Do I need a lift as well as an implant? (Photo)

Question

Hi there! I’m 38 yrs old, 5’4 and 120lbs. I have had two consults about a breast augmentation and one surgeon said no lift is needed and the second is recommending an anchor lift. I’m confused because they are complete opposites of the spectrum. What is the likelihood I need a lift as well as implant?

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 then get to choose what looks right for them. 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

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Hello @PrettieP! 
It seems like we have some sagging and the areola needs to be moved to the essential level by making an incision around it. When the desired level is achieved, a vertical incision is needed to remove the sagginess on the sides and an incision from below for the excess skin under the breast. Thus, the breast will reach the level it should be, by placing a prosthesis on the muscle, we will achieve the upper fullness and vitality of the breast. Scars usually heal well, but this of course also depends on your body's response to the healing. On our end, we check the scars with our follow-ups after the surgery and we try to provide the best possible recovery. Lastly, patients use a sports bra for 6 weeks after surgery.
Hope this helps! 
Dr. Bora Ok

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are too low on the chest wall and you will need a lift.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear PrettieP,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You actually need a lift. Some surgeons try to avoid doing a lift by going with larger implants, but this just causes more sagging in the long run.  I would do the lift, but I would do the vertical lift and not anchor.

Do I need a lift as well as an implant? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Lift

Answer: Lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

Do I need a lift as well as an implant? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Lift

Answer: Lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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