Would I need a lift? Some surgeons have advised a lift and others haven’t (Photo)

Hello, thank you for your question. You have natural breast tissue, an implant will just enlarge the overall breast. A lift will lift the natural breast tissue. If you just want bigger breasts than an implant will suffice. If you prefer perkier larger breasts than a lift would be needed. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your options and feel free to check out our breast lift before and afters through our link.

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, if interested. 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

If you get implants you would get a better result with a lift. If you don’t want the scars from a lift don’t get any surgery at all. You have enough volume as is.

Dear denver1994,
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

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for breast augmentation. A dual plane approach will help you achieve a great result without the need for a lift. An in person evaluation always supersedes photos.

Your photo is taken with your arms raised so it does distort and raise your breast some. Measurements are needed to be certain. If your breasts look the same with your arms down by your sides, then you might do well with just an augmentation, especially if you want the more "natural " look.

Hi denver1994, excellent question. It's hard to answer without a lateral view. I would focus on your ultimate goal. If you want the best shape and contour, I would recommend a lift. If you're not ready for lift, you can always have the implant alone, then go back for a lift if you're unhappy with the implant position.

You have some asymmetry of the nipple position and breast size. A lifting procedure along with differently sized implants can address this. If it is not performed the asymmetry will remain after augmentation and may be more noticeable when the breasts have added volume. I encourage you to discuss your goals with your surgeon to determine which procedures are best to help you get the look you are wanting.

You appear to be in the grey zone as to whether a small lift (periareola-around the nipple scar) with the breast augmentation or simply a breast augmentation may be indicated. You appear to have some breast tissue ptosis (droopiness), but it depends on what a physical exam reveals as well as what sized breasts you desire (which affects the size of the implant chosen and the dynamic effects that sized implant will have on your current breasts).
Dr. Taranow