Jon S. Wilensky, MD

Whether or not you need a breast lift (mastopexy) after removing breast implants depends on several factors, including: 1. Skin Elasticity: If your skin has good elasticity and can naturally retract after the removal of the implants, you may not need a lift. 2. Implant Size: Larger implants can stretch the skin and tissue over time, resulting in sagging after removal. In such cases, a lift may be necessary to achieve a more youthful and lifted appearance. 3. Natural Breast Tissue: The amount of natural breast tissue you have will also influence whether or not a lift is needed. If you have sufficient breast tissue and good skin elasticity, you may not need a lift. 4. Desired Aesthetic Outcome: Your goals and preferences will also play a role. If you desire a more lifted and youthful breast appearance, a lift may be recommended even if it's not strictly necessary from a medical standpoint. It's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in breast revision surgery. They will assess your individual anatomy and discuss your goals to determine the best course of action for you. During the consultation, be sure to communicate your concerns and desired outcome clearly so that your plastic surgeon can provide recommendations.

Signs of infection after breast reduction surgery can include: 1. Increased Pain: If you notice that your pain is getting worse instead of better as time goes on, it could be a sign of infection. 2. Redness: If the area around your incisions becomes increasingly red or inflamed, it may indicate an infection. 3. Swelling: While some swelling is normal after surgery, if you notice excessive or worsening swelling, it could be a sign of infection. 4. Warmth to the Touch: The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding skin, which could indicate inflammation due to infection. 5. Pus or Drainage: Any discharge from the incision site that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling may suggest an infection. 6. Fever: A fever is often a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. If you develop a fever after surgery, it's important to contact your plastic surgeon. 7. Chills: Feeling unusually cold or experiencing chills could be a sign of a systemic infection. If you experience any of these symptoms after breast reduction surgery, it's essential to contact your plastic surgeon immediately. Prompt treatment of an infection is crucial for preventing complications and promoting healing.

Not all surgeons use stapes as some prefer to use disolveable sutures. If your surgeon uses staples, the duration surgical staples stay in after a breast lift with implants (also known as mastopexy with augmentation) can vary depending on the plastic surgeon's preference, the specific surgical technique used, and individual healing factors. In many cases, surgical staples are used to close incisions during the procedure, particularly for larger incisions or areas where there's tension on the skin. Here's a general overview of what to expect regarding the removal of surgical staples after a breast lift with implants: 1. Duration: Surgical staples are typically removed within 7 to 14 days after the procedure. This timeframe allows for initial wound healing to occur and reduces the risk of scarring or tissue damage associated with leaving the staples in for too long. 2. Follow-up Appointment: Your plastic surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment for staple removal, usually within the first two weeks after surgery. During this appointment, a healthcare provider will carefully remove the staples using a specialized staple remover tool. 3. Procedure: Removing surgical staples is a relatively simple and quick procedure performed in the office or clinic setting. The healthcare provider will gently lift each staple with the remover tool, then use it to cut and release the staple from the skin. You may feel a slight pulling or pinching sensation during the staple removal process, but it is generally well-tolerated. 4. Wound Inspection: After the staples are removed, your plastic surgeon will inspect the incisions to ensure they are healing properly. They may provide additional instructions for wound care and follow-up, such as wearing supportive garments, applying topical treatments, or avoiding certain activities to promote optimal healing. 5. Scarring: While surgical staples can leave small marks or scars along the incision lines, proper wound care and scar management techniques can help minimize their appearance over time. Your plastic surgeon may recommend using scar-reducing creams, silicone gel sheets, or other interventions to improve the cosmetic outcome of the scars. It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions closely, attend all scheduled follow-up appointments, and communicate any concerns or questions you may have throughout the recovery process. By doing so, you can promote optimal healing and achieve the best possible results from your breast lift with implants.

When considering breast augmentation with a lift, the choice between a crescent lift and a full lift depends on several factors, including the degree of breast ptosis (sagging), the desired outcome, and the patient's anatomical characteristics. Here's a comparison of the two procedures: 1. Crescent Lift: • In a crescent lift, a small crescent-shaped incision is made at the upper border of the areola. • This technique is suitable for patients with minimal to mild breast ptosis. • It is often combined with breast augmentation when the nipple position needs slight adjustment or when a minimal lift is required to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. • The crescent lift is less invasive compared to a full lift, resulting in minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time. • However, it provides limited lifting capability and is not suitable for significant breast sagging. 2. Full Lift (Mastopexy): • A full lift, or mastopexy, involves more extensive incisions and tissue rearrangement to address moderate to severe breast ptosis. • The incisions typically encircle the areola, extend vertically down the lower pole of the breast, and sometimes include a horizontal incision along the inframammary fold (anchor-shaped incision). • This technique allows for greater lifting and reshaping of the breast tissue, repositioning of the nipples to a higher position, and removal of excess skin. • A full lift is often recommended for patients with significant breast sagging who desire a more substantial improvement in breast shape and position. • While a full lift results in more extensive scarring compared to a crescent lift, the scars usually fade over time and can be concealed beneath clothing and swimsuits. Choosing between a crescent lift and a full lift with breast implants requires careful consideration of factors such as the degree of ptosis, breast volume, skin elasticity, and the patient's aesthetic goals. During a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your individual anatomy, discuss your desired outcome, and recommend the most suitable surgical approach to achieve your goals while minimizing scarring and optimizing results.

Feeling discomfort 5 days post bilateral breast lift, augmentation, and liposuction is not uncommon. These procedures involve significant surgical intervention, and it's normal to experience varying degrees of discomfort, swelling, and bruising during the initial stages of recovery. However, the intensity of discomfort can vary depending on individual pain tolerance, the extent of the procedures, and other factors. Here are some reasons why you may still be feeling uncomfortable: 1. Surgical Trauma: The body undergoes significant trauma during surgery, which can lead to discomfort, soreness, and tenderness in the treated areas. This discomfort is typically most pronounced in the first few days following surgery but can persist to some extent for several weeks as the body heals. 2. Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common side effects of surgery and can contribute to discomfort and tightness in the treated areas. It's normal for swelling and bruising to peak within the first few days after surgery before gradually subsiding over the following weeks. 3. Compression Garments: If you're wearing compression garments or a surgical bra as part of your post-operative care, these garments may contribute to feelings of discomfort or tightness. While compression garments are essential for reducing swelling and providing support, they can also feel restrictive or uncomfortable, especially during the initial stages of recovery. 4. Restricted Movement: Following breast lift, augmentation, and liposuction surgery, your plastic surgeon may advise you to limit certain movements or activities to promote proper healing. Restricted movement can contribute to feelings of discomfort or stiffness, particularly if you're accustomed to being active. 5. Pain Management: It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's prescribed pain management regimen to help alleviate discomfort and manage pain effectively during the recovery period. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications may be recommended to help control pain and improve your comfort level. While some discomfort and tightness are normal during the early stages of recovery, it's essential to monitor your symptoms closely and contact your plastic surgeon if you experience severe or persistent pain, excessive swelling, or any other concerning symptoms. Your plastic surgeon can provide recommendations and guidance to help manage your discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery process. Additionally, follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon to optimize healing and achieve the best possible results from your procedures.