Does Breast Lift Increase Cup Size?

Breast lift is a popular choice among women who seek to restore a firm, attractive look to breasts that have begun to sag as a result of pregnancy, changes in weight or simply the passage of time.

The procedure restores a youthful profile by elevating the breasts on the chest. But does it do more? Below, experienced San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Chacon discusses the effects of breast lift, including the question of whether it provides a degree of breast augmentation.

Breast Lift Benefits

Increasing the size is not a primary goal of breast lift, although women can choose to have breast implants placed in conjunction with a lift procedure. Because breast lift elevates the breasts on the chest and reverses sagging, it can create the appearance of more volume.

In addition, by improving symmetry and restoring a “perky” look by returning low or downward-pointing nipples to a natural appearance, breast lift creates a profile that is more dramatic in its projection, shape and proportion.

Breast lift is particularly effective at revitalizing breasts after pregnancy. During this time, breasts naturally swell to a larger size. When this happens, the skin stretches. Once your infant is no longer breastfeeding, the milk-producing glands shrink and the breasts return to their usual size. But because the skin may not be flexible enough to shrink back to a correspondingly smaller size, sagging can result.

The degree of sagging varies, and is medically described by the “ptosis” classification system: To determine the degree of sagging, a surgeon looks at the position of the nipple relative to the fold or crease at the base of the breast. With Grade 1 ptosis, the nipple and crease are at the same level. In Grade 2 cases, the nipple has dropped below the crease, but is still higher than the breast gland area that projects over the fold. In Grade 3 ptosis, the nipple is the lowest part of the breast.

Adding Procedures

In addition to effectively targeting these varying degrees of sagging, breast lift is often a key part of mommy makeover, a group of procedures that may also include:

• Liposuction, to shrink specific areas of stubborn fat
• Tummy tuck, to repair the abdominal wall and remove excess folds of skin
• Breast augmentation with implants, to restore or enhance volume

Like breast lift, these complementary procedures address changes the body often undergoes as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss or aging.

To learn more about breast lift, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Carlos Chacon at his San Diego-area office in Bonita by contacting Divino Plastic Surgery today.