Can I get implants without a lift? (Photos)

Question

I have one child and my breast are quite saggy but still small and very deflated. I was wondering if I’d be able to get implants without a lift

Elisa Stein, MD · Answer

Bright213327,
The best way to answer this question is to understand the difference between a lift and an augmentation. A breast lift, or mastopexy, will elevate the height of your nipple and tighten your skin envelope. A breast augmentation with an implant (or fat) will add volume to your breast. In some situations, an implant will add enough volume to fill in the lose skin and raise the nipple. In other situations, an implant will be combined with a breast lift for the desired result. Some patients want a breast lift alone because they want perkier breasts without any additional volume added. Best to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to understand the results of these options and see what meets your goals the best! You may realize once you select your implant size that your nipples will still be too low and to get the look you want will require a lift as well.
Dr Stein

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Your photos show significant breast deflation with the nipple and lower breast sitting low on the chest. In that situation, implants can add volume, but they do not reliably lift the nipple or tighten loose skin.
If implants are placed without a lift when the nipple is already low, the implant may sit higher on the chest while the natural breast tissue hangs lower over it. This can create a heavy or "waterfall" look rather than a round, centered breast shape. Choosing a larger implant to avoid a lift can also add weight and may worsen stretching over time.
A lift is usually the procedure that repositions the nipple and reshapes the lower breast envelope. If you also want more volume, a lift with implants may be considered, either in one operation or sometimes staged depending on your tissue quality, implant size goals, and your surgeon's exam. The tradeoff is scar visibility, but the tradeoff of avoiding the lift may be a less predictable shape.
An in-person exam is needed to confirm the best plan, but based on the degree of deflation and nipple position visible in the photos, I would expect a lift to be part of the discussion if your goal is a higher, more youthful breast shape.

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, implants alone are unlikely to correct the sagging and deflation fully. A breast lift is usually also needed to reposition and support the breast tissue for a natural, lifted result.
A consultation will help determine the best approach tailored to your anatomy and goals

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. Based on your photos, you appear to be a suitable candidate for breast implants plus a lift. This combination can restore volume while also lifting and reshaping your breasts for a more youthful and natural contour. A consultation would help determine the best approach for your goals. I hope this helps.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Based on your photos my recommendation would be a lift with an implant.  I have included a video in hopes that it helps answer some of your questions.  I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.  I wish you the best of luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

The answer is yes, you can just get implants, but you would almost certainly be very dissatisfied with the results.  Your nipples are in a very low position and this would be accentuated by augmentation alone.  I think a breast lift should give you an excellent result overall.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for your inquiry! We here at Mays Plastic surgery would love to sit down for a consult to discuss your concerns. With breast laxity you have options. A breast lift, and adding volume, whether its fat transfer to your breasts or implants.  Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bright213327,

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

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your nipples are located below your breast fold. For this reason, a lift would be recommended for you.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, no. Your breasts are very ptotic (droopy) and if you just did an implant, they would not look good naked. Best of luck!

Can I get implants without a lift? (Photos)

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