Breast lift required? I would love to avoid the vertical scar when getting implants (photos)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is difficult to say whether you will require a lift without photos or a physical exam. If your nipples are not drooping, your plastic surgeon will be able to advise you on your best options.

Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Based on your photos, you appear to be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation and you may no require a breast lift, especially if breast implants are placed in the subglandular (above the muscle) plane.
Implant size discussion and implant selection is one of the most important steps during your consultation with plastic surgeon. The decision-making process depends on your desires, as well as breast and soft tissue dimensions of your chest wall. I also utilize Vectra 3D planning to further help with implant selection.
I would seek an in-person evaluation by the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. You can always get a lift later if you feel you are not perky enough when fully settled and healed. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thanks for your question! Based on the phone photo, it looks like you might be borderline for a lift. If you would be happy with a more natural looking and hanging augmentation, then you may not need one at all. I would seek a third opinion and trust your gut. Good luck!!

Thank you for your question. A large portion of my practice is dedicated to breast revision and breast lifting. Not only are your breasts deflated, they do sit low on your chest. Whether you need a lift or not is predicated on your anatomy. In your case, you definitely will need a breast lift. If you perform just a breast augmentation, you will fill up your skin envelope, however your breasts will sit very low on your chest and will have an unattractive aesthetic appearance. That is almost a guarantee. This is one of the most common revisions that I do see from short sided surgeons who are willing to place implants with a wait and see attitude. I would strongly recommend a breast lift with lollipop lift. Best wishes to you.

Good morning,
I think you could go either way and that a lift is not an absolute necessity, but if I were to lift I would recommend the donut mastopexy which keeps the scar to a minimum but also lifts your nipple position and tightens your skin!

Dear mfvbyfvb,
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. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Excellent question. I think the answer is pretty straight forward. You do mot need much of a lift if the correct implant size is placed. I believe you you can have great results with implants and a Peri-areolar lift. Implants will give you the volume you need and the lift around the areola will provide enough lift without the vertical scar.
Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. The technique I recommend is 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. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Without photos, nothing can be said. As for a vertical scar, it is the most likely on, compared to the periareolar and inframammary scars, to fade away. In the end, what's most important is breast shape, and if yours look weird or droopy after augmentation, you will want that lift.