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Did I Get a Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation?

asked 1 year ago by Olathe in Olathe, KS
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 4,292 times
Tags: botched

I had breast lift and augmentation surgery 11 weeks ago. As pictured my left implant has dropped below where the crease line should/will be, while my right implant has not fully dropped. My surgeon says that in 6-9 mo. post op my breast will look great naked. Right now I still look like a freak. How do you know when revision surgery is necessary & should I trust the same surgeon to do the surgery? He is board certified, 30 yrs exp. & refered by my OBGYN. Also attached before photo.

27 answers to Did I Get a Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation?

+4

Non-ideal results following a mastopexy with augmentation

These results at 11 weeks are not ideal and no amount of additional time will fully correct the problems. The left breast implant is too low compared to the right side and the vertical distance to the nipple is too long, partially related to the vertical only approach mastopexy. Without an examination which would be more accurate, it appears that the implant on the right side was not placed low enough; that is, the pocket wasn't dissected low enough. Therefore, this will not... more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+4

Mastopexy Augmentation: Too much lift with too much implant

Mastopexy augmentation or breast lift in combination with an implant is a technically difficult operation with many counteracting forces which need to be offset by internal breast support and precise skin excision. It appears that you have none of these from your photos, in that a vertical type lift with "bunching" was utilized which I find sloppy and imprecise, and your implants have dropped, which is indicative of limited internal support placed on the breast implant. I would... more
Andrew P. Trussler, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.drtrussler.com

+3

Questions about breast lift and augmentation result

You don't look like any patient I have ever done and I do agree that you should be concerned about where you are right now.  Time will tell but it is hard for me to imagine that you won't need a revision.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast Augmentation/Mastopexy Results?

Thank you for the question and pictures. I'm sorry to hear about the less than satisfactory experience you have had. Based on your pictures, I'm sure that revisionary surgery will be helpful. When the time is right to your due diligence carefully in the selection of a plastic surgeon who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients like yourself. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

Did I get a botched breast lift and augmentation?

There is no question that this did not turn out well, and although it is said that it can take months for a vertical lift to settle out and look good, if your result ends up looking good in 6 months or even 6 years, then I do not know anything about plastic surgery. You will definitely need a revision, and maybe more than one. It is truly unfortunate that you have to go through this. Echoing what others have said, if your surgeon is certified by the American Board of... more
Robert M. Grenley, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Revision Breast Surgery in Las Vegas

I perform numerous primary breast lifts with augmentation and also revise many surgeries done elswhere that have gone awry.  The vertical breast lift is a wonderful procedure in experienced hands.  Unfortunately,  there is little doubt that you will need a revision - your picture from the front with your arms down demonstrates extreme nipple/areolar asymmertry and pocket assymetry.  Before letting the same surgeon operate - ask him to see before and afters of other... more
W. Tracy Hankins, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift-normal?

This is tough.certainly 11 weeks is not sufficient time.On one photo it looks like the lower pole on your right is constricted and the photo with your arms up shows inframammary fold asymmetry which at 11 Weeks will probably not be corrected.whether to go back depends on your level of confidence in him.getting a second opinion would also be worthwhile.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

+2

Augmentation-mastopexy result

This is a tough situation and as has been pointed out in other responses, an example of how difficult it is to get all the factors to settle properly in a combined procedure that tends to work against the other procedure.  Several thoughts after reading all the responses: There is nothing wrong with the vertical mastopexy approach as it is perfectly possible to get proper results with this technique. The problem is getting both the mastopexy and augmentation to settle... more
Scott L. Replogle, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Time will tell

The augmentation mastopexy procedure is a difficult one and one that needs to tailored to each patients needs. The vertical incision can be used very effectively if applied to the correct problem. In your case there is a lot of ptosis with very little breast tissue volume and that is probable  why you currently have problems. If you wait I do not think the breast will improve enough for you to be happy. 
Walter D. Gracia, MD

Arlington Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast augmentation and mastopexy

I recommend you get a second opinion.  You may have a little improvement with the vertical scars but there are some implant position issues that won't likely improve without secondary surgery.  Doing a lift at the same time as augmentation is a very, very tricky operation and even in the best of hands can be unpredictable.  Tell your surgeon you would like a second opinion.  He/she should not be offended by this request.  Lisa Lynn Sowder, M.D. more
Lisa L. Sowder, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.sowdermd.com

+2

Your poor outcome should be revised

Hi there- First of all, I agree with Dr. Aldea that knowing someone is "Board Certified" is simply not enough in this day and age... The unfortunate truth is that there are many unscrupulous and unethical doctors out there doing operations they have no training to do, and they attract patients by saying they are "Board Certified", leaving out the part about the board certification being in Emergency Medicine or Ophthalmology. In other words, you MUST verify tha more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+2

Botched breast lift and augmentation?

The combination of breast lift and augmentation keeps plastic surgeons awake at night. It carries a high rate of unsatisfactory outcomes and need for revisions. I do think you need to find a reputable surgeon who is comfortable with this operation as your result looks as though it will need further work. Take the time to become informed. Use any contacts you might have inside the medical and/or nursing professions to gather information.
Eric Pugash, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Did I Get a Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation?

