Steri Strips are off, and the scars look so good so far! I feel like the swelling is going down a bit, I'm hoping to see the lipo swelling come down more this week. I am able to move around much more, and I went down a size in my waist garment.
Of course! You can have any surgery - or combination of surgeries - that you want, as long as it is safe and you have realistic expectations about the results. If you want a breast lift without implants, that is definitely an option. During consultations, I often ask patients whether they like the way their breasts look in a supportive bra, or if they wish they still had more volume or upper pole fullness. - If you are happy with your current size: A breast lift alone will likely give you there results you are looking for. A lift removes excess skin and minimal breast tissue, redistributing your natural tissue into a perkier shape. Your breast volume stays about the same, although many patients feel their breasts look slightly smaller after a lift. You can even get a rough idea of the result by lifting your own breast tissue in front of a mirror to reposition the nipple. - If you desire more volume or upper pole fullness (for example, you like how your breasts look in a push-up bra): combining a breast implant with a lift is usually recommended. I also encourage patients to look at before-and-after photos, where the "before" looks like your current breasts and the "after" shows the results you hope to achieve. This helps set realistic expectations and decide which procedure - or combination of procedures - is best for you. Always discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Based on your goals and physical examination, they can give specific recommendations to achieve the results you want safely and effectively.
Yes, recent or ongoing milk production (lactation) can pose risks when undergoing breast surgery. This is your body, and it's important that you feel informed and comfortable with any procedure. If you have concerns, please discuss them openly with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Breasts that are still producing milk, or have done so recently, are typically more vascular and glandular. This can increase the risk of complications such as: bleeding, milk fistula (leakage of milk through the surgical incisions), galactocele (milk-filled cysts), infection, etc. Additionally, dense glandular tissue can make surgical dissection and reshaping more challenging and may affect your aesthetic outcome. Breast size and skin elasticity also continue to change after lactation ends, which may further influence your final results. I typically recommend waiting a full 6 months after completely stopping lactation before proceeding with breast surgery. This allows your breasts to return to a stable, non-lactating state. This decreases risks while optimizing healing and long-term aesthetic results. Please don’t hesitate to raise any questions with your board-certified plastic surgeon - this is a collaborative process, and your safety and satisfaction are the top priorities.
Unfortunately, breast implant sizes are not standardized - they vary by manufacturer. It’s similar to how clothing can come in alpha sizing (Small, Medium, Large), numerical sizing (2, 4, 6…), or in-between options ("Smedium", "Marge", or sizes like 1, 3, 5). And just like clothes, a size Medium in one brand may fit very differently than a Medium in another. The same idea applies to breast implants - the same size implant can look very different from person to person depending on their anatomy. Each implant company also uses its own terminology for projection profiles:- Allergan: Low, Low Plus, Moderate, Full, Extra Full- Mentor: Moderate, Moderate Plus, High, Extra High- Sientra: Low, Low Plus, Moderate, Moderate Plus, High, Xtra High But what matters more than these labels are the actual dimensions:- Base width: the diameter of the base circle that will sit on your chest, in cm- Projection: how far the implant sticks out from the chest wall, in cm- Volume: in cubic centimeters or cc’s(Cohesivity: how firm or “gummy” the gel is — another important factor) Think of your plastic surgeon like a tailor - they’ll assess your unique anatomy and help guide you toward implants that fit your body and your aesthetic goals. Tools like "wish photos," implant sizers, or Vectra 3D simulations can also help visualize how different implants may look on you. Work closely with your board-certified plastic surgeon to find the right implant for you - because sizing is much more than just a number.
Breast lifts can be challenging procedures because the results evolve over time. I always counsel patients that a mastopexy (breast lift) will reshape the breast and reposition the nipple to a more central, youthful location. However, the procedure relies on skin and breast tissue that previously failed to support the breast, so some degree of settling and stretching is expected as the tissue adjusts to its new shape. Most of this settling occurs in the first 3 months, with more subtle changes continuing up to 6–12 months. One of the most common concerns during this process is a loss of upper pole fullness. Experienced surgeons often anticipate these changes by tightening the lower pole and placing the nipple slightly lower than the final desired position, knowing that the breast will change over time—but individual healing and tissue quality can make results somewhat unpredictable. The good news is that in plastic surgery, very few situations are truly hopeless. There are several excellent options to improve your result: 1. Breast Implants: Adding an implant can restore upper pole fullness and overall volume.2. Fat Grafting: Liposuction with fat transfer to the upper breast can provide a natural boost in volume, although results are less predictable and more subtle (typically improving volume by about half to one cup size).3. Mastopexy Revision with Internal Support: A revision breast lift can be performed, often with the addition of an internal mesh or scaffold ("internal bra") to help maintain shape and support long term. Discuss these options with your board-certified plastic surgeon to determine what approach aligns best with your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
Implants often sit high on the chest after surgery due to several factors, including swelling, skin and tissue tightness, and muscle compression. This is a normal part of the healing process. As postoperative swelling subsides, there is more room for the implant to descend. Over time, the skin and breast tissue gradually stretch, allowing the implant to settle into a more natural position. If the implant is placed under the muscle, muscle relaxation and decreased spasms during healing also help the implant drop. Additional factors like scar formation and surgical technique can influence this process. The most significant settling typically occurs within the first 0-3 months after surgery, with more subtle changes happening between 3-6 months. The final implant position is usually reached between 6-12 months. While some additional descent can occur after this period, it becomes much more difficult. Aggressive massage and the use of a bandeau are most effective during the initial 3 months, but may still offer some benefit afterward. It’s important to maintain regular follow-up visits with your surgeon, as both preoperative planning and postoperative care are just as important as the surgery to achieving optimal results. Your board-certified plastic surgeon should assess the reason behind a high-riding implant - such as capsular contracture or implant malposition - and guide you through appropriate treatment options to help meet your aesthetic goals.
