What Is Upper Pole Fullness?

07 Aug What Is Upper Pole Fullness?

Options for Uplifted Breasts

When you look at your breasts in the mirror, what do you see? For some, the upper part of the breast may seem less full or flat compared to the lower part, which is more rounded. This upper part, (from the nipple upwards), is what is referred to as the “upper pole.” When it has a fuller look, it’s known as “upper pole fullness.” Upper pole fullness is a term widely used in the aesthetic and plastic surgery fields. It refers to the degree of roundness or fullness in the upper half of the breasts. It’s not about the size or shape of your breasts, but rather about how they appear, especially in relation to the lower half, which is usually fuller due to gravity.

A fuller upper pole typically gives the breasts a lifted appearance. It provides balance to the overall shape of the breasts. A lack of upper pole fullness, on the other hand, can lead to the appearance of breast ptosis. This can happen due to ageing, significant weight loss, or following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

When it comes to exploring surgical options for upper pole fullness, Perth Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Guy Watts has a lot of experience performing Breast Augmentation procedures. He aims to provide patients with a comprehensive understanding of the various methods available, making sure each procedure is tailored to suit each individual’s needs and aesthetic goals.

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Factors Affecting Upper Pole Fullness

We’ve now established what upper pole fullness is and why it matters. But what influences the fullness of the upper pole? There are some factors that can impact how full or rounded the upper part of your breasts appears.

Age

One of the primary factors that affect the fullness of the upper pole is age. As we get older, our bodies change. Our skin loses its elasticity, and the tissues and ligaments in our breasts that help maintain their shape and firmness begin to stretch. These changes can lead to a reduction in upper pole fullness.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also significantly influence the appearance of your breasts. The changes in hormones during pregnancy can cause your breasts to enlarge, stretching the skin. After breastfeeding, the size of the breasts often decreases, but the stretched skin may not return to its previous firmness, also resulting in a decrease in upper pole fullness.

Weight Fluctuations

Significant changes in weight can also affect the appearance of the breasts. Weight gain can cause the breasts to enlarge, which stretches the skin. Whereas weight loss can lead to a decrease in breast volume and size. If the skin is significantly stretched it may not retract after weight loss, this can also affect the upper pole fullness.

Genetics

Your genetic makeup can play a role in the appearance of your breasts, including the upper pole fullness. Some women have more fullness in the upper portion of their breasts, while others may have less. Your genetics also determine the firmness of your skin and the strength of the ligaments in your breasts, which can impact how much your breasts age over time.

While some of these factors are beyond our control, understanding them can help us set realistic expectations about our bodies and the changes they undergo.

Non-Surgical Ways to Increase Upper Pole Fullness

Having understood the factors affecting upper pole fullness, you might be wondering if there are ways to increase the volume of your upper pole without going under the knife. Fortunately, there are non-surgical methods you can explore.

Exercise

Just as you can tone your arms, abs, and legs, there are exercises that can help to tone the muscles under your breasts. While these exercises can’t directly increase upper pole fullness since breasts are primarily made of fatty tissue and not muscle, they can help lift and firm the underlying muscles which can in turn make your breasts appear fuller.

Posture

Good posture can go a long way in altering the appearance of your breasts. When you slouch, your breasts also move forward, reducing upper pole fullness. But when you stand or sit up straight, your breasts appear more lifted, which can help to increase the appearance of upper pole fullness. Moreover, maintaining good posture is important for overall spine health.

Supportive Clothing

The right clothing, especially the right bra, can significantly affect the appearance of your breasts. A well-fitting bra can provide your breasts with the necessary support, lifting them up and increasing the appearance of upper pole fullness. For a uplifted look, opt for bras with good underwire support and full coverage cups.

Active, Nutritious Lifestyle

Maintaining an active lifestyle can help prevent premature breast ptosis. This includes maintaining a stable weight, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, which can damage your skin’s elasticity over time.

While these methods may not dramatically increase upper pole fullness, they can help to increase the overall appearance of your breasts.

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Guide To Breast Augmentation

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Surgical Options for Upper Pole Fullness

While lifestyle changes and supportive clothing can help, there are limits to their effectiveness, especially if your upper pole fullness has been significantly reduced due to factors like age, pregnancy, or major weight loss. For those seeking more noticeable results, surgical options might be considered.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and shape of the breasts. This is typically achieved through the placement of implants filled with saline or silicone gel. The procedure is often performed for cosmetic reasons, such as increasing breast volume or achieving a more balanced appearance and can also be part of reconstructive surgery following mastectomy or injury. 

It’s important to understand that like all surgeries, Breast Augmentation comes with risks, such as infection, changes in nipple sensation, and implant leakage or rupture.

Breast Lift

A Breast Lift, also known as a Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that aims to lift and reshape the breasts. This can often increase upper pole fullness by removing excess skin and tightening the skin that remains. Sometimes, a Breast Lift may be done in conjunction with a Breast Augmentation for more comprehensive results.

Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting is a newer technique that involves removing fat from one part of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs, processing/purifying it, and then injecting it into your breasts. This can be a good option for those who prefer a more subtle way to increase breast volume, as it uses your own body fat instead of synthetic implants. It allows for enlargement of specific areas of the breasts, such as the upper pole, to achieve a more balanced, symmetrical shape.

Considering Surgery

All surgical options should be considered with care, and it’s important to discuss these options with Dr Watts who can guide you through the process and help you understand what can realistically be achieved. Surgical procedures involve risks and recovery periods, so they should be undertaken with full knowledge of the implications.

Upper pole fullness is an aspect of breast aesthetics that many women may want to alter. Whether you choose to do so through non-surgical means, such as exercise or surgical options like Augmentation or a Lift, remember that your choice should be about what makes you feel most comfortable in your own skin.

FAQs about Breasts

Further Reading about Breast Procedures with Dr. Watts

• Read Dr Watts’ Breast Augmentation Surgery Page
• Read Dr Watts’ Breast Reduction Surgery Page
• Read Dr Watts’ Breast Lift Surgery Page
• Read Dr Watts’ Blog about How Can I Enlarge My Breasts?
• Read Dr Watts’ Blog about What causes Breast Ptosis? – Causes and Surgery for Breast Ptosis