Upper Pole Fullness

Can Upper Pole Fullness Be Achieved with Breast Implants, Lift or Reduction?

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, thinking about the shape and fullness of your breasts, especially at the top? Upper pole fullness refers to the volume and roundness at the upper part of the breast, and it plays a big role in breast aesthetics. Whether you’re considering increasing the size, lifting, or reducing your breasts, getting all the details about this aspect can be really helpful in making choices that suit your needs.

Breast aesthetics isn’t just about size; it’s about proportion and balance too. Changes due to ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can alter the fullness at the top of the breasts. Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Jake Lim aims to walk you through what upper pole fullness means and how different surgical options like breast implants, lift, and reduction can help you achieve it.

Download Dr Lim’s Ultimate Breast Surgery Guide

What Is Upper Pole Fullness?

So, what exactly is upper pole fullness? Simply put, it’s the fullness or roundness of the upper half of your breast. Imagine drawing a horizontal line across the nipple; the area above that line is the upper pole. When this area is full and rounded, it often gives the breasts a more lifted and firm appearance. If the fullness is lacking, the breasts might appear flatter or saggy at the top, with more volume at the bottom.

Several factors can influence upper pole fullness:

Genetics: Your natural breast shape and how your tissue is distributed play a big part.
Ageing: Over time, skin loses elasticity, and breast tissue can descend, reducing fullness at the top.
Weight Changes: Significant weight loss or gain can affect breast volume and shape.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes and the physical demands of breastfeeding can stretch the skin and alter breast tissue.
Gravity: It’s an unavoidable factor that affects us all, contributing to changes in breast position over the years.

Breast Implants and Upper Pole Fullness

If enhancing the fullness at the top of your breasts is your goal, breast implants are a common and effective option. They can restore lost volume or add volume where there wasn’t much before, resulting in a fuller, more rounded upper pole.

Choosing the Right Implants

Selecting the right implant is an important step. Here are some things to consider:

Shape:

Round Implants: These provide equal fullness all around, enhancing the upper pole significantly. They’re often chosen if you’re after a more pronounced look.
Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants: Designed to mimic the natural breast shape, with more volume at the bottom. They offer a subtler enhancement of the upper pole.

Material:

Silicone Implants: Known for a feel that’s closer to natural breast tissue.
Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater and inserted empty before being filled, allowing for smaller incisions.

Profile:

Low, Moderate, High Profiles: The profile determines how far the implant projects from the chest. A higher profile means more projection and can enhance upper pole fullness.

Breast Lift With Implants Patient 15 — Angle View

Placement of the Breast Implants

The position of the implant relative to the chest muscle affects the final look:

Submuscular (Under the Muscle): Placing the implant beneath the chest muscle can result in a more natural slope at the top of the breast.
Subglandular (Over the Muscle): Placing the implant above the muscle but beneath the breast tissue can enhance upper pole fullness more prominently.

Your existing anatomy plays a considerable role in determining what will work best. Factors like chest width, breast base width, and the amount of existing breast tissue all influence the decision. Open communication with your plastic surgeon about your desired outcome is essential.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Upper Pole Fullness

If sagging or drooping breasts are a concern, but you’re happy with the overall size, a breast lift (mastopexy) might be the solution you’re looking for. A lift can alter the breasts by elevating them to a higher position on the chest and reshaping the tissue.

How a Breast Lift Works

A breast lift (mastopexy) involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. By repositioning the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound and reshaping the tissue, the procedure can restore the breast profile.

Enhancing Upper Pole Fullness with a Lift

While a lift (mastopexy) alone can improve the position and shape of the breasts, it may not always significantly enhance upper pole fullness. For some women, the lift repositions the existing tissue in a way that naturally increases fullness at the top. For others, especially those with less breast tissue, combining a lift with implants can provide the desired fullness.

Combining Procedures

Lift with Implants (Aumentation mastopexy): This combination addresses both sagging and volume loss, particularly in the upper pole.
Lift with Fat Grafting: In some cases, transferring fat from another area of your body to your breasts can enhance fullness without implants.

Is a Breast Lift (mastopexy) Right for You?

You can consider a breast lift if:

Your breasts have lost shape and volume.
Nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) and Upper Pole Fullness

For women with large, heavy breasts, a breast reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty) can alleviate physical discomfort like back, neck, and shoulder pain. But beyond reducing size, the procedure also focuses on achieving a different shape.

During a breast reduction, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin are removed. The remaining tissue is reshaped, and the nipple and areola are often repositioned to a higher spot. Dr Jake Lim aims to maintain or create upper pole fullness to prevent a flattened appearance at the top.

