Should I Have Mini Breast Lift Along with Implants for Droopy Breasts?

Question

After two completely different consultations, I am unsure about what to do. My breasts (B cup) are small and drooping. The nipples are not pointing south, but are more towards the bottom.  Doctor A suggests mini breast lift with breast implants under the muscle, both done at the same time. Doctor B says mini breast lift with implants over the muscle, will NOT do both at same time, due to risks of infection and healing.Both said this could be done without a lift, and I could choose to do the lift later.  I really prefer not to have the lift. Also, should I go over the muscle or under?  I would be willing to send photos if necessary.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

The question of whether to perform a breast lift is a common.  Without pictures, it is impossible to give you specific advice.  However, in most cases, if you have any ptosis (drooping of the breasts) you will need a breast lift in addition to your breast augmentation.  Otherwise, if you just have the implants, you have still have drooping breasts on top of the implants.  Some surgeons choose to do the procedure in two separate surgeries.  However, I find that I get the best results by doing it all at the same time.  I hope this is helpful.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Some
patients who experience #sagging breast, achieve a better breast shape if an implant is used at the time
of #mastopexy. The
shape and position of the breast are improved as well as restoring #volume lost in the breast.The procedure can also
be combined with a minor breast reduction to reduce the breast width if
desired. The surgery will create an elevated, more youthful breast contour.
Also, the procedure will create nipple and areolae of the desired size and at
the correct height; if desired.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! 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.  Cost of these procedures will vary amongst plastic surgeons in addition to geographic location.However, more important 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. Without an examination, it is difficult to tell you what to recommend.  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.  You definitely can do the augmentation, and have a lift performed at a later date, if unhappy with the results.  However, given the fat that both consultations suggested a lift, you should consider that along with the above, to optimize your results.  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. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon and see what your options are - sometimes multiple consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons is helpful for you to decide. Hope that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

This is not a question agreed-upon by all plastic surgeons. There are good plastic surgeons who will insist on doing the procedures separately and there are good plastic surgeons who can produce excellent outcomes in a single stage.

	The combination breast augmentation / mastopexy surgery differs from breast augmentation surgery alone in that it carries increased risk compared to either breast augmentation or mastopexy surgery performed separately. Furthermore, the potential need for revisionary surgery is increase with breast augmentation / mastopexy surgery done at the same time.

	in my opinion, the decision  to do the operation in a single or two  staged fashion becomes a judgment call made by a surgeon after direct examination of the patient.  For me, if I see a patient who needs a great degree of lifting, who has lost a lot of skin elasticity, or  whose goal is a very large augmentation then I think it is best to do the procedures in 2 stages (in order to avoid serious complications). However, doing the procedure one stage does increase the risks of complications in general and the potential need for further surgery. This increased risk must be weighed against the practical benefits of a single stage procedure (which most patients would prefer).

	Conversely, if I see a patient who requires minimal to moderate lifting along with a small to moderate size augmentation (and has good skin quality), then doing the procedure one stage is much safer. Nevertheless, the potential risks  are greater with a 1 stage  procedure and the patient does have a higher  likelihood of needing revisionary surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

There is no question that you might need a breast lift and a breast augmentation.  Your breasts appear to be empty sacks of skin.  A lift is needed to reposition the nipple to the proper height and an augmentation is needed to restore your breast volume.  As far as size this is a conversation that you will need to have with your plastic surgeon.

Should I Have Mini Breast Lift Along with Implants for Droopy Breasts?

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Answer: Breast lifting and augmentation simultaneously?

Answer: Breast lifting and augmentation simultaneously?

Answer: Breast lift and breast augmentation

Answer: Breast lift and breast augmentation

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Should I Have Mini Breast Lift Along with Implants for Droopy Breasts?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast lifting and augmentation simultaneously?

Answer: Breast lifting and augmentation simultaneously?

Answer: Breast lift and breast augmentation

Answer: Breast lift and breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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