47 years old - Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? (Photos)

Question

I am 47 years old and have size 10DD/E breasts which have drooped over time due to age and pregnancy. I'm not after a dramatic change but wondering if I am a candidate for a breast lift and if so, which technique would be likely to work best?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements and they 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. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your breasts, in your case, based on your age, pictures, and history of pregnancy. I would suggest a breast lift. You also need to decide if you are happy with the current size of your breast. If you undergo a mastopexy, the volume would only change approximately a tablespoon on each side. However, if you want bigger breasts, I would suggest breast implants. These can be done simultaneously with the breast lift. Also, if you desire a smaller breast, the breast reduction can be performed at the same as the breast lift.
Regarding the specific type of breast lift, I would suggest an anchor or a wise pattern type breast reduction. During this procedure, an incision is made around the areola, down the front, and underneath the breast. This will get you an excellent solid breast lift for years to come. In addition, it will lift the breast horizontally and vertically. Again this anchor breast lift can be done simultaneously with a breast augmentation or breast reduction. Please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon. I hope this answers your question about what to do with breasts after pregnancy. 
Please contact my office if you have any more questions regarding breast lift or mastopexy, capsular contracture, or breast implants. Since your breast surgery is somewhat complex for an average plastic surgeon, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these breast lifts. Do your research. Make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has performed at least 100 breast lifts. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after photos and check their reviews on RealSelf. Good luck!
 Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of  the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If your goal is to reshape your breasts to make them perkier, and you are generally healthy, then a breast lift may be suitable for you. For your situation, an anchor lift may be recommended. However, the exact technique would be determine by your surgeon based on an inperson assessment.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Genuine5481, I appreciate your question. Yes, you are a candidate for a breast lift. You may wish to consider an inverted-J breast lift with minimal scarring and fat seeding to enhance upper volume and shape in your surgical plan. To determine the best course of action, a personalized consultation is necessary, in which all aspects are considered. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thank you for your question! You would be an excellent candidate for a mastopexy, which is a breast lift. I would recommend you schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review incision types and your goals! Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for a breast lift. It is difficult to say which type of incision is ideal for you based on these photos but you may be able to achieve your goals with a lollipop incision.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
Yes - you would be a great breastlift candidate looking at your photos. You would see improvement in the shape, position and symmetry of the breasts. The incision would likely be the anchor incision to tighten and lift/shorten the breasts. 
At the time of the surgery you could consider augmentation with fat or an implant if you are interested in more fullness in the cleavage. Your breast cup size will decrease with a lift as there will be less skin/vertical length. 
I would recommend you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who would not only perform a physical exam but would also check your medical and surgical history, as well as your specific breast history (personal and genetic) to assure the surgery is performed as safely as possible. You can find a surgeon at plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Genuine5481,
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. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
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

Just based on your photos, you are not a DD to E, but a lift would do very well for you. I presume you mean dress size 10 since bras in the US usually start in the 30's and go up in size.

47 years old - Am I a good candidate for a breast lift? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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