Why Would Someone Get a Breast Lift As Opposed to a Capsulorrhaphy or Capsuloplasty?

Had implants done two weeks ago and although it is still early I am concerned about a double bubble. My breasts were borderline breast lift material...had sagging, tubular breasts. My doctor created a new crease...now I have a double bubble effect on both of my breasts although the right one is worse. He is hoping that they settle as the left one has already gotten better. He says that if the right one doesn't lower in the next couple of months, I may have to get a lift.

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Breast Procedures: Breast Lift, Capsulorrhapy, Capsulotomy, Breast Augmentation

Breast lift (mastopexy), casulorrhaphy and capsulotomy are separate and distinct procedures. Breast lift (mastopexy is performed to improve ptosis, breast droopiness. It has nothing to due with breast implants whereas casulorrhaphy and capsulotomy procedures are performed after breast augmentation. Capsulorrhaphy and capsulotomy are procedures performed to alter the breast pocket which is performed breast augmentation patients.

Pocket issue vs breast tissue position

Hello, A capsullorhaphy repairs a large breast pocket while a breast lift repositions the breast tissue higher up on the chest. A capsulotomy opens the breast pocket. The three procedures address fundamentally different issues. If your implant is properly positioned and your breast tissue is hanging off of your implant a breast lift should be performed to reposition the breast tissue. A capsulotomy to make the implant sit lower on your chest and therefore match... more

Breast augmentation revisions

The key to understanding breast augmentation revisions (or nearly any revision) is, with few exceptions, wait until the tissues have fully recovered and aren't going to change any further. Only then can a proper assessment and operative plan be done to have the highlest likelihood of success with a second procedure. For breast augmentation this is a minimum of three months and may require longer if things are still changing. The second key to revisional breast surgery is to identify... more

Addressing double bubble with capsulorrhaphy or subfascial correction

I would definitely give it time before even considering revisionary surgery. If things settle out and no double bubble is left, then a periareolar lift might be all that you need. Capsulorrhaphy would be indicated if the position of the implant needed to be changed. In my opinion if this is indeed needed, a better option is to convert to a subfascial plane. Manipulating capsule can give a significant improvement but really relies on weak scar tissue for support. ... more

Breast Implant Revision - Why Would Someone Get a Breast Lift As Opposed to a Capsulorrhaphy or Capsuloplasty?

These are two entirely different procedures, and it's important to understand what each does. You can, in fact, have or need to have both done, or either one alone. A lift is just what it sounds like - it lifts the breast. In order to do that, though, additional incisions (beyond those required for implants alone or the other procedures) are typically needed, and you may not want to have that done. That's fine, but then you may not be able to get the result... more

Capsule adjustments are not related to need for a Breast Lift

Hi there- The two procedures you are asking about would not (in my practice) be interchangeable options for similar problems, but rather would be options for significantly different problems with breast shape. In other words, capsule adjustments will not obviate the ned for a breast lift if a woman otherwise does need a breast lift, and a woman who would benefit from adjustment of her implant capsules will still need this just a s much after a breast lift. Your best bet if you... more

Breast lift or capsule repair?

I know that you have heard this before, but it is important to be patient. It is too soon after surgery to know your final result because implants may take weeks to months to settle. Typically, a breast lift is performed when the nipple position is low (below the inframammary fold); and a capsulorrhaphy (capsule repair) is performed when the implant is either too low, too far lateral, or too far medial. I would encourage you to be patient and allow your breasts to... more

Lifts vs capsule surgery

It's really too early to tell what's going to happen. I have seen implants take 1-2 months to drop into position. Check with your surgeon and don't panic. Ask if downward massage or an upper breast strap (bandeau) would help. Hang in there.

The indications are different

Each surgical procedure has certain indication and some relative indications. If you are a candidate for the breast lift based on the nipple position and breast position,then capsulectomy or capsule revision will not work.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Breast lift or capsule repair, different issues

There is not a direct relationship between a need for a breast lift or a repair or adjustment of the implant capsule. If the implant sits low or has created a double bubble then capsule repair is the next step. If the nipple sits low and below the point of projection of your breast implant then a lift is needed. The lift will not solve a poorly positioned breast implant. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Lifting breasts vs lifting implants

In general, a capsulorrhaphy is done when the implant is too low or too lateral, so that the implant is repositioned. If the breast tissue and skin envelope are where they need to be but the implant is out of position, then a breast lift is not needed. However, sometimes the breast tissue is what is sagging rather than the implant, in which case a breast lift is needed. Some times both, it all depends on your specific situation and it isn't possible to give specific advice without an... more

Breast lifting or Capsulorraphy?

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately it is not possible to give you good advice without direct examination. Based on your description you have a somewhat complicated case initially with “sagging, tubular breasts”. Generally speaking, I would prefer to do a capsulorraphy if at all possible to achieve the desired results; this will avoid external scars associated with breast lift surgery. Breast lifting however may be necessary if significant loose skin is... more