What are some options and ideas for the lift I should get? (Photos)

Question

I’ve read plenty that getting a lift involves getting the nipple to a certain position. What I don’t know is if my breasts can do that and what does it look like

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

You’re right that people often talk about a lift as “moving the nipple,” but that’s only one small part of what a good lift actually does. The real question is whether your breasts can be reshaped and supported into a more youthful position &mdash; and based on what you’re describing, yes, they can.What matters more than nipple positionA successful lift is not just about putting the nipple at a certain height. It’s about:Rebuilding the breast shapeRepositioning your own tissue higher on the chestCreating support so the result lasts, not just looks good early onThat’s why simply choosing a “scar pattern” (donut, lollipop, anchor) without considering structure often leads to confusion.Why you’re a good candidate for a Push-Up LiftFrom what you describe, you sound like a very good candidate for a Push-Up Lift (supportive mastopexy).This approach:Uses your existing breast tissue to create fullness and projectionLifts the breast mound itself, not just the nippleImproves upper-pole shape and firmnessPlaces the nipple naturally once the breast is reshaped (not forced)Produces a more youthful look even if volume stays the same or slightly smallerPatients often worry “can my breasts do that?” &mdash; the answer is yes, because the lift is created by internal reshaping, not by stretching skin upward.What it would look likeWith a Push-Up Lift, you can expect:A more compact, lifted breast sitting higher on the chestBetter upper-pole contourNipples that look centered and natural (not pulled or tight)A result that looks like your breasts, just younger

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I think you would benefit from breast lift/reduction surgery. You will have improved breast shape, nipple position and proportion. I would not hesitate to proceed.

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

There are a number of different lift techniques and the right one depends on your anatomy and how much lifting is necessary. 
A "wise pattern" or anchor lift incision would be adequate to lift your nipples into a more appropriate position. Depending on your goals a small reduction could also help keep them up higher longer but that would be totally up to you. 
I would seek out a couple consultations with board certified plastic surgeons so they can explain to you your options. They should be able to show you lots of before and after photos to help you understand how it works and what to expect.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs. There should be no reason why you could not undergo a breast lift as long as you are in good health. The appearance after a lift can be found on most plastic surgeons websites so you would be able to get a good idea about the possible results. In a youthful, aesthetic breast, the nipple/areolar complex should sit above the level of the fold underneath your breast. Your nipple/areolar complex sits well below your fold.  A Wise pattern breast lift would elevate your nipple/areolar complex to the correct position, lift your breast to an higher more youthful position and reduce the excess skin of your breast. The added benefit of the  Wise pattern is it also allows the flexibility of reducing the size of the breast at the same time as your lift if you wish.  This may be advisable as the weight of your breast is part of the reason why the breast sagged to begin with and reducing some of the weight may help you maintain your uplifted result.   Best wishes.

Christine Iglesias, MD · Answer

Hello Ashley! Thank you for your question. In your case a breast lift is indicated and yes, the NAC (nipple-areola complex) will change position and come to a higher location with the correct surgical technique. In case you wonder where would this be, you can locate the middle of your arm, generally this is the ideal height.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A breast lift involves removing a bit of breast tissue and skin to reshape the breast so it doesn’t lie so flat against the body. Doing this increases fullness in the upper portion of the breast and centres the nipple so it’s not so low. These are most likely achievable for you. Your surgeon would be able to let you know how your predicted results may look based on an assessment..

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

The new nipple position goal is mostly related to the position of the fold under the breast which is also called the inframammary fold. The position of the fold is transposed to the surface of the breast and then marked. Ideally the nipple is elevated so that it is centered over a fully lifted breast. Essentially the nipple is in the center of the circle when you push up the breast. This position correlates to about halfway between the shoulder and the elbow when the arms are resting on their sides in the upright position. Another reference landmark is the sternal notch. This is between the clavicles in the midline at the superior margin of the sternum aka breast bone and can be felt as a dip. I find that the new nipple position on each breast ranges from around 18 to 22 cm from the sternal notch. During the in-person consultation, I go over all of this and show you directly. Also, keep in mind, in our practice, a full breast lift can be performed without the need of general anesthesia.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The nipple can be moved up into a higher position, and the breast reshaped and lifted to have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This can be done without breast implants for a more natural appearance, or with implants for a more full upper pole. This is a very common procedure, and the results are predictably good in experienced hands. A board certified plastic surgeon will serve you well.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The reality is that the only lift that will get your breasts looking beautiful is one that includes both a vertical and horizontal scars, to properly address your horizontal and vertical skin excess, respectively. Any surgeon who tells you that an inframammary incision is not necessary is not honest or is inexperienced. The only option you really have is implant or no implant, and that only has an impact on upper pole fullness; the lift alone will lift your breast and reposition your nipple properly without an implant.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you Ashley for posting your question here.My answer is based on the limited information and pictures provided, for a more detailed and bespoke plan please consult with a plastic surgeon in person.
from the pictures it appears that you are a candidate for a breast lift. A breast lift moves the nipple to a more ideal location and removes excess skin.
There are many ways of performing a breast lift both when it comes to pedicle (blood supply to the nipple) and skin excision/incisions. and that will depend on your surgeons judgement and your exam.
from your pictures you will most likely benefit from a wise pattern breast lift (anchor incision) , or potentially a vertical lift (lollipop incision) though final determination will depend on your surgeons assessment .but to answer your question , yes you are a candidate for a breast lift , just keep in mind that it's a tradeoff , you will have a better shaped breast/ with better positioning of the nipple but you will also have scars . that being said a lift will not provide you with more volume nor will it give you long term upper pole fullness, if that is what you are looking for then you might want to consider combining it with an implant.
I hope this helps, best of luck!