Breast Implants: Q&A

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Can You Have Implants After a Breast Reduction and Lift?

My breast are heavy and have been so since my early teens. I plan to have a redution with a lift. But I never see any before/afters that I like. The breasts just don't look full to me. And will the implant cause the back pain/fatigue that I always have?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by massagemamma in Georgia

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Breast reduction/lift (mastopexy) with augmentation

Based on the severity and complexity of the case, a breast lift/reduction may be done to help improve the shape and size of the breasts followed by an augmentation as well to provide fullness and volume. It doesn't necessarily have to be a large implant. A smaller implant can provide roundness and fullness while still looking natural and not affectting the weight and heaviness which causes back and shoulder pain. The procedures may be done at one tiem or may be done at seperate... more

How many before and afters have you seen?

Probably not enough. Newer breast reduction techniques use the breast tissue you currently have and reshape it into an aesthetically pleasing shape. If you are symptomatic from your breast size, then you should have enough tissue to avoid the need for an implant. Good luck!

Breast implants compliment a breast lift well

Breast lift and breast reduction can share many things in common. In both the nipple is lifted and the breast shaped through a short scar pattern refered to by some of my patients as a "lollipop" incision, or around the nipple and down to the breast fold. Differences lie in how the volume of the breast is altered. If you are happy with your current breast size reduction is not called for and the gland of the breast can be shaped within the lift pattern. Sometimes in lift or... more

If you dont see what you like, move on.

There are many qualified physicians who do excellent breast reductions -- if you do not see what you like go see another physician. Also explain that to the doctor you saw and see what he has to say. You must be happy with your physician or you should not use him.

Breast implants and breast lift or breast reduction

Breast implants do provide fullness to the central and upper pole of the breast. if a patient is left with inadequate breast volume after a breast reduction or mastopexy they might need to have breast implants. You can potentially develop neck and/or back pain if you have very heavy breasts (either from very large implants or from large and heavy breast tissue).

You can usually get excellent shape without implants

To massagemamma, Hi! If the breast reduction is done correctly, you can get wonderful shape with upper fullness. The trick is to shape the breast FROM THE INSIDE with deep stitches. This is the vertical mammaplasty operation that leaves you with just a "lollipop" scar. If the surgeon relies on pulling the skin together, you will not get good shape, specially in the long term. You don't neeed implants.

Be specific about what you want

Patients with large breasts usually have a combination of complaints regarding symptoms relating to size or weight (i.e. finding clothes that fit, back and neck pain, heaviness in chest, etc) and those relating to cosmetic appearance (i.e. shape, sagginess vs. perkiness, size.etc). It is possible and sometimes necessary or advantageous to undergo a reduction, lift, and augmentation either simultaneously or in two separate operations. A good surgeon can customize your procedures to give you... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

You can have an implant after a breast reduction.

The final appearance of your breast is dependant on the quality of your breast tissue. Breast that are fiberous can ofter be shaped at the time of surgery to give you more fullness in the upper part of the breast. However, it will not be as full as it would be with an implant. If your breast tissue is fatty without much fibrous tissue then shaping will not be as effective. Implants at the same time as a reduction may stress you tissues and lead to problems healing. If you truly need a... more

Upper pole fullness

The breast reduction operation will give you a lift as well as getting rid of the excess breast tissue. What you refer to is the upper breast fullness. Try to communicate this to your board certified plastic surgeon. Some breast techniques could give you more fullness in the upper part of the breast. I would not use an implant during reduction as it is counter productive.Good Luck!

Reductions plus Implants don't mix

If a patient has breasts that are too large, they should have a reduction and a lift. This won't make the upper pole look full like a Victoria's Secret model however. To put in an implant to achieve that look would also make you too big again. Sometimes your body just won't allow you to have exactly what you want unfortunately.

Implants with Breast Reduction and Lift

The quick answer to this is yes you can do all three procedures: lift, reduction, and augmentation. I have had occasion to do this at the same procedure and occasionally many years later (more common with subsequent weight loss). In all of these instances, the patients did not complain about the same syptoms they had when they were larger breasted. I agree with you, in that it would seem natural that patients would report recurrent back pain but this does not seem to occur. I will be very... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Yes, you can have implants after a breast lift/reduction.

MessageMamma, Yes, it is possible to have implants after a breast lift/reduction. One problem with breasts lifts/reductions is that there is often still a deficiency in the upper pole of the breast (fullness). There is often sufficient tissue to perform an auto-augmentation by rotating some of the extra tissue up into the upper pole. However, the other option is placing an implant at the same time or as part of a staged procedure. If your insurance company is paying for the reduction, I... more

Implants after breast reduction possible, but may not be necessary

Hi there, Depending on the details of the technique used for your breast reduction (which always includes a lift), placing implants should be possible and safe. I don't think that you should think, however, that it is not possible to have a breast reduction without ending up looking deflated and flat. A well done breast reduction can absolutely result simultaneously in breasts that are smaller, lighter, round, and well-shaped. If your goals can be achieved without an implant, it would... more

Breast implants with reduction is counterproductive

When performing a breast reduction, a lift is performed. Depending upon the technique used, a full breast shape can be created. I would refrain from adding an implant if I am performing a breat reduction. I think it is counterproductive.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Placing implants with at the time of a breast reduction is illogical.

Breast reduction is a functional operation that removes weight generating symptoms in the shoulder, back, and neck. A reduction always includes a breast lift which makes them look more youthful. It makes no sense to remove natural breast tissue and replace it with an artificial substance.

Yes it is possible to have implants after a reduction

Breast reduction and lifts together accomplish the main goal of decreasing the overall volume of the breast and lifting them to a more natural position. They help to relieve back pain and encourage more physical activity. However, it is true that the upper portion of the breast (upper pole) does not appear full. This is what you are noticing. It is NOT common to place implants at the same time as a reduction/lift. However, there are many surgeons who have done a few of these procedures (not... more