Possible to get upper pole fullness without an implant? (Photo)

Question

I am 24 years old, 138 pounds and 5'3. I am looking to get a breast lift as I have had saggy breasts since I was a teenager. I have been looking through this sight for months but am not super happy with the lift only pictures I am seeing. Is it possible to get a lift and have upper pole fullness without implants? Is fat grafting an option to improve the upper pole?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under intravenous
sedation and local or general anesthesia. As mentioned above there are a
variety of techniques for these operations.  Lollipop lift (vertical lift), donut
(periareola) lift, Benelli lift, crescent lift, anchor lift (inverted T). Most
commonly, we prefer the lollipop or donut lift because of the shape, small
scars and easier healing. Although the “anchor-shape” or inverted “T” incision
is still more popular in the United States, it represents an older technique
with extensive scarring and a less optimal result in many cases. These newer
techniques are utilized in the vast majority of cases, the rare exception being
extremely large breasts. The nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, the
excess skin is removed, and the breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in
a more normal position.

The crescent lift removes a small amount of skin at the top of
the areola. We find that there is very little lift and the areola becomes oval
in shape and distorted with this method.

The Benelli lift as performed by most surgeons is just the donut
lift, removing a donut shaped piece of areola and skin then using a
#Pursestring or double purse-string suture to tighten the skin.  A true Benelli actually will expose much of
the breast through this incision and then the breast itself is shaped and
lifted with sutures.  This is a more
complex procedure and is often not done as describe by Dr. Benelli.

The insertion of an
implant as well, may be advisable to restore superior fullness, which is lost
with aging and after pregnancy despite the rest of the breast being overly
large.  Fat grafting can be used instead
of implants to improve the contours of the breast. This is the
#NaturalBreastLIft or #CaliforniaBreastLift

#AugmentationMastopexy

This involves placing a small implant at the time of the
#mastopexy to add volume or contour the upper breast.   Another option is the #NaturalBreastLift or
#CaliforniaBreastLift which places fat in the upper breast instead of an
implant to help the shape of the breast.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think that the breast lift can be performed in such a fashion that upper pole fullness can be improved.  Fat transfer can also be used to augment that region, and is a very good use of that technique.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,A breast lift and fat grafting to upper poles would be an excellent way of optimizing your result. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that specialize in breast surgery.

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

I am in agreement with the other providers that breast lift (or mastopexy) alone does not create upper pole fullness. I believe that upper pole fullness can be done best with an implant. But patients should understand that by placing an implant, their breasts will be bigger and they may go up in cup size. Breast implants are also not" forever" devices and may need further replacement surgery in the future. So if a patient has adequate breast tissue it may be best to do the mastopexy first, then wait 6 months to see if they want more volume. Your board certified plastic surgeon can help you with this decision. Best of luck to you and have a great weekend.

Possible to get upper pole fullness without an implant? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Fat Grafting the Upper Poles

Answer: Fat Grafting the Upper Poles

Answer: Breast lift (mastopexy) and upper pole fullness without breast augmentation?

Answer: Breast lift (mastopexy) and upper pole fullness without breast augmentation?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Possible to get upper pole fullness without an implant? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Fat Grafting the Upper Poles

Answer: Fat Grafting the Upper Poles

Answer: Breast lift (mastopexy) and upper pole fullness without breast augmentation?

Answer: Breast lift (mastopexy) and upper pole fullness without breast augmentation?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.