Do I Need Implants With My Breast Lift?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I am unhappy with the shape of my breasts after breastfeeding two children and then losing 35lbs after the delivery of my last child. I do not like how loose and droopy my breasts are. I am happy with the size and I would like to avoid implants. I also would like to know how to get rid of the stretch marks on my breasts. Can you tell me if a breast lift without implants will be enough to remedy those issues? Also, after research I’m expecting to need an anchor lift, is that what you would recommend? I have attached a front and side picture of my breasts for you to see how droopy they are.

A: I think much of your assumption about the need for an anchor or full breast lift is correct. That is certainly what your pictures show with the nipple being positioned just below the inframammary fold in the side picture. While this will lift the nipple above the fold and will tighten the skin and lift the breast tissue higher up on the chest wall, a lift  alone will not be able to create any persistent upper breast pole fullness. But if that is not a necessity then you could get by without an implant. The sole purpose for an implant in a breast lift for many patients is to create upper pole fullness that will persist after the breast lift/tissues relax and settle downward.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana