Do I Need Implants With My Breast Lift?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I am in need of some breast help! I have had three children, all whom I have nursed. I have also lost 45 lbs over the past year through diet and exercise. This has left my breasts saggy. I know that I need a breast, that is without question. The only question I really have is whether I can get by with out breast implants.Do you think that’s possible with how my breasts look? I’m happy with the size of my breasts when I wear a good bra (currently 40D) but unhappy with how deflated and saggy they are without a bra.

A: Breast lifts do an excellent job of lifting and tightening the shape of the breast mound. By keeping the same amount of breast tissue and lifting and tightening the ‘bag’ which contains them, this does create a less saggy and more round breast. This is particularly true in the bottom pole of the breast and less so in the upper pole of the breast. In the beginning right after breast lift surgery, the upper pole of the breast is quite round and full.  But as the tissues relax and settle, much of the upper pole fullness will be lost.  If one doesn’t ming some rebound flattening of the upper breast pole, then I think you would be fine with a breast lift alone. However, if your goal is to have a rounder and more full upper breast pole long-term, then a small implant will be needed to accomplish that breast shape goal.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana