When your breasts are sagging down and have lost their firmness, you may have been thinking about getting a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy. But can you get a mastopexy without getting implants?
The answer is yes, you can have a mastopexy without the implants. If you want to increase the volume of your breasts, you may consider a fat transfer, where there is less chance for an adverse reaction because the tissue is from your own body. Certain types of non-surgical enhancements may also be possible in specific cases.
There is no one-size-fits-all way to improve the look of your breasts, and your lift can come with or without implants.
Are Implants Necessary When You Get a Mastopexy?
A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that surgically reshapes and lifts your sagging breasts. Unlike an augmentation, a mastopexy does not insert implants to increase your cup size. Instead, its primary focus is on improving your position, contour, and firmness. While you can have an augmentation in addition to your breast lift surgery, it is not necessary to get implants when you are satisfied with your breast size.
An alternative to augmentation is fat transfer. You can still increase your size and volume, but because the tissue is from your own body, there is less chance of an adverse event or the development of capsular contracture. Another advantage of using your own tissue is that your breasts look and feel as natural as possible with less scarring. You will have a shorter recovery time than with implants and the physical sensations in your breasts and nipples will remain intact.
A fat transfer harvests fat from one area of your body, such as your abdomen or your thighs, with liposuction and then injects it into your breasts to improve fullness and shape. A great benefit of this option is that the area where the tissue was harvested gets slimmer!
Remember: enhancement is temporary, so if you are not pleased with the results, the fat will eventually be reabsorbed into your body.
Non-Surgical Options for Breast Lift
Did you know that lifting your breasts may not require surgery? While these non-surgical options may not provide the same level of lift as a surgical mastopexy, they can offer subtle improvements in terms of firmness, contour, and overall appearance.
You may use injectable fillers to add volume and firmness, which can provide a temporary lift. This is a not a permanent solution, and results typically last several months, but they are a great option if you want to experiment with a larger cup size.
Radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening can also stimulate collagen production and tighten your skin, promoting a mild lifting effect. These treatments are non-invasive and may require multiple sessions for the best results.
Thread lifts involve the placement of dissolvable threads under your skin to lift and tighten sagging tissues.
Some topical creams and lotions might be able to enhance the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and include ingredients such as retinoids, collagen, and hyaluronic acid.
Talk to Us to Learn Your Options for a Breast Lift Without Implants
To improve the shape and appearance of your breasts, you do not necessarily need to get a breast augmentation. While there are many alternatives to implants, a mastopexy can be a standalone procedure.
Our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Abramson, can speak with you on the various options you have. Reach out to us to book your consultation today.