I'm a 36D-DD and I would like to get a breast lift but not sure if I should have implants too. What are your thoughts? (Photo)

Question

I'm looking for fullness so what will be the best procedure to do to accomplish this. Should also consider getting a reduction too? I'm 5'1 and weight is 137 lbs what will be a perfect size for my body?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually if a woman wears a size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc. This is a general number, and of course there are other factors that will affect this. Other factors which contribute to the outcome are size, shape, and profile. The #profile is determined by the amount of #projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the #size of the implant and size of your chest. Also, the placement or incision location will also have an effect on profile. However, #BreastImplants without a #BreastLift is usually said to be mistake by many patients who reflect back on the decision. Most breasts will look larger and more droopy with solely implants. They will sag more and sooner, due to the sudden and excess weight. At times it's possible for a “Snoopy” breast or double bubble to develop as a result. Additionally, an implant with lift may be useful to re-position the nipples which may have been affected by ptosis or drooping. One of the primary intentions of a Breast Lift (#Mastopexy) is to improve the shape and position of the breast without reducing their size. It is used especially for breasts which sag or droop (#ptosis).Talk to your surgeon at greater length and be sure to view before and after pictures and reviews beforehand to gain more reassurance of the procedure.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question!  The mastopexy procedure raises the breast, which ultimately provides a more youthful and perky breasts. This is done by removing the extra loose skin and rearranging the surrounding breast tissue in order to reshape and support the newly formed breast. At the same time, the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is raised to the ideal position above the fold beneath your breast (the inframammary fold) as well as being placed at the most projecting portion. Oftentimes with age or following pregnancy, the NAC becomes widened and enlarged. This may be reduced in size during the breast lift procedure. It is common for the breast to lose its firmness and uplifted appearance over time, which is also accentuated with age, pregnancy/breast feeding, weight gain/loss, and gravity. This results in breast ptosis, or sagging of the breast, with a “deflated” appearance. Women seek the mastopexy procedure to regain the previous youthful appearance of her breasts and women report increased confidence, self-esteem, and femininity once achieving this desired shape and fullness. Breast lifts may or may not be performed with implants – the implant would add increased size but also greater fullness in the upper pole of the breasts which creates more cleavage.  Given the significant drooping of your breast as well as your size, a lift would improve the shape of your breasts and accomplish above.  The addition of an implant would be up to you and would give additional fullness.  But, you could probably achieve great shape with a full mast openly alone.  Hope that this helps!

Sophie Ricketts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

For your height, you would achieve sufficient fullness from a lift procedure without the need for implants. Unless you wish to be larger than you are currently in a bra.The breast lift has an 'auto augmentation' effect whereby once the breast tissue is brought back up on the chest wall it increases the projection of the breast.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

Without an actual in-person physical examination, I can only give you my best advice based upon your photos. It appears that you would definitely benefit from a breast lift.If you are happy with the size of your breasts in your bra then you will likely be happy with a breast lift only and don't need implants. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to be evaluated. Thanks for sharing!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well.. 
The breasts may lose their elasticity and firmness which can be caused 
by different factors such as pregnancy, massive weight loss, lactation 
and aging. To reaffirm the breasts and restore the natural look your 
surgeon can perform a mastopexy or breast lift with augmentation such as
 silicone implants, you will get very nice results, contact a board 
certified plastic surgeon, I recommend you soft cohesive silicone 
implants about 350 cc's you will look pretty and they will be perky.Patients
 who goes to a consultation for drooping breasts (ptosis) or volume loss
 after pregnancy (pseudoptosis) almost always have one very important 
question. "Can my drooping be corrected with just implants or do I need a
 lift".Implants alone will correct drooping when:Breast drooping is mildThe nipple is still near the center breast and does not point downwardThere is some visible skin beneath the nipple/areola when looking at the breasts straight on.The patient is okay with being at least a cup size largerA breast lift (with or without an implant) is better when:Breast drooping is moderate or severeThe nipple is at the bottom of the breast or points downwardThere is no visible skin under the nipple/areola when looking at the breasts straight on.The patient is already a C or D cup breast size and doesn't want to be largerThe areola is too large and the patient wants it reducedI
 also show the patient photographs of a spectrum of breast scar present 
after a breast lift in order to check their tolerance for this scar. 
Most patients are surprised how little the scar shows and are okay with 
proceeding. If the patient really needs a breast lift, but is concerned 
about the scars, I will suggest they wait on surgery. In time the breast
 appearance problems will usually outweigh their concern about the 
scars.I use implants in combination with a lift when:The patient wants to be larger in addition to being less droopyThe patient desires to maintain projection and roundness of the breast moundThe
 drooping is severe..... I recommend to see a board certified plastic 
surgeon for a personal evaluation and also to talk about your goals. 
Good luck :)

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Ms. Hope69,Thank you for your photos and your questions.  Nothing substitutes for a personal evaluation and a face to face discussion of your options.Breast size is a very personal choice.Unfortunately without a examination I can advise you in general terms, however I hope you will find them helpful.My responses:1) if you would like volume increase you need a breast augmentation and mastopexy.2) if you just do a Lift: it will reduce and lift the size of the nipple areolar complex (NEC) and shape the breast by skin reduction.3) a lift alone, often, will not give the upper pole fulness you desire.4)the reason to add a small argumentation is for upper pole fullness and roundness   that can rarely be achieved by Mastopexy alone.5)on occasion I will perform a reduction, a lift and place a small breast implant for upper pole fulness to obtain the breast size and desired appearance.Please:1) collect several nude model photos of your desired breast appearance.2) make a appt. with Plastic Surgeon, who has experience in performing both Aug./Mastopexy/Reduction at the same operative event and who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

I'm a 36D-DD and I would like to get a breast lift but not sure if I should have implants too. What are your thoughts? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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