Can I Get Breast Implants Without A Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am a 34 year old woman who has had two children. I am done having children and now want to address the damage done to my breasts by pregnancy and breast feeding. I have lost all of my breast volume and they sag. I want breast implants but I don’t want a breast lift. I don’t want the scars from the lift. I would be ok with small hidden scars but nothing that goes beyond the border of the nipple and the skin. I have attached some pictures of my breasts. Can you tell me if what I am asking is reasonable?

A:  Unfortunately, there is a significant difference between what you need for a good breast result and what you want.  You are not alone in this position as many women need a breast lift but don’t want the scars. You have too much sagging to get a good result using breast implants alone. In fact, implants without a lift is going to make your breasts look worse not better. They will create a mound above the current level of your hanging breast tissue and will merely end up placing your nipple on the bottom half of the implants. This will create a breast appearance that you will likely not find better.  It will just be trading into a different type of breast deformity.

If you are not ready to accept scars as of yet, you can always have breast implants first and let the result prove to you whether that look may be acceptable.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana