Do I have coppers droop and tuberous breasts? I was told there was no way I could get implants without a lift as well.

Hi kellyanno,

Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall.

The type of surgery best for you will depend on the severity of your condition.

My preferred technique for tuberous breast correction involves a multistep procedure where the breast tissue is released in a radial pattern to prevent herniation into the areola and placement of a custom implant size is in the breast to allow appropriate expansion of the breast in the restricted dimensions. This can often be done in a single procedure but sometimes may require two surgeries.

When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.

Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.

Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.

That said, it is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

It is difficult to say for sure from the picture posted, but it seems as if you could get a good result from breast augmentation alone.Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorRealSelf Hall of Fame Inductee

Thank you for the question and photograph.  Although I understand your desire to receive online advice, it is not possible to do so based on the limited photograph. I suggest that you submit additional photographs, side and frontal views, taken by a second party with your arms by your side.  It would also be helpful to view goal photographs, demonstrating what look you would like to achieve.Ultimately, which operation you should undergo (if any) will depend mainly on your personal goals ( in other words, what you consider "ideal" breasts). If I were seeing you in consultation, I would ask that you communicate these goals in terms of goal photographs and/or computer imaging. Avoid the use of cup sizes as a reference point; this can be a source of confusion and miscommunication.  
 Steps: 1. Select your plastic surgeon carefully.
             2. Communicate concerns/goals carefully.
             3.  Learn about pros/cons/risk complications associated with each option presented to you.            Timing of surgery, in relation to life circumstances, will also be important to consider
              4. Make decisions based on the information gathered.
Working together you will come up with the best plan to  achieve an outcome that you will be pleased with.  Best wishes.