Breast augmentation: is a breast lift necessary in my case? (photos)

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and asymmetrical in volume, shape and position. The technique I recommend is a lift using 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 or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately based on the limited views supplied it is difficult to offer definite advice, but it appears that you would most benefit from implant placement and a lift.  The implant will help restore lost breast tissue after pregnancy and weight loss, while the lift will remove excess skin and allow for resizing and repositioning of your nipple into a higher, more youthful, position.  Hope this helps

The following characteristics indicate a person may benefit from a lift before, during or some time after their augmentation: grade 2+ ptosis (nipple position below the breast fold but still forward facing), significant nipple position asymmetry, multiple prior pregnancies, significant changes in breast size, significant weight loss, and numerous and/or wide stretch marks. Implant selection will impact this decision as well. Bigger implants stretch the lower breast skin and tissue faster and to a greater degree over time. That means a person with large implants is more likely to experience changes in breast shape and appearance than a person with smaller implants and those changes may require a lifting procedure to restore optimal shape. With your history of weight loss, breast changes and breast size goals, it is likely you would benefit from a breast lift. It is important to know that combining a breast augmentation with a breast lift is one of the most difficult breast surgeries performed with a high reoperation rate. For this reason, many surgeons plan for two operations rather than trying to do them together.

From your photo it appears you would benefit from a conservative lift to even out the position of the nipples. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your surgical goals and learn more. Your goal cup size is large which would require heavy implants. They would likely pull and stretch the skin over time resulting in a need for a lift eventually.

Dear bzzyb,
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