6 months post breast lift - am I a good candidate for breast implants? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I recently had a breast lift pefromed 6 months ago. I’m very happy with the results of my breasts as excess skin is gone and they are sitting higher on my chest wall. I’m currently measuring at a 12E. Unfortunately, I do want the upper pole fullnes and am wondering would I be a suitable candidate for implants? If there is a risk of bottoming out or any complications I won’t opt for it. But something I am interested in doing. All feedback is appreciated. Thank you!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If you are ok with being bigger than implants might help. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patient concerns regarding the appearance of their breasts can typically be divided in two pools: volume, ptosis (droop). The procedures to address these issues are as different as the issues themselves. However, these concerns are not mutually exclusive. Many patients, whether they are aware or not, will benefit from both.
There are two factors which can help to answer the question of which surgery will deliver the most satisfying result: mastopexy, augmentation or both. Patients must first consider the position of the NAC (nipple areolar complex i.e. the pigmented portion of the breast) as it relates to the inframammary crease. If the nipples are at or below the level of the crease the patient may benefit from a lift or mastopexy. The breast lift is designed to elevate sagging breasts to a more youthful position. It also helps to reshape and tighten the skin of the breasts. This is typically accomplished via a periareolar (around the nipple) incision with or without a vertical incision. 
Mastopexy is an effective way to address sagging breast, however, the changes which accompany weight loss or pregnancy can also decrease volume of the breasts. When a woman wants the volume restored, or increased, a breast augmentation will also be needed in conjunction with mastopexy. Augmentation can help restore the volume loss which is well known to women following children. There are a number of options available to women considering augmentation ranging from size and implant type to access incision.   
A breast augmentation alone may also be appropriate if ptosis is mild. If the patient is comfortable with the natural appearance of the breasts but desires them to be larger, a breast augmentation alone is the right procedure.  Augmenting significantly ptotic or sagging breasts tends to magnify the problem. In these cases, a mastopexy performed in conjunction with an augmentation is preferred.
With regards to your specific question, while these procedures can be done in conjunction, they can be staged (and often are). Once healed from a lift (6 months), an augmentation is a reasonable plan.
There is a procedure for every problem. To determine which technique is right for you, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon Patient should discuss their concerns with their physicians in order to make an educated decision.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes, you could be a candidate for implants &mdash; but implants are not the only or necessarily the best option for what you want.Given your priorities (natural result, fear of bottoming out), fat transfer or a Preserve-style, very conservative implant approach are the safer, more stable choices.Key point firstYou’re already in a very good position:Excess skin is goneBreasts are sitting higherYou’re a 12E, so you already have plenty of native tissueYour issue is upper-pole fullness, not lack of volume overall.Option 1 &mdash; Fat transfer (often the best first step)For patients like you, fat grafting is frequently ideal.Why it works well here:Adds soft, natural upper-pole fullnessNo implant weight → minimal risk of bottoming outImproves contour without changing the lift resultKeeps breasts looking and moving naturallyCan be done conservatively and adjusted if neededLimitations:Usually adds ½–1 cup per sessionSome fat resorption is expectedMay require more than one session for maximal effectIf your goal is subtle fullness, this is often the lowest-risk option.Option 2 &mdash; Preserve technique with a small implantIf you want more reliable or slightly stronger upper-pole fullness, a small implant using a Preserve (tissue-respecting) approach can work &mdash; but only if done very conservatively.Key principles:Small, low- or demi-projection implantAvoid heavy or high-profile implantsPreserve your internal support structuresAvoid aggressive pocket dissectionWhen done this way:Risk of bottoming out is much lowerResult stays natural, not round or “done”Upper pole looks supported, not artificialWhat I would avoidLarge implantsHigh-profile implantsAggressive dual-plane dissectionThese increase:Bottoming outLoss of the lift you’re happy withLong-term revision riskYour instincts here are very good.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you can add breast implants for upper fullness. Six months should be ok if healing from the lift is complete.

Size would be determined by your measurements and goals.

An exam and consultation with yoir/a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations as well as low risks and complications.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for breast implants. This can be done without increasing the risk of bottoming out.

Jay B. Fine, MD · Answer

Your surgeon has achieved a rather excellent result. The size is appropriate, shape is beautiful and overall matching to your body is spot on. Anything more you do now would be of very low benefit and carry significant risk. As surgeons, we worry about ruining a good result by trying to get perfection. In your case, the risks of implants outweigh any benefits.

6 months post breast lift - am I a good candidate for breast implants? (Photos)

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