The type of breast surgery that would be best for you would depend on what your goals are. Typically patients with 40DDD breasts opt for a breast lift - possibly with implants to better round out the breasts.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided into two pools: volume and ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive (some want smaller, less droopy breasts and others want less droopy breasts with volume maintenance).

There are two factors that can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease.

If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease, the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision.

With regards to your specific question, while a lift may help, you may want to consider a reduction. The operation is technically similar, with an identical scar pattern. However, a reduction aims to decrease the size of the breast while at the same time providing a lift and reshaping it. At a 40 DDD, any lift result will likely be short-lived due to the volume of the breast and the effects of time and gravity.

There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS). Patients should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Most breast lifts can be done without sacrificing the blood supply and sensation of the nipples. However, there is a limit beyond which it is unlikely that your nipples would maintain blood supply. In these cases, the nipples are removed and repositioned as a graft. This procedure works well in most cases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Reconstruction with free nipple graft.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The appropriate procedure for you would be a breast reduction, which combines a decrease in size with a breast lift.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for sharing. This is typically a reduction case, but could be a lift, which can be virtually identical in certain breast/body types. See your local board-certified surgeon who can determine your needs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I don't know whether you have XL breast implants or not. If you do not, then yes, you would benefit from a breast reduction, which also includes an uplift. I do this as an outpatient procedure with a recovery of about two weeks. This usually helps with back problems and sometimes can be covered by insurance. The cost varies from about $6-$10k.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You don't need breast reconstruction. A breast lift or a breast reduction would likely work for you. A breast reduction includes lifting the breasts as well as removing breast volume. A lift alone is generally removal of excess skin and very little breast tissue. I would suggest you see to a board-certified plastic surgeon. Breast reduction is still covered by most insurances, and you may meet their criteria for coverage. It is a fantastic operation that helps alleviate a variety of problems including neck, back and shoulder pain, chronic headaches and rashes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In general, a mastopexy (breast lift) and a breast reduction have very similar incision patterns. A mastopexy incision helps to lift and shape the breast, while a reduction removes breast tissue. It is hard to lift a large breast (DDD) and expect it to stay there. This is the reason for the common term reduction mastopexy, which is basically a breast reduction (the removal of tissue to make the breast smaller) and a breast mastopexy. This results in the nipple being repositioned and the breasts being reshaped.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

A lift would help you. You may also want to consider a reduction with the lift.

Published on Jul 11, 2012