Techniques to Enhance Shape

Dr Lim may use specific techniques to preserve upper pole fullness during reduction:

Superior Pedicle Technique: Preserves tissue in the upper part of the breast to maintain fullness.
Vertical Scar Reduction: Minimises scarring and allows for better shaping of the breast.

The goal is to reduce size while ensuring the breasts are proportionate to your body and have a natural shape. Discussing your desires regarding upper pole fullness with your plastic surgeon during the initial consultation is important to achieve an optimal outcome.

Making the Right Choice for You

Deciding on breast surgery is a personal journey. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:

Reflect on Your Motivations

Ask yourself:

What specifically do I want to change about my breasts?
How do I hope to feel after the surgery?
Am I making this decision for myself?

Understanding your motivations can clarify your goals and help you communicate them to your plastic surgeon.

Research and Education

Learn About the Procedures: Read reputable sources, watch educational videos, and understand the basics of each procedure.
Know the Risks and Benefits: Every surgery has potential risks. Being aware helps you weigh them against the benefits.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Credentials and Experience: Look for a specialist plastic surgeon with experience in breast surgeries.
Before and After Photos: Reviewing a surgeon’s previous work can give you an idea of their skill and the results you might expect.
Consultations: Don’t hesitate to meet with multiple surgeons to find someone you feel comfortable with.

Preparing for Surgery

Health Assessment: Ensure you’re in good health, with any medical conditions well-managed.
Lifestyle Adjustments: You will need to stop smoking or adjust medications before surgery.
Support System: Arrange for help during recovery, whether it’s family or friends.

Setting Realistic Expectations

While surgery can change your appearance, it’s important to have realistic expectations:

Understand Limitations: Every body is different, and results can vary.
Communicate Clearly: Be open with your plastic surgeon about what you want, and listen to their professional advice.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is an essential part of the process:

Follow Post-Operative Instructions: This helps ensure proper healing and the best possible results.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins with your plastic surgeon allows him to monitor your progress.
Be Patient: It can take time for swelling to subside and the final results to become apparent.

Emotional Considerations

Having a breast surgery can be an emotional journey:

Self-Care: Take time to rest and recover both physically and emotionally.
Support Networks: Lean on friends, family, or support groups if you need to talk.

FAQs about Breast Procedures for Upper Pole Fullness

How do I know if I need a breast lift (mastopexy), implants (augmentation), or both?

Choosing between a lift, implants, or a combination depends on your goals. If you’re primarily concerned with sagging or the position of your breasts, a lift might be the best option. If you’re looking to add volume, especially in the upper pole, implants alone may be sufficient. However, if you want both added volume and a higher, more rounded shape, combining a lift with implants can give the best overall result.

Can breast implants or a lift help with asymmetrical breasts?

Yes, breast implants and lifts can both address asymmetry. Dr Lim can use implants of different sizes to create a more balanced appearance or adjust the lift technique to make both breasts appear more symmetrical. Depending on the extent of the asymmetry, additional adjustments may be recommended to achieve a more balanced look.

Will a breast lift – mastopexy or reduction change the size of my areolas?

Yes, both a breast lift and reduction can modify the size and position of the areolas if needed. Many women who opt for these procedures choose to reduce the size of their areolas or reposition them for a more proportional look that complements the overall shape of the breast.

How long after pregnancy or breastfeeding should I wait before considering breast surgery?

It’s recommended to wait at least 6 to 12 months after breastfeeding has ended and your breasts have stabilised before considering any type of breast surgery. This allows your breast tissue and skin to settle into their post-pregnancy shape, making it easier to assess your needs and achieve longer-lasting results.

Will breast surgery affect my ability to breastfeed in the future?

Breastfeeding after surgery depends on the type of procedure and how it’s performed. Breast augmentation with implants might preserves the ability to breastfeed, especially if the implants are placed under the muscle. A breast lift – mastopexy or reduction, however, can impact breastfeeding, depending on the extent of tissue removal and the techniques used. It’s important to discuss your future breastfeeding plans with your plastic surgeon before surgery.

Medical References about Upper Pole Fullness

Does It Improve Upper Pole Fullness and Breast Harmony? – National Institutes of Health
A Modified Approach to Increase Upper Pole Fullness – National Institutes of Health
Breast Shape: A Technique for Better Upper Pole Fullness – ResearchGate
Augmentation/lift after weight training | Ask A Surgeon – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Breast enlargement (implants) – NHS