I want to go bigger and possibly change to tear drop implants. Do I need a breast lift? (Photo)

Dear Nancy0606,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tear drop implants are textured, they can rotate and they have been associated with BIA-ALCL and are not recommended for that reason. Your breasts are asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. I recommend a circumareola approach to reposition the nipple-areola complex higher and more medial and small non-textured implants can be placed submuscular with inferior and lateral plications to prevent them from dislocating into the axillary areas.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

One implant is sitting a little high and it could be lowered down in place. You can go some bigger, but I would suggest staying with smooth implants for less long term risks.

Your breast sit slightly wide on your chest wall and are also divergent.
Breast divergent will be amplified with the projection of breast implants.
The bigger the implant the more obvious the divergence becomes.
It looks to me like one breast is sitting somewhat high.
Looking at the picture, it’s the breast on the left side of the picture which would be your right side if the picture has not been flipped.
Patients who have breast that’s it wide on the chest while or have breast divergence are going to have these characteristics put on display by getting breast documentation.
The plastic surgeon will need to decide if the implant should sit in an ideal position based on where your breast actually are or where they would be if they were more medial.
There are quite a few variables that need to be taken in the consideration.
I suggest you rely exclusively on in person consultations either with your previous provider or whom ever you chose to consult with.
For second opinion consultations come prepared bringing with you a complete set of proper before and after pictures and copies of your operative report.
You could obtain these if you request them from your provider.
Plastic surgeons can lift your breast, but we cannot move them on the chest wall. There is also not that much we can do for divergence.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD