Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in most of the world. Great-looking breasts are highly desirable throughout most of the cultured aesthetic world. It’s very rewarding for a woman to feel that she has great breasts. Pride in a woman’s femininity takes many forms including attractive wardrobes, which are more easily fitted with pleasing breast contour. The short answer is yes, you can have a breast augmentation without a lift. However, this is indicative that the skin and other elements of your breast meet certain criteria.

When I consult the patient for breast augmentation, I first perform a thorough breast examination. I’m looking for masses, density, nipple position, and areolar size. With the patient upright, that is standing, I then perform measurements. These measurements are a baseline. The intention is to convey to the patient the most beneficial procedure to achieve her goals.

Breast Augmentation

If the nipples point down or are a significant distance from the sternal notch. This is where the collarbones meet in the neck. Then a breast lift may be a good recommendation. These conditions define and support the diagnosis of excess skin.

Excess skin in conjunction with downward pointing nipples in my opinion the best treatment is with a breast lift. And, possibly implants as well. This condition precludes implants alone. Implants alone in this situation will not achieve the best-looking breasts.

This excess skin must be addressed and reshaped before adding a breast implant. If a lift is the indication, then in my opinion I’m limited to the volume of implant that can safely be inserted. If the patient would like larger than I recommend, then a two-stage procedure is indicated. This means that I will perform the lift first and at a minimum of three months perform the breast augmentation. This two-stage approach achieves the best possible result for both lifted, reshaped, and augmented breasts. This is the gold standard to achieve the best breasts, with the best possible implant volume.

I prefer a postoperative compression garment for at least the first few hours after surgery followed by a special surgical bra that opens in the front and offers maximum support. This covers a very common and beneficial topic with respect to achieving the best possible-looking breasts.

THOMAS TREVISANI, MD

BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY