Exploring Breast Augmentation: Is a Nipple Lift Necessary? (Photo)

Question

I am a 30-year-old woman, standing at 5'7" and weighing 168 lbs. My goal is to enhance the perkiness of my breasts without significantly increasing their size. I'm particularly interested in adding volume to the lower part of my breasts. During a recent consultation, I also expressed a desire to have my nipples positioned higher.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the provided photos you have some constriction at the bottom portion of your breast.  In order to achieve your goals of higher nipple position and more fullness at the bottom of the breast you will need to consider a lift.  Implants will help to stretch the lower pole as well.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear pativrgz17,
tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You have a few options that you could pursue for increasing volume in your breasts and changing the nipple position on the breast. Your surgeon should be able to discuss the different options and the benefits and risks of each.

For the most symmetric result that keeps your implants at a more modest size, I would recommend a donut mastopexy, or donut breast lift, aka a circumareolar mastopexy. This is when a ring of tissue is removed around each areola to slightly lift the areola and improve symmetry. Currently your left areola is lower than your right. This, along with a modestly-sized breast implant, would provide a rounder, perkier shape with improved symmetry with the areola. The scar is hidden along the edge of the areola. Through this incision the surgeon can also address the tuberosity of your breasts and place the breast implants.

It does appear as if you have mild tuberosity of your breasts, which is when there is a slight cone-shape to the breasts. At times this tight tissue has to be treated with surgery as well and could be performed as a part of your augmentation. The implant would help expand and round the shape of your breasts as well. There are different "profiles" of implants and your surgeon can help discuss which option is best for your goals and your anatomy.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'7 and 168 lbs, your BMI is 26.5 so you should have fat available for donor if you want to add more volume to the lower part of the breasts.  At the same time, you can undergo 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.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Moderate sized implants with some internal tissue release will enhance perkiness. This will also increase lower pole fullness. A lift is not required.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to confirm this as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Exploring Breast Augmentation: Is a Nipple Lift Necessary? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Mini lift with fat transfers

Answer: Mini lift with fat transfers

Answer: Breast augmentation without lift

Answer: Breast augmentation without lift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Exploring Breast Augmentation: Is a Nipple Lift Necessary? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Mini lift with fat transfers

Answer: Mini lift with fat transfers

Answer: Breast augmentation without lift

Answer: Breast augmentation without lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.