Regarding: "Did I Get a Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation? I had breast lift and augmentation surgery 11 weeks ago. As pictured my left implant has dropped below where the crease line should/will be, while my right implant has not fully dropped. My surgeon says that in 6-9 mo. post op my breast will look great naked. Right now I still look like a freak. How do you know when revision surgery is necessary & should I trust the same surgeon to do the surgery? He is board... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Vertical Mastopexy

I am very sorry to see that you are going through this difficult situation.  Your case is a perfect example of why I only rarely perform vertical-only lifts.  Patients often come to the office saying that they want a small scar / vertical lift and think somehow magic can be performed to achieve their goal.  In the most basic terms, the implant provides more volume and the lift shapes the breast.  If you are skimping on the lift portion of the procedure (to achieve some... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation?

My colleagues are giving you good advice, and the general tenor is that we agree you look pretty bad right now. Your own surgeon, and those surgeons in this forum that perform vertical lifts such as yours are all saying variations of "Yes, it looks bad now, but in [3,6,9, etc.] months, things will look [great, 100% better, OK, etc.]." Regardless of "right" or "wrong," you will need to wait until things settle before re-operation is recommended. Seek several... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+2

Breast Lift Problems

I perform only the vertical breast lifts, often with implants.  I often see very unattractive wrinkling and asymmetry and will give this 3 months to settle.  By then nearly all look 100% better and revisions are rare. It is time to get a few opinions on your condition.
John LoMonaco, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.DrLoMonaco.com

+2

Breast lift revision will be very difficult in your case.

Hi. I am really sorry to sound pessimistic, but judging only by your pictures, you have a very difficult problem. It looks like too much skin was removed from the lower part of your breasts. Breasts will probably need to be made smaller. Get several opinions.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Unfavorable early breast lift and aug

You are nearly 3 months out now. I see asymmetry in the implants, nipple position, lower pole of the breast, size, shape, imf positioning. bottoming out is more evident on raising the arms, and I question if the implant diameter is adequate. I don't know if your implants are above or below the muscle, This may make a difference if the lower pole constriction relaxes or how much it relaxes.  I don't like the scars at this point, and I don't like the areolas at this... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Too Soon

I am sorry you are going through this tough time, but there is a reasonable likelihood your breasts will improve very significantly over the next few months. The pinching just below the areola can occur when augmentation and lift are performed at the same time. It's amazing how much this relaxes with time. My advice is to give yourself about 6 months for further healing, before any attempt at revision.  I believe little or nothing will be gained with revision in the next... more
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

+2

Did I Get a Botched Breast Lift and Augmentation?

All the posts state "revision". I say absolute revision as soon as the healing is advanced enough, like NOW! Sorry. Are you sure the surgeon is a boarded PS? Seek a second opinion in person. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+2

LIft and augmentation

Breast lift and augmentation has one of the highest revision rates because of the combination of two procedures that in a lot of ways work against each other. You are still fairly early and you should give it some more time, but you may eventually need a touch-up.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

What are acceptable early results with breast lift plus implants

The picture is very helpful but keep in mind that none of us can give specific advice without seeing you personally. The combination of lift plus implants together is a complicated procedure because so many things have to heal together just right, and for this reason the need for revisions is higher than with other operations.  There are some versions of a vertical pattern breast lift that look odd early on but then settle (not the way I prefer to do it). Having said that, in your case... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift gone wrong

After one to two weeks your breast should look good after a breast lift with implants. Certainly more time will allow the skin envelope and implant to work in together, however is seems unlikely that more time will solve the situation you are in. I think your idea of a second opinion is a good one. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Breast lift and augmentation

I have a lot of experience with vertical breast lift and augmentation. I do agree with most that the final results may take a while. Your pictures show a breast that can be improved with a revision. The area around the areola can be improved to try to match the already tight vertical part of the incision. It will settle some more, but I would thing about a revision to improve the balance.
Luis A. Vinas, MD

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

Simultaneous breast lift and augmentation

Thank you for the photos. It is hard for me to imagine that this result will make you look great naked. These two procedures try to accomplish different goals; the lift is to bring the breast tissue up including the nipple areola complexes and an augmentation is to expand the breast and many times lower the crease. A breast lift done together with an augmentation can be a challanging operation. We all try to do it at the same time to save on recovery time and make it easier for the... more
George Marosan, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

www.bellevueplasticsurgeons.com

+2

"Botched surgery?"

The unsettling thing about breast surgery is that things  change. Good results can turn not-s-good and not-so-good can turn out good. It is important to be patient. Although your breasts are quite distorted now, your incisions indicate that you can a vertical scar type of lift. This lift is designed to produce some initial distortion, mainly tightness on the bottom and fullness on the top. This usually reverses itself but to what degree is hard to predict.  I would predict that... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Post op

Things do change over time, and it is important to be patient.  Discuss your concerns with your doctor.  I would advise you to work with your surgeon, but you are always entitled to a second opinion for reassurance or clarification.
David A. Lickstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

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