Do I need a Breast Lift - the doctor I seen says no? (photos)

The technique I recommend is a lift using 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.

It is a common question in my practice. I examine and take measurement and give an idea what results to expect with only augmentation and augmentation with uplift in such cases. I use 3D simulation in my practice to give my patients an idea what they will look like with these implants and procedures. It will also depend on type of implants you are choosing and amount of excess skin you have below the nipple. Please see consultant plastic surgeon to take second opinion.

It is difficult to assess from one photo and without physical examination. But it does look like you will probably need a lift for optimal outcome. You could also try implants only and if you are happy with the natural look with perhaps a small residual droop then you could avoid the additional scars that go with a breast lift. You can see how things settle and can always have a lift done at a second stage if you don't wish to have one now.

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

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 then get to choose what looks right for them. 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

Hi! Your nipple position isn’t that bad, this is why it might make sense to avoid the extra scars that come with a lift.

The size of the implants will also determine wether a lift is necessary. This means larger implants will fill out your breasts more. Basically, the larger you go, the less lift you need, but the sooner they might fall.

Dual plane technique is great regardless of getting a lift or not. You will probably have good enough results without a lift. A peri-arolar lift will also work well, and it will avoid the vertical and horizontal scars associated with the traditional lifts.

If you are not planning on using big implants, a lift is essential though.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

I would want to measure the nipple distance myself. It looks like more than 20 cm and your breasts do look like they would benefit from a lift.

Dear Magical156215,
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

HelloThank you for the question,Depends on the size and type of the implant, your skin might need tightened. That can normally be done with peri areola tissue removal.Kind regards

Measurements are needed to be sure, but just based on your one photo, you need a lift. A side view would have been very helpful.

what happens when you lift your arms above your head? If your nipple is 5-6cm above the fold of your breast then no lift needed. If less than that, or if you are particularly looking for a full upper pole of the breast, then an uplift may be required. Be sure to tell your surgeon EXACTLY what shape you are looking for and they should be able to advise you accordingly