Do I have tuberous breasts? If so, is just a lift possible or would implant and lift be ideal? (Photo)

Your pictures indicate that you do have a tuberous breast deformity. You also have a volume asymmetry,with the right breast being larger and droopier than the right. This can be corrected by doing a breast lift or small reduction, however if you are going to loose a great deal of weight,i would defer surgery until your weight has stabilized.

Hi Michele0104,



Based on your pictures, it appears that you do not have tuberous breasts.



 Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both 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 breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift.

Also, breast implant selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion.



You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.



Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  You appear to have breast ptosis, or sagging.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be
achieved with an implant and a breast lift. Your nipple sits below the
inframammary fold and without a lift in addition to the implant, this will not
have a natural shape.  A breast lift with an implant can result in a very
nice shape if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of
the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon