Can I get implants without a lift? (Photos)

Hi, Thank you for your inquiry! We here at Mays Plastic surgery would love to sit down for a consult to discuss your concerns. With breast laxity you have options. A breast lift, and adding volume, whether its fat transfer to your breasts or implants. Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Dear Bright213327,

determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift 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 a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Your nipples are located below your breast fold. For this reason, a lift would be recommended for you.

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, no. Your breasts are very ptotic (droopy) and if you just did an implant, they would not look good naked. Best of luck!

Bright213327,
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

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure. Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
Based on your photos, I would suggest both an augmentation and a lift. This will address both loss of volume and skin laxity/sagging.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

Hello!Thank you so much for sharing your photos. After reviewing them, it looks like your breasts have some sagging and a bit of volume loss. To achieve a fuller and lifted look, the best option would be a breast lift combined with augmentation.If only implants are placed without lifting, the breasts will become larger but still appear saggy — so combining both procedures will give you the most beautiful and natural result.

From the pictures posted, looks like a lift is needed. 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. 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hello,
Thank you for your question and photos. After pregnancy, it’s very common for the breasts to lose both volume and elasticity. From your description and the photos, it seems there is moderate sagging (ptosis) — meaning the nipple sits below the breast crease. In that situation, implants alone would not lift the breast tissue; they would only make the lower part fuller, which can create an unnatural “bottomed-out” look.
For a natural, youthful shape with volume in the upper pole, the best approach is usually a breast lift (mastopexy) combined with augmentation. The lift repositions the nipple and tightens the skin, while the implant restores lost volume and projection.
If you are worried about scars, there are short-scar or vertical lift techniques that minimize visible marks. With proper post-op care, scars tend to fade significantly over time. My philosophy is always to achieve the most natural enhancement possible with the least scarring.
Warm regards,Op. Dr. Yücel SarıaltınPlastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Hello, I’ve reviewed your photos and question carefully.
When breasts lose volume after pregnancy, the main factor that guides the plan is nipple position, not only size or fullness. If the nipple sits below the breast fold, like yours, adding implants alone would likely make the breast look heavier rather than lifted.
A lift becomes necessary only when the nipple points clearly downward or sits below the fold, because implants cannot raise it to a natural position.
A detailed consultation will show whether volume alone will achieve your goal or if a minimal lift would create a more youthful and balanced contour.
I hope this helps you see how implant planning depends more on nipple level and tissue tone than on breast size alone.
Güray Yeşiladalı, MD