Is it possible to move the inframammary fold/breast fold to sit higher on the chest? (Photos)

implant is what you need to achieve your goals. The best way to help with longevity of the procedure/result would be by adding a piece of mesh such as galaflex as an internal bra to support the implants, however simply downsizing the implant will help decrease the weight on the chest/skin and prolong the duration of the result. 

Thank you for your pictures and questions. In a short answer to your question, the answer is yes, you can surgically move the IMF but it is much harder to move it higher than lower it and it is not always wise to do so. In your case, I do not think that is what you need. In looking at your photos, you have descent of the breast mound and nipple below your natural fold, so the solution is not to move the fold, it is to move the breast back above the fold. You are an ideal candidate for a revision procedure with implant removal, replacement (with possibly a smaller implant?) and a breast lift (mastopexy). This would also help to achieve your goals of a smaller areola. Make sure you are seeing a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

You can move the fold up on the chest, but it often wants to resettle over time. It is thankfully easier to move an implant or the breast tissue up. Having clarified that, you are a great candidate for implant exchange with breast lift. If you want to be able to try on implant sizers before surgery to have more input on your size, you can deflate the saline implants the week of surgery and get a good baseline for how much breast tissue you have and where it sits on your chest. If not, you can leave the decision making about size to your surgeon. I recommend finding a surgeon who specializes in breast implant revision surgery. You can tell this by seeing how much of the website and before/afters are devoted to breast revision surgery. Best wishes. 

Dear miamimommy,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 a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Based on the posted photos- you appear to be a good candidate for Bilateral Implant removal, Mastopexy (Lift) and Re-Aug with smaller implants. In the right hands, I predict you can expect a very pleasing result. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS for in person exam

The undesirable appearance of your breasts is not due to the position of the lower breast crease but due to the sagging of the breasts over the infra-mammary fold. A Breast Lift will elevate and shape the breasts and reduce the size of the areola  and give a perky look.A smaller size implant with the Lift will give a more youthful appearance. Virtual Reality -3-D Imaging allows your to see what you will actually look like with different size implant before you have surgery.  This is a new unique technology

The short answer is yes - you can elevate the fold. However, it's rare to need a fold elevation. In most instances, what women are asking is to have the breast sit above the existing fold. The scar pattern is likely to be a lollipop or anchor in your specific case. The areolar reduction can be achieved with the lift quite easily. 

A lift with implant replacement will most likely get you what you want to achieve which is lengthening the torso by getting the breasts to sit higher on the chest. I would use Galaflex mesh as an internal bra to help achieve this. Without mesh the breasts will settle more and not stay as high. You may need some pocket correction as well but difficult to assess from the photos.

Always best in person examinations and opinions vs over RS internet guesses. I think you need replacement, capsularraphy, full lift with areolae reduction. Fee range from $8,000-$10,000.

Dear Miamimommy,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  You should be evaluated for a No-Vertical-Scar breast lift technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018

BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor