Will an Augmentation or Reduction Change the Position of the Breasts?

When it comes to breast surgeries, there are several factors that patients consider, including size, shape, and position. Although the primary goal of making the breasts larger or smaller is not to alter their elevation on the chest via an augmentation- or reduction-related lift, our Philadelphia-based team explains that the change in size can influence their perkiness and position.

Breast Augmentation

Adding implants to the breasts to boost their volume makes a visual difference, with patients choosing this surgery in order to enjoy enhanced size, shapelier curves, and even improved symmetry. Whether or not this approach can also address sagging depends on the degree of the problem, among other factors. Increasing the breasts’ volume with implants may help them to stand out more and appear to sit higher thanks to the increased roundness in the upper poles.

Patients with mild sagging can be good candidates for this procedure, but those with more pronounced drooping—such as those who can hold a pencil in the crease beneath their breast—should know that implants make the breasts heavier and will likely create more pull. In other words, adding volume will not solve sagging for anyone with more than a very small degree of laxity.

Breast Reduction

Large, heavy breasts can create a constant pull on a patient’s body, with the weight causing the breasts to sag—and even create back and neck strain. With this in mind, reducing the size and weight of the breasts will naturally result in less pull, which in turn minimizes the related sagging.

At Cross Medical Group, Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons use a patient’s own natural breast tissue to shape and create something they call an “internal brassiere” as part of breast reduction surgery. This sculpted structure holds the breasts in an elevated position after healing, giving the chest a perkier look that lasts longer than is possible with skin that can stretch and sag.

If sagging breasts are a particular concern of yours, reach out to the team at Cross Medical Group for advice. Our experienced and talented plastic surgeons can get to know you as a patient and recommend a surgical strategy to help you achieve the look, shape, and feel of the breasts you want. Request a consultation online or call the office at (215) 561-9100.