Will Augmentation Work for Me if I Feel My Breasts Are Sagging?

One of the most common questions asked by women concerned about sagging breasts is whether getting breast implants alone will create a more lifted appearance. In other words, they want to know if they can get breast augmentation instead of a breast lift and still address their concerns about breast sagging.

This question is best answered by a plastic surgeon who can personally assess the degree of sagging and the quality of the breast tissue. But there are some factors that can help you determine if you need a breast lift, which can be combined with breast augmentation if you want fuller breasts.

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift

Before listing what to look for to determine if a breast lift is right for you, it’s important to understand the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation increases the size of the breasts with implants. If your breasts are starting to sag, implants can make the condition worse because of their added weight. A breast lift reshapes breast tissue and removes excess skin, creating more support for implants if a patient wants to combine a lift with augmentation. Our surgeons use a technique called a short-scar breast lift with implants when appropriate.

Will Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift Work Best for You?

Do you need a breast lift? Here are 3 things to consider:

• The position of your nipples: Stand bare-breasted in front of a mirror. Are your nipples pointed straight ahead or only slightly down? If so, you may not need a breast lift. If they’re pointed noticeably downward or are below the crease of the breasts, you are probably a good breast lift candidate. Your breasts may appear flat or elongated. This occurs with aging or after having children, as breasts lose volume and become heavier in the lower pole (lower portion of the breasts). A breast lift repositions the nipple and areola so they are in harmony with the elevated breast.
• Breast volume: How round or full your breasts appear is referred to as breast volume. Again, age and pregnancy can result in breasts losing volume and appearing deflated. Weight loss is another reason for lost breast volume. If the volume loss is not too pronounced and your breasts don’t sag, breast implants can improve the shape of your breasts. But if the volume loss is accompanied by sagging, you’ll need to combine implants with a lift.
• Uneven breasts: Many people undergo a breast lift procedure because their breasts are asymmetrical, or one breast sits lower than the other. A skilled plastic surgeon can reconstruct your breast tissue so that you leave your procedure with more even, shapely breasts.

Breast lift surgery performed by an experienced, talented plastic surgeon can create beautiful results that will last for years. If you’re looking for a breast lift specialist, request a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Wall Center by using the online form. You can also call our Shreveport, LA, practice at (318) 795-0801 to schedule an appointment.