What kind of Lift do I need?

Question

What kind of lift do I need? I am looking to have a breast augmentation done after nursing 2 babies. Do you think I can get away with a donut lift? Thank you!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I perform a liposuction breast lift that 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 skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size.

It takes 6 weeks to heal and I wait 12 months before any scar revision.

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 aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis under intravenous
sedation and local or general anesthesia. As mentioned above there are a
variety of techniques for these operations.  Lollipop lift (vertical lift), donut
(periareola) lift, Benelli lift, crescent lift, anchor lift  (inverted T ). Most commonly, we prefer the
lollipop or donut lift because of the shape, small scars and easier healing.
Although the “anchor-shape” or inverted “T” incision is still more popular in
the United States, it represents an older technique with extensive scarring and
a less optimal result in many cases. These newer techniques are utilized in the
vast majority of cases, the rare exception being extremely large breasts. The
nipple-areola complex is repositioned higher, the excess skin is removed, and the
breast is reshaped in a pleasing contour and in a more normal position.

The crescent lift removes a small amount of skin at the top of
the areola. We find that there is very little 
lift and the areola becomes oval in shape and distorted with this method.

The Benelli lift as performed by most surgeons is just the donut
lift, removing a donut shaped piece of areola and skin then using a
#Pursestring or double purse-string suture to tighten the skin.  A true Benelli actually will expose much of
the breast through this incision and then the breast itself is shaped and
lifted with sutures.  This is a more
complex procedure and is often not done as describe by Dr. Benelli.

The insertion of an
implant as well, may be advisable to restore superior fullness, which is lost
with aging and after pregnancy despite the rest of the breast being overly
large.  Fat grafting can be used instead
of implants to improve the contours of the breast. This is the
#NaturalBreastLIft or #CaliforniaBreastLift

In the end it will be best to discuss all options based on your desired final results with your plastic surgeon in consultation. Then, the decision as to the procedure that will be best for you is up to you in the end. Good luck.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I am not a big fan of the donut lift.  It leaves poor scars in the long term due to stretching and gravity.  I would do a Wise pattern lift with implants (if you want more volume).

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another. See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a  Breast Augmentation

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank your for your pictures and questions. This is a very difficult question to answer based only on a picture. The amount of scar you have for a lift and what lift you need depends on your soft tissue characteristics, the implant/volume you choose, and your overall goals. Often the exact lift needed is not determined until the operating room. I think that based on your picture, you might be able to have a donut lift depending on the implant you choose but an in-person exam and a detailed discussion is needed.Hope this helps!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,You are a good candidate for a formal breast lift. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that specialize in breast surgery. Best of luck!

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

I had a case on friday yesterday with the same look and was able to get a very reasonable result after breast augmentation with a periareola lift. See an experienced board certified ASAPS plastic surgeon. Good luck...

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

I would not recommend a lift at this point and only suggest it later after you've had your implants in a satisfactory position.  Be cautious about excessively lowering your implant as it would create a very long distance between your clavicle and the upper pole.  Let your surgeon inform you of your options.  I personally would do the donut lift only if other options were non-existent as the scarring is unpredictable and it flattens projection.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your nipples appear to sit at or above your inframammary fold so a lift may not be required.  However, an in-person examination would be required to be sure.  If a lift is required, it may be limitied to a circumareolar lift but no more than a vertical or lollipop lift.  Consult with one or more board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your options.  Best wishes!

Justin West, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for the question. The type of lift you will need depends on several factors such as your specific goals, how your surgeon does the procedure, and the size and style of implants your surgeon uses. Based on the photos you provided, I think you can most likely get a very reasonable result using a donut mastopexy when you have your augmentation. The best advice you can get will be from those surgeons who you see during live consultations. without evaluating you in person it is difficult to give very specific advice. But it seems like you are on the right track. Good luck to you.

Dr West

Dr West

What kind of Lift do I need?

Answers (15)

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