When Can I Get a Breast Lift After Having Breast Implants?

What you are describing is a staged augment-mastopexy where one operation (in this case the breast augmentation) is done separately from the second operation (the breast list or mastopexy) Some surgeons prefer to perform their breast surgeries in this way because they feel it gives them more control over the final result and perhaps reduces the number of revisions. Personally I rarely would recommend a staged augment-mastopexy because of the additional cost and recovery for performing two operations instead of just one. The typical timing of a two-stage breast procedure would be to wait until the first operation had completely healed before performing the second. If a breast augmentation is done first typically it takes 2-3 months for the breast implants to settle. So at that time you would contemplate performing the lift.

Thank you for the question.  Awaiting approximately 3-6 months for further breast surgery would be a reasonable time.  These two procedures can safely
and effectively be performed in one setting, given you are healthy and
without medical comorbidities to prevent such. Staging the procedures
to have
them done at various times will likely not have any cost benefit
for you. When you combine procedures, there is often a discount that is
provided by the surgeon for multiple procedures. Also, when having
multiple procedures performed at the same time, you save on anesthesia
and facility fees, which otherwise are paid for with each individual
procedure. In addition, you may benefit by the single recovery time.
However, more importantly than the financial aspect, your plastic
surgeon will have to determine for you if the
viability of the breast as well as nipple-areolar complex may be placed
at jeopardy if done at the same time. If for this reason, it would be
wise
to stage these procedures.Certainly it is you decision as to
whether
you have your procedures performed in one or multiple stages, but your
surgeon will give his/her recommendations. Consult with a plastic
surgeon well-versed in breast surgery who will discuss and examine you,
while assisting you to decide which procedure will be the best option
for you.
Hope that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Generally, waiting 3 months between the two surgeries alleviates concerns for compromise of the nipple areola complex.  However, waiting 6 months may be better to determine final implant position.

Hi! Thank you for your question!


I am Dr. Speron, a proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).  I am also certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
 
I would suggest waiting 4-5 months after breast augmentation. This will allow the implants to settle. A two stage approach will provide a more predictable and controlled environment for healing. In one operation you are filling and expanding the breast whereas in the second operation you are tightening and lifting the breast. These two opposing forces can affect healing negatively and for this reason we prefer to do the surgeries separately.


In order to know what kind of lift is best for you, it is best to understand the difference between these lifts. The Benelli lift is best used for slight nipple asymmetry or a mild lift. A doughnut-shaped incision is made around the areola to remove tissue and the skin is then tightened. The Lollipop lift is a lollipop shaped incision made from the crease of the breast vertically and surrounds the nipple. This is a very effective lift for many women with low hanging breasts.


You should have your surgeon discuss with you the reasons why he recommends the Lollipop lift rather than the Benelli lift. I have provided a link below for additional information as well as a lot of before and after pictures.


If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at 847.696.9900 for a private consultation.


Best of luck and have a great day!
Regards,
Dr. Speron

Thank you for your question.  It sounds like you got reasonable advice from your surgeon.  One of the benefits of waiting for your  breast lift after the augmentation is that the implant, breast tissue, skin and muscel would have assummed their final position before performing the lift.  From a blood perfusion standpoint, anytime after three months is ok for a breast lift.  From an implant position 4-6 months is sufficient.  One of the benefits of doing the procedures in two stages is that you will have a lower chance of needing a revision in the future for some type of asymmetry.  Combining a breast lift wiht breast augmentation can be challenging in some patients.  Best Wishes!