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Will I Need Breast Lift with Implant Downsizing?
I had a breast augmentation over a year ago. I was an A cup, and got a moderate silicone 225cc. I'm very petite, so I didn't want to go that big. I still wanted to look kind of flat, but with little very little cleavage. So, I want to get smaller implants, but I don't want to get a breast lift. I'm only 26, and I'm hoping I won't need it. Will I need a breast lift? What implant size should I go for? Thanks.
Asked 35 months ago by
dandoons in san diego, ca, u.sa
+3
Needing a breast lift after implant removal.
Thanks for the question -
This can be very difficult to answer. It depends on the laxity of your skin, the amount of ptosis (sag) you had prior to your breast augmentation and the position and shape of your implants.
Many patients do need a lift after removal of implants but some patients with smaller implants (like yours) can get away without it.
It also depends somewhat on the amount of sag you're willing to tolerate.
Your best bet is to probably have the implants removed and wait 6...
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+2
Downsizing May Require a Lift
For a relatively small change in volume, a lift may not be necessary.
The factors:
the amount of the reduction
the degree of drooping you already have
is the nipple below the height of the breast crease?
is there a lot of breast below the height of the breast crease?
the laxity (elasticity) of your skin and breast tissues
Having a clear idea of the volume change you seek will help your surgeon help you decide if the surgery is...
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+2
Breast implants or Natural Breast enhancment with fat grafting
You certainly may look saggy after removing or downsizing an implant. However, a 225 cc implant can't be downsized that much. For instance, downsizing to a 150 cc implant is about the limit before they are too small to make a nice improvement.
My suggestion is to remove the implants and consider a softer, more natural augmentation with fat grafing to the breast. My choice technique is to use the Viafill fat transfer system.
+2
You probably do not need a lift.
Hi! 225 cc implants are not huge. So I don't think going smaller will create so much looseness that you will need a lift.
You may be happy with 150 cc or 175 cc implants. Show your surgeon a picture of what you want to look like.
Then I recommend using a disposable implant SIZER during surgery. That way, your surgeon can try different volumes and see which is the best size for you BEFORE opening the permanent implants. This takes the guess work out. A sizer costs only $45, so it is a...
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+1
Breast lift not always necessary when having a large breast implant with a smaller one.
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Breast lift after implant downsizing
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Breast lift with implant exchange
When you are exchanging a breast implant for a smaller size, the overlying skin and tissue of the breast may sag. To help this, a small breast lift may be necessary. The smaller the implant you ultimately choose, the more skin you will have remaining. Keep this in mind when selecting your implant. Your plastic surgeon should discuss these options with you and review the different breast implant techniques that may be necessary to have a smaller breast with a nice contour....
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Implant downsizing and lifts
The predictors for needing a lift are: a) the volume of the implant; b) the plane of implantation (subpectoral or subglandular); c) the position of your nipple; d) the elasticity of your skin brassiere. Given your situation, I think that it is doubtful that you will require a lift when you downsize.
With respect to the implant you should target, choose one whose base diameter is slightly more narrow than the one you currently have. good luck.
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Breast lift usually not needed with downsizing
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It all depends on your tissue
+1
Likely no lift needed
As small a natural breast size you describe you will in all likelihood not need a breast lift with implant downsizing or even removal. As far as what implant size to go with - that is a more difficult question to answer. You already have an implant size that is considered on the smaller side. Going any further will depend on your expectations, your chest size diameter and also is breast augmentation something you really want still? These are the questions to discuss with your surgeon prior...
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+1
Downsizing Breast Implants
I clearly understand your predicament and have had this scenario occur frequently.
Typically, in the end, patients are generally satisfied with the size; rarely, do patients seek to downsize their implants. Given that this is your desire, you have chosen a relatively modest sized implant.
I recently informally contacted the breast implant manufacturer and a representative told me that approximately 85% of implants chosen fall between 325-375. Given this, consideration and the conservative...
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+1
I doubt you will need a lift
Lifts are done when the nipple and areola have drifted down to near, at, or below the crease below the breast. From your story, I doubt that this will be necessary from downsizing your already conservative implants a little bit. You probably have good enough elasticity that you will shrink well and not need a lift.
+1
No way to know without exam....
Hi there-
The answers to your questions will really depend on the amount and qualities of your tissues, and on how much smaller the new implant is... this, in turn, will depend (in a responsible approach) on your examination and the range of implants that might give you a pleasing result.
In other words, it is very important to understand that not all implants are available to all patients- in order for it to look good, it is important that the implant still fit the dimensions of your body...
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+1
Doubt if you will need a lift...
Your surgeon should consider the width of your natural breast in determining what the most appropriate size would be. The volume is usually a by-product of the width measurement, not the end point. I do not know what manufacturer or model/style of impant you have so I cannot comment on absolute size but is sounds as if you should probably choose the flattest, least projecting style of implant that will fit within the dimensions of your normal breast. Having a 225cc. implant, there is no much...
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+1
Depends on your soft tissue
The quality of your soft tissue will determine if a smaller device can be placed with a good result. If there is good skin tone, and it has no been too "stretched" with the current implants, you might tolerate using a smaller implant. There may be some "sagging" with this though. Uusually, a lift is required to remove the excess skin, so it can redrape around the smaller device. Your surgeon should be able to suggest maybe a lower profile device of similar width that may...
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