume. We would love to sit down with you and discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Thank you for your photos. Breast implants can help you improve your asymmetry by placing a larger implant in your smaller breast and a smaller implant in your larger breast. From your photos, you appear to be right on the border of whether you would need a lift or not, so dimensional measurements of your breast, specifically the distance from your nipple down to your inframammary fold, with your tissue under stretch, would need to be done. Once you know, the size implant that you wish, take its width and measure from your fold under your breast upward that many centimeters. That’s where the top of the implant will sit and that’s where you will get additional upper breast fullness. A detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon can help you understand these options. Best wishes.

Yes definitely! You look to be a great candidate for breast augmentation with implants. Implants can help improve your asymmetry by using a larger implant on your left breast and smaller on the right. Implants will also definitely provide you upper breast fullness / volume. Lastly your nipples appear to be in a good position on the breast (ie pointing forward and not down) and as such you may not need a lift. It is easier to give a definitive answer once you come in for an exam. Breast lifts can help reshape the breast (ie appear more round and less tuberous / pointy), reduce areola size, and improve symmetry by allowing the surgeon to remove some breast tissue from the larger breast. Great question and I think you would be a great candidate for breast implants.