What grade ptosis am I & will implants alone give me more fullness/volume? 5'2, 34 y/o, 127lbs (Photo)

Question

I’m 5,2 34 years old and weight 127 lbs. I have had one child and won’t be having more lol. Will implants alone give me more fullness/volume. Nipple position isn’t a concern for me as I’d like to avoid a lift. Just want my clothes to fit and looks better!

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The photo suggests some lower-pole heaviness and mild to moderate droop, but the exact ptosis grade depends on where the nipple sits relative to the breast fold during an in-person exam.

Implants alone can give more volume, better bra/clothing fill, and more upper-pole fullness. What they cannot reliably do is lift the nipple or tighten loose skin. If your nipple position truly does not bother you, and your goal is mainly more fullness in clothing, an implant-only augmentation may be reasonable. The tradeoff is that the breast can still look somewhat low on the implant, especially without a lift.

If you want a rounder, perkier breast with the nipple more centered on the breast mound, a lift is usually the more predictable option. A large implant should not be used as a substitute for a lift because it can stretch the skin further and may make future sagging worse. A consultation with measurements of nipple-to-fold distance, skin quality, and implant size range would clarify whether implants alone would meet your goals or whether a small lift should still be considered.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gregarious184049,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. Implants alone cannot change shape and position. The technique I recommend is 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. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to judge ptosis degree with the arms not at your sides.  Based on your photo you will have the best outcome from an augmentation with a lift.  Implants alone will give you more volume/fullness but the nipple position will essentially remain the same.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

Yes implants alone will give you significant volume and fullness. It will make your clothes fit better. You will even get a small amount of lift from the implants. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You do have some ptosis or sagging, but the correct amount, probably 2 to 3, cannot be stated with your arms elevated and your photo slanted. with no lift, you can achieve more fullness, but still will sag. Implants and a lift are best.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Of course and in person examination is necessary to properly answer your question.

However based on your photograph the nipples are at the bottom of your breast with no normal breast skin showing underneath the nipple. This is grade 3 mammary ptosis and requires a breast lift with breast implants.

If you have breast implants placed without a lift then there is a risk of a snoopy deformity.

What grade ptosis am I & will implants alone give me more fullness/volume? 5'2, 34 y/o, 127lbs (Photo)

Answers (7)

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