Which procedure would help me achieve fuller breasts while avoiding a lift? (photos)

Hi! To be honest you need a lift. This will set the nipple in the right place and will help increase the fullness in the upper pole. At this point, I would consider fat grafting and an implant.

Dear terix1,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Because your nipples are located below your breast fold, a lift would be the most suitable option for you.

Due to the procedures you have previously undergone, sagging has developed in your breasts. The gold standard treatment for this sagging is breast lift and implant surgery. However, if you do not want implants or scars, the most natural option would be fat transfer to the breasts, done in two sessions.

Hello,

And thank you for the question and the photos.

Following removal of breast implants without replacement, a patient may choose one of two options: do nothing and see how much the skin retracts or undergo fat transfer to the breasts at the same time. Sometimes breast lift procedure may be necessary as well to raise nipple areolar position.

Fat transfer is usually done through tiny incisions with minimal scarring and often more than one session is necessary to achieve the desired results. It also allows improvement of contour in the areas where the liposuction is performed in order to harvest the fat for transfer.

About 50-70% of transferred fat will generally survive after the surgery. The fat that does survive will act like normal fat as it's permanent but will also grow with weight gain.

I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.

Best, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, I think a lift is necessary in your case. If not, the implant will either fall (and look droopy) or your breast tissue will fall off the implant. I would encourage you to consider a lift if you're going to do anything at all. Best of luck!

Thank you for your photos. It appears you have at least a grade 2 ptosis of your breasts, where a portion of your breast sits below the level of the fold underneath your breast. A breast implant would give you guaranteed/predictable fullness in the superior pole of your breast. How high up that fullness would be would depend upon the size/width of the implant that you chose. However, the additional weight of the implant would likely worsen your ptosis. Another possibility would be to have some fat grafting done to the superior pole of your breast. While the results from fat grafting are not as reliable nor predictable, due to some of the fat not being viable and being resorbed by your body, it does avoid the cost of an implant and the possibility of requiring future surgeries due to the implant. Best wishes.

Many women refuse breast lifts because of the vertical scars associated with the traditional techniques. An alternative was developed called 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 if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

If you get implants I would also perform a lift. You should look into the lollipop lift. It has limited scars and you are an ideal case for it.

Thank you for your query and photos. An examination in person would be necessary to provide you with specific treatment recommendations. That said, based on your photos, it does not appear that you would need a breast lift. A properly selected implant should allow for a beautiful outcome for you.

Do your research, select your plastic surgeon based on his or her Before and After results, reviews, and overall sense after your encounter. I recommend sharing photos of what you consider to be your goals or wishes. Best of luck to you.