Would a breast lift involve altering the position of the nipple? (photos)

Question

I was told that I couldn’t change the shape of my breast or my nipple position , but was told I borderline needed a lift . Isn’t a lift include moving a nipple a little bit?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, typically a breast lift involves moving the nipple-areola higher on the breast mound, and in order to do this there must be some redundant skin to remove.  However, sometimes it is not possible to move the nipple much higher, if there isn't a lot of skin on the lower part of the breast (short nipple-to-inframamary fold distance) because this skin needs to be able to stretch out in order to lift the nipple.  If a person with this type of breast shape is having a breast lift plus implants, it can be even harder to reposition the nipple because the implants stretch out the skin.  I hope this helps explain why it is not always possible to elevate the nipple as much one might desire.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

You have condition called pseudoptosis and slightly lower nipple on one side. Your options are between breast augmentation only (providing that you accept small difference in nipple position) vs augmentation and lift. You may consider augmentation first, wait 6-12 months and, if not happy with result, do a lift. Hope this helps.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A lift is designed to reshape the breasts, bringing the nipples higher and giving you more fullness in the upper portion.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Breast lifts are able to move the nipple vertically, but have very limited ability to move them horizontally.

James Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and your photos. Perhaps there was some sort of miscommunication since in fact, a breast lift will change the position of the nipple; so you are correct that it will move the nipple. A breast lift can also help change the shape of the breast. Be sure to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Hope this helps.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding nipple position and for including photos. They are very helpful!

There are a few different options with a lift. A full, traditional breast lift would change the nipple position.

I recommend that you have an in person consultation with two or more experience board-certified plastic surgeons in your area

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luvbug0909,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Yes, a breast lift, also known as mastopexy, typically involves altering the position of the nipple along with reshaping the breast tissue. The goal of a breast lift is to elevate the breasts, remove excess skin, and create a more youthful and uplifted appearance. During the procedure, the surgeon will reposition the nipple and areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) to a higher position on the breast mound in alignment with the new breast shape.

The degree of nipple repositioning can vary based on factors such as the extent of sagging, the patient's desired outcome, and the surgical technique used. In cases of significant sagging, the nipple may need to be repositioned more dramatically to achieve the desired results. The surgeon will make incisions on the breast, remove excess skin, reshape the breast tissue, and then reposition the nipple and areola accordingly. The goal is to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking breast contour.

It's important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and understand the specific details of the procedure, including how the nipple and areola will be repositioned based on your unique circumstances.

Ersin Gonullu, MD · Answer

You are a very good candidate for breast lifting with implant. because you have a volume deficit with slight tissue and areola sagging. so the answer is yes, your nipples should be moved little bit upward with the surgery

Would a breast lift involve altering the position of the nipple? (photos)

Answers (13)

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