It’s one of the most common misunderstandings in consultation: “Doctor, an implant will lift my breasts, right?” The honest answer is no. An implant adds volume. What determines whether a breast has dropped is where the nipple sits.
Why doesn’t an implant lift the breast?
If the nipple has already descended, a large implant only adds weight. The skin stretches more and the breast can look even lower over time. An implant, even a firm one, doesn’t change the tissue on top of it. That tissue keeps aging and gravity keeps working.
If the sagging is mild and you aren’t after perfection, an augmentation can sometimes give the appearance of better position. But when the nipple is low, the right solution is a lift, with or without an implant.
How I measure whether your breast is in the right position
It isn’t done by eye. I use a reference point at the base of the neck and measure the distance to the areola. When that distance is too long, the nipple is low and a lift is needed. In my practice, a distance of more than about 19 centimeters (roughly 7.5 inches) usually means you need a lift, although every body is evaluated as a whole.
The three types of breast lift
Your skin decides the type of lift: how much the nipple needs to rise and how much skin is left over.
- Around the areola (donut lift): when the nipple only needs a small repositioning.
- Vertical (lollipop lift): when there’s extra skin along the vertical axis.
- Anchor lift: when there’s also extra skin at the bottom.
Lift with or without an implant?
A lift without an implant does what your bra does: the same volume, in a better position. If you also want more size, it’s combined with an implant. When the lift is more extensive, I prefer more moderate implants to protect the blood supply to the nipple.
Frequently asked questions
Can I breastfeed after a breast lift?
In many cases yes, because the connection between the nipple and the gland is preserved, but it can’t be guaranteed. We discuss it in consultation based on your technique.
Does a breast lift leave scars?
Yes. The scar pattern depends on the type of lift, and it fades over time.
How long do results last?
A long time, but skin keeps aging. Wearing a bra, including at night, helps keep the tissue in place.
Learn more about breast lift and augmentation with Dr. JC Alvarez. Your consultation is always free: book here.
About Dr. JC Alvarez. Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He trained at the University of Pittsburgh, where he researched adipose-derived stem cells, with studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he is the lead author of a national survey of 596 plastic surgeons on preventing blood clots in body contouring surgery. He is the author of Behind the Mirror.
Sources: ASPS: Breast lift
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. Every case is evaluated individually and results vary.
