Are implants enough after weight loss to add fullness back to my naturally large breasts?(Photos)

Question

I lost a fair amount of weight and I’m curious if a surgeon would be willing to add implants without a breast lift to add fullness back to my breasts. I don’t care if they sag, but I do want them to look natural and full again. I’m entirely opposed to a lift, I don’t want any obvious scarring on my breasts. Would it be possible for someone who has breasts like mine to get an augmentation without a lift?

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank your for sharing your question. While implants alone are possible, this would not be recommended without a lift because your breasts are positioned low and you have what is called ptosis.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! While I suppose it is possible, you are very droopy and adding an implant will just enhance your existing shape, droop and concerns. I would suggest getting a couple of in-person consultations with surgeons that perform these regularly for best advice. Good luck!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, weight loss can adversely affect the breasts. Loss of upper fullness and sagging/pots is are common.

Implants alone will restore upper fullness but will not lift your breasts enough. They will look fuller in a bra/ bathing suit but will sag and appear unnatural.

Best results would be implants with a lift.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your best options and expectations.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry.  Based on your photos, in addition to having less upper breast fullness, the nipples are lower on the breasts.  Implants will enlarge the breasts but will not lift them higher on your chest or reposition your nipples.  Some of my patients will choose to have a combined lift plus implants to get a perkier shape, but others don't want the extra scars, risks and costs associated with breast lift surgery.  It is very important to have a thorough assessment and discussion with your plastic surgeon, to ensure you understand the outcomes of each option.  Another thing to mention, if you choose to have implants and are not happy with the result, breast lift surgery can still be done at a later date.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

Dear Jspam, 
An in-person exam would be more accurate, but from the pictures provided, I would suggest you consider some breast lift with the implants. Without lifting your breast to some degree, your breast tissue would hang off of the implant that would be up, partially under the pec muscle. That is not a pleasing look and patients that think they would be ok with it, aren't ok with it when it's all said and done. So the trade-off for an aesthetically pleasing breast is a scar. Best Wishes.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is a common misconception that adding a breast implant to a sagging breast will leave the women with 'natural' sagging breasts. This is incorrect. It leaves a women with abnormal breasts; either a rock in sock deformity (when the surgeon erroneously places the implant too low to compensate for tissue sag, or waterfall deformity (when no compensatory mechanism is used). Either outcome is not pretty. What you want are pretty breasts, and the scars you get from a breast lift performed by an expert will not obstruct that appearance. 'Scarless', minimal scar, or periareolar lifts will not help and likely make things worse.  You would benefit from a formal mastopexy.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Although it is possible to have breast augmentation without the lift, the sagging that you currently have would get worse with the added weight of implants.  Since your skin has lost elasticity, your breasts would be more prone to having worsening sagging at a more rapid rate after the procedure.  You could always have breast lift later, but some of the changes may not be fully reversible as they get worse.  I would suggest you consider having a lift as well as breast augmentation.  Best of luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You have severe ptosis of the breasts with your nipples being almost the lowest point of your breasts.!That requires correction by means of breast lift. However, placement of implants will create more fulness in the upper pole but will not move nipples in the higher position. You may start with implants and do lift later if you do not like result of augmentation. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jspam4090,
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

Are implants enough after weight loss to add fullness back to my naturally large breasts?(Photos)

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