Is a breast lift needed with implants in my case?? What size is good for full even breasts? (Photos)

A breast lift is required to address the shape of your breasts and the asymmetry as you have stated that these are two of your concerns. To understand what "full" means to you it's important to communicate your expectations clearly with your plastic surgeon. You should bring in images of results that you like and are aiming for to help your surgeon understand the size that you deem to be "full". Once you have done this, your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend the implant size for you, or may not even suggest an implant at all - depending on your goals.

For my patients, I tell them that everyone has some asymmetry. No one is perfectly even since each chest wall (bone structure), soft tissue, breast tissue, skin volume and nipple position can be different from side to side. I look at the top of the breast and see how even that part is as a starting point to see if I need to do different sizes of implants per side. If they are really asymmetric, then I may bring in temporary sizers to put in while the patient is asleep so that I can determine the appropriate size. The implant will give upper pole fullness but sometimes if the nipple is low or there is lower pole asymmetry then we start talking about also doing a breast lift that can reshape the breast over the implant. This comes with a potentially visible scar but the overall appearance with the nipple settled beautifully over the breast mound makes it worth it. Make sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast.

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Do you want a good result, with attractive breasts? If yes, you need a breast lift, with or without implants.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You would benefit from a breast lift and augmentation together. The size and specific type of implant is best determined after an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

I appreciate your concerns and You do have options.
It appears from your photos that you have more than ample breast tissue, and if you don’t wish to be extremely large, breast lift alone will address your asymmetry and lift and shape your breasts in a most attractive fashion. Only skin is removed with a breast lift, and you would be the same size, perhaps a bit smaller on the right side to attain better symmetry. If you wish to be much larger than a C cup, small implants can also be placed at the time of the breast lift. Breast implants alone will not lift and shape your breasts adequately. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After 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, if interested, and they choose what looks right for them. 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The answer to this question depends on your size goal and acceptance of continued asymmetry and a marginally lower nipple. Your nipple position is at the level of the crease, a little higher on one side.
If you choose to go with a more projected implant, you will see more lift of the nipple position.
You can also go with a procedure that will help equalize at least the upper portion of the nipple areolar complex.
I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who can best guide you and size you so you understand where you will "land."
Check out plasticsurgery.org for a qualified plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without photographs it is difficult to comment on the best treatment(s) to help you get to your goal results. Seek out in-person consultations for best advice.

Dear AnnieBails,
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