Follow up: Breast augmentation - is a breast lift needed? (Photo)

Question

I’ve asked w/ photos here about breast lift most said no need but easier w/ measurements to determine. Clavicle notch from center of nipples is 21cm,nipple to fold is 8cm, I am a 32C getting natrelle round 415CC to achieve D-DD & upper pole fullness dual plane. Is a lift needed? nipples sit above fold & side view shows pointing slightly upwards for nipples. also areola starts 19cm, nipple 20cm areola ends at 23cm

Gulcin Nujen Cardak, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

According to your pictures and your measurements we can surely say that lifting won’t be necessary for you.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Sincere167773, thanks for sharing your concern and pictures after evaluate your pictures you seen to be good for just breast augmentation. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sincere167773,
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

Ximena Pinell, MD · Answer

You should look great with breast augmentation alone! I do not believe a lift is needed here. Best of luck!

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. While it is difficult to tell from a photograph only taken in the anterior position, if the nipple areolar complex is located at or above the inframammary fold, there is a reasonable chance you would be a candidate for breast augmentation alone. It does appear that you do have some glandular ptosis (breast tissue sagging below the inframammary fold). Breast augmentation utilizing either a dual plane or a subglandular/subfascial technique with a 415cc implant would likely provide the volume required to fill your skin envelope along the lower pole. Physical examination is very helpful because it is important to determine how much stretch exists in the lower pole of the breast. If the distance from the nipple to the fold increases dramatically on stretch, you may want to ask your plastic surgeon about the addition of absorbable mesh to provide long-term stability. I hope this helps. Goodluck.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I don't think you'll need a lift but this is partially dependent on your goals. If you are okay with a slightly more natural look, then you'll probably be happy with just an implant. I'd suggest a few in-person consultations for best evaluation. Good luck!

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Of course a good examination is needed to be able to give you the best advice, but from your photograph it seems a lift is not appropriate.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

My general rule of thumb is that if the nipple/areolar complex is above the level of your fold, there is no need to perform a breast lift. Placing the nipple/areolar complex too high can result in an extremely difficult problem to fix. I believe it’s smarter for you to undergo your breast augmentation, let the tissues relax and settle fully, and then determine whether you would like to have your nipples at a slightly higher level, which can frequently be done under local anesthesia in the office. Best wishes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you do not undergo a lift then the implants must be centered underneath the nipple-areola complex. The nipple-areola complex is relatively low on the chest wall. This will require the inframammary fold to be released and the implants may bottom out. I recommend a circumareola approach with small implants in the order of 200 cc's.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

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. 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

Follow up: Breast augmentation - is a breast lift needed? (Photo)

Answers (15)

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