Borderline lift - will I have good results without one? (Photos)

A lift would most likely be needed for your situation as your nipples are located below your breast fold and there is significant skin laxity.

Thank you for your question. You have thin tissues and lax skin, which makes implant results unpredictable. You may get upper-pole fill, but there is a risk of some ptosis. If you can accept some drooping, augmentation alone is reasonable, but if your goal is a lifted breast with a stable shape, choose augmentation with a breast lift. Have an in-person examination with a board-certified surgeon to measure nipple-to-fold distance, skin elasticity, and to select implant size, profile, and lift pattern that match your tolerance for scars versus sagging.

Thank you for your question. Whether skipping a lift is a “mistake” depends on nipple level and tissue quality. If your nipples sit at or above the inframammary fold and you still have good skin recoil, a small-to-moderate implant can provide enough upper-pole fill and a subtle auto-lift to achieve your goal. However, after breastfeeding three children, your thin, lax lower-pole tissues are susceptible to bottoming out if the nipples are even about 1 cm below the fold or if you opt for larger implants, so in this case, you’ll need a lift. Schedule an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon to measure nipple-to-fold distance and tissue stretch, try formal sizers/3-D imaging, and decide whether to use an implant-only approach or combine or stage a lift to avoid a result you may regret.

I would never recommend an implant alone in your situation. The lax skin/tissue creates another unpredictable variable that will most certainly be problematic. Predictable results require utmost control including addressing any skin/soft tissue laxity.

You are not making a mistake. Your breasts are in good anatomical position and a well-fitting implant on your chest wall will aid in shape and help fill out your skin envelope. I would encourage having a breast augmentation alone.

The answer to your question depends a bit on how the augmentation is being done and the size you choose, but based on these photos you don't look like someone who needs a lift.

Thank you for your inquiry! We, here at Mays Plastic Surgery, would like to sit down with you to discuss your concerns. Based on the photos, the implants could lift the breasts naturally without needing a surgical lift. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Leebeetx,The best way to answer this question is to understand the difference between a lift and an augmentation. A breast lift, or mastopexy, will elevate the height of your nipple and tighten your skin envelope. A breast augmentation with an implant (or fat) will add volume to your breast. In some situations, an implant will add enough volume to fill in the lose skin and raise the nipple. In other situations, an implant will be combined with a breast lift for the desired result. Some patients want a breast lift alone because they want perkier breasts without any additional volume added. Best to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to understand the results of these options and see what meets your goals the best! You may realize once you select your implant size that your nipples will still be too low and to get the look you want will require a lift as well. Dr Stein

Hello, I’ve reviewed your photos and question carefully.Without a physical examination to assess skin elasticity, any recommendation is naturally limited. Measuring tissue elasticity in person is essential to understand how much support your skin can provide and how an implant or lift would affect the final shape.
There is mild sagging and a small difference in breast level. If implants alone are placed, they will mostly add volume to your current shape rather than lift it.
If the look you prefer is similar to how your breasts appear when your arms are raised, a lift combined with augmentation would help position the nipple higher and create a smoother lower contour. This method provides support and projection instead of simply increasing size.
After breastfeeding, the skin may lose some elasticity, and implants alone can emphasize that over time. A subtle lift helps maintain balance and a natural, youthful form for longer.
I hope this clarifies why in-person evaluation and a tailored approach are key to achieving a balanced and lasting result.Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Hi. I think that you will have a nice and natural outcome doing breast augmentation without a lift. You can avoid more scars if you don’t have the lift. You and your surgeon need to choose an implant that won’t create too much volume at the top of your breast or else it could look funny. I would always suggest an in person consultation rather than just an online consultation since there are some specifics of the surgery that need to be determined in person. Also, it is better to meet your surgeon face-to-face to make sure that you feel comfortable with the plan. Best of luck!