Should I Get a Breast Lift with or Without Implants?

When committing to any surgery, there is a strong desire to get it right the first time. This is especially true for cosmetic procedures, which are typically personal investments of much value. If you’re conflicted about whether to add implants during your breast lift, you might need a specialist to help you take every factor into account, including not only what you want your breasts to look like in 12 months but 12 years from now. 

At Laughlin Plastic Surgery in Annapolis, MD, Dr. Daniel Laughlin provides breast lift surgery to help reposition, boost, and shape your breasts so they sit naturally on your chest and have a perkier appearance. However, if you want bigger breasts, you’ll need to add implants. A lift alone can’t add volume or increase your cup size.

Understanding the breast lift 

The breast lift, or mastopexy, lifts your breasts by removing the excess skin and tissue causing them to sag and adjusting the placement of your breast on your chest musculature. During the surgery, we can also reshape your breasts and even reposition your areolas and nipples to give your breasts a perkier, more youthful appearance. 

A breast lift is ideal for those who are happy with their breasts' current volume but wish to improve their firmness and shape. Your breasts might be naturally downturned or sagging, or they might appear deflated due to breastfeeding and age. 

Regardless of the reason, Dr. Laughlin can evaluate your breasts and help you decide whether they simply need a lift or if you want to explore the potential of added breast augmentation. 

When to consider adding implants 

During a breast lift, Dr. Laughlin improves the appearance of the breasts by: 

• Removing loose skin
• Lifting and reshaping breast tissue
• Creating a perkier, more voluminous look 
• Improving the appearance of enlarged or stretched areolas
• Repositioning nipples to point out or upwards instead of down

However, a breast lift will not make your breasts any bigger than they were before. They might sit on your chest differently and might even appear larger due to their new position, but you’ll have the same volume as before, and your cup size is unlikely to change. 

If you wish to add volume, a breast lift is a good time to slip in implants. However, augmentation comes with its own set of challenges, risks, and responsibilities. For example, you shouldn’t need further surgery following a breast lift, but implants will probably require replacement at some point in the future. 

Dr. Laughlin will help you get a better idea of what your breasts will look like following a lift and whether or not augmentation is necessary to achieve your desired aesthetic. You can make the best decision for yourself based on your present and future goals.

To learn more and discuss your options, call 410-205-5629 or visit the contact page for more options.