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Breast Lift candidate versus Breast Augmentation

Some women will learn during their breast augmentation consultation that they may need a breast lift, breast implant or both. This decision is based primarily on their breast anatomy and what they are looking for in their breast enhancement result.

A woman will often begin her consultation off with a question about her candidacy for breast augmentation. Her complaints may be that her breasts sag too much or she believes that she has too much skin or her nipples are too low. This woman may require a breast lift as part of her breast rejuvenation. It is best if the woman is prepared to answer or has already answered the following questions about her breast enhancement procedure.

Is she happy with the size of her breasts?

Is she happy with the position of her nipples and breast glands?

Is she content with the feel or firmness of her breasts?

Does she want the breasts to look fuller on the top half of her breasts?

The answers to these questions will go a long way in determining which type of breast enhancement plastic surgery she needs. If she wants fuller breasts, more volume, or firmer breasts, then she needs breast implants placed. If her nipples are too low then she will require a breast lift. If her nipple position is her major concern then she does not need to have breast implants placed.

The nipple position on a breast mound is the main factor in determining if a breast lift is required. This evaluation is made during the physical examination. The woman should be standing with her arms at her side. The relationship of the nipple position on side view (profile) to her breast crease (inframammary fold –IMF) is the key assessment to be made. When the nipple is well above the fold, then no breast lift is required and only breast implants are needed. If the nipple is at the inframammary fold (IMF), then a breast implant will usually be all that is needed. If the nipple is slightly below the IMF then she may require a breast lift. This woman is typically a marginal breast augmentation candidate and needs to understand that if she proceeds with only a breast augmentation then she will have lower breast mounds with lower nipple positions. Sometimes this is a very acceptable result. The key for this woman is to have realistic expectations, view after photo of similar women, and be willing to accept a breast lift as a second procedure if she is not totally satisfied with her new look. When the nipple is well below the IMF then she will require a breast lift.