135lbs, 5ft. To fix asymmetry and improve fullness, can I pass with just implants or is a lift necessary? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am a 21 year old female. I am currently 135lbs and 5ft. My weight fluctuated a lot as a teen, highest being 175lbs and lowest being 80lbs. Throughout that time I’ve notice a change in my breast and asymmetry. I was just wondering if a lift is necessary or can I get fuller even breast with just implants.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

From the photo, you appear to have some breast volume loss and natural asymmetry, but the nipple position does not look severely low. An in-person exam is still needed, especially to compare nipple height, breast fold position, skin stretch, and how much loose skin is present.
Implants alone can improve fullness and may make mild asymmetry less noticeable, especially if the nipples sit above or near the breast fold and the skin envelope is not too loose. They do not truly lift the nipple or tighten stretched skin. If the nipple is low, points downward, or sits at or below the fold, an implant alone can make the breast larger but still leave a droopy or uneven shape.
For your situation, a surgeon may compare three options: implants alone, implants with different sizes or pocket adjustments for asymmetry, or a small lift on one or both sides if nipple position and skin laxity require it. Because you are young and likely want to minimize scars, it is reasonable to ask whether implants alone would meet your goals, but the decision should be based on measurements rather than cup size alone.
If your main goal is fuller, more even breasts with the least scarring, implants alone may be possible, but a lift becomes more important if your surgeon needs to raise the nipple/areola or remove excess skin to create a balanced shape.

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 a7698j,

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

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Whether you need a lift depends on nipple position and skin quality: if your nipples sit at or above the inframammary fold and point forward, you can usually achieve fuller, more even breasts with implants alone. In that case, keep sizes modest to reduce future sag. If your nipples are below the fold, a lift ± implant is the predictable solution, as an implant alone risks a “bottoming-out” deformity. You should have an in-person examination with a board-certified surgeon to measure nipple-to-fold distance, base width, and skin elasticity, and to align the plan with your goals and future pregnancy plans.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It depends on the location of your nipples in relation to your breast fold. If they are at or below the fold, a lift is recommended. A side photo would be helpful, however based on the front photo you’ve provided, a lift may be recommended (particularly on the right breast in the photo).

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You have breast asymmetry, with the right breast larger than the left. In many cases like yours, breast implants alone can improve fullness and create better balance especially if the nipples are at or above the breast fold and there’s no significant sagging. However, the final decision depends on your examination. Your surgeon will assess the nipple position relative to the breast fold, skin elasticity, and the degree of asymmetry. If your nipple position is good, slightly different-sized implants can correct the volume difference. If there’s noticeable droop on one side, a lift may be recommended, either during the same procedure or later, to achieve the most symmetrical result.

Luis Suarez, MD · Answer

With the information provided usually a patient would most likely need a lift, but in your case, perhaps only using different size implants will help achieve the symmetry that you’re looking for need of a lift. It seems that it would hold up an implant well, however, only touching the condition of the skin will help determine and if anything most likely only a periareolar lift may be needed. Also, since the pictures are taken with your arms extended slightly lifts them so we can’t really see how they would naturally fall, but again you would most likely not need it! I do believe you will have an amazing outcome!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Your arms are up in your photos and may have artificially elevated your breasts.  You have asymmetry, with your right breast larger than your left.  To supply the best advice, first dimensional measurements need to be done of your breast to determine the width of your breast and the distance from your nipple to the fold underneath your breast under full stretch.  These measurements will help determine the size implant that will fit you the best. You would need an asymmetrical augmentation to balance your present asymmetry.  As a rule, if your nipples are below the level of the fold underneath your breast, a lift is needed to give the optimal result. You should discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon and weigh the benefits and downsides of a lift done concomitantly with a breast augmentation.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Thanks for your question.From your description and the photo, it appears you have signs of mild tuberous breast anatomy, which is more common than many people realize &mdash; especially in patients who’ve experienced weight fluctuations during adolescence.
This typically includes:
Lower pole underdevelopmentAsymmetry between the breastsWider areolas or conical shapeNow to your main question:
Can you fix asymmetry and fullness without a lift?Yes &mdash; in selected cases like yours, a lift may not be necessary. Instead, the combination of:Anatomically shaped implants (like Ergonomix or similar) to gently expand and round out the lower poleAnd targeted fat grafting to smooth asymmetry and soften contours&hellip;can give very natural, balanced results &mdash; without visible lift scars.The key is to reshape and support the lower pole from within, rather than lifting skin from the outside.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision. 
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.   
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure.  Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
Based upon your photos alone, nipple position appears preserved which obviates the need for a lift. You are a reasonable augmentation candidate and with careful implant selection should get a very nice result.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

135lbs, 5ft. To fix asymmetry and improve fullness, can I pass with just implants or is a lift necessary? (Photo)

Answers (14)

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