Breast lift for small breasts? (Photo)

Question

I have breastfed for about four years total and went from a C cup to a D cup then down to a B cup after weaning. I’d rather not use fat injections or implants. I’m fine with having small boobs but the excess skin and droopiness really bother me. Would I be a good candidate for a breast lift?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you are a
great candidate for a breast lift.  This can be designed to result in an
improved shape and contour of your breasts while minimizing scar
appearance.  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.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, I think you would obtain a nice result with a breast lift. A breast lift will improve your breast shape and allow your nipples to sit a little higher on the chest, giving your breast a more youthful appearance.  It is also important to consider that because you are beginning with little breast tissue, you may not achieve a significant amount of upper pole fullness. If this is of concern to you, a breast lift with implants may be a better option for your needs. I would recommend setting up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best treatment option based on your aesthetic goals. Best of luck with your procedure!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I  appreciate your question. From your photos, you appear to be a great candidate for breast lift.
I perform a liposuction breast lift/reduction known as Breast LipoLift®. This specialized technique spares more nerves and blood supply as well as removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast, I then remove the excess skin to tighten the breast and create a more proportional silhouette with better cleavage. This procedure is also more accurate than traditional breast lifts or reductions since I use 3D measurements to uncover size asymmetries. During the procedure I remove exactly whatever is more from the larger side to get as close to symmetry as possible. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster and drains are not necessary. Over 90% of my patients are out to dinner the next evening taking only Advil and Tylenol if even needed. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size.  It has been proven to have less complications than traditional breast reduction (please see my Breast LipoLift® page web page) and should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast plastic surgery.  
Best of luck!    Dr. Schwartz Board Certified Plastic Surgeon#RealSelf100Surgeon #RealSelfCORESurgeon#RealSelfTopContributor

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures you seem to be a great candidate for a breast lift with a small implant for upper fullness, always see a a board certified PS in person for a detailed exam and evaluation.Best wishes!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  The distance between your sternal notch and your breasts should be less than or equal to 21 cm.  It appears from your pictures you would be a good candidate for Breast Uplift.  This will make your nipples point forward and your Breast sitting on your chest, perked.  You haven't got a lot of volume in your breast so when they are uplifted they will be small.  In the future if  you wanted to increase the volume a breast implant could be put in.  All The Best

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi hannabrown15,
  
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. 
  
These two surgeries can be done at the same time and this may be optimal as the risks can be minimized.  
  
In addition, upper pole fullness is achieved with appropriate implant selection but more importantly, submuscular placement, and precise pocket dissection. The submuscular placement allows the muscle to cover the top part of the implant which allows the upper pole to appear fuller. Keeping away from the lateral chest during pocket dissection allows the implant to remain higher and prevents it from falling off to the side.
  
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, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

You are a candidate for a breast lift. I nearly always do a vertical, or lollipop lift. I find this produces better and more long-lasting shape than the old-style anchor lift. Remember that without an implant, you will continue to have very little upper pole fullness. All the best.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, it appears that you are a good candidate for a breast lift. Incisions are used to remove excess skin and reshape your breasts. The incision pattern would either be a lollipop or an anchor shape and the choice depends on how far your nipple needs to move and how much skin is located at the bottom of your breast. Your surgeon will explain the incisions pattern and recovery during your consultation. Make sure to find a surgeon who will take the time to listen to your goals and explain all of your options. Good luck with the process!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question. After analyzed all the information and photos you provided to us. I realize that you have a moderate breast fall. In this regard, i recommend a breast augmentation with breast lift to get a bigger breast with adequate projection. In other words, you need breast volume (implants) and you need breast projection (the lift).

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your questions and photos!  You would definitely be a great candidate for a breast lift/mastopexy.  This would lift your breasts, get rid of excess skin, reduce the size of your areolas, and put your areolas in a more elevated position.  You do not need fat grafting or an implant as long as you are okay with having smaller breasts.  If you do want more fullness or a slightly larger breast size, your plastic surgeon can go over those options in greater detail.  Good luck and thank you again for your inquiry.

Breast lift for small breasts? (Photo)

Answers (20)