Implant exchange only or will I need a lift? (Photos)

Question

20 year old implants, feeling heavy and out of shape (From memory they are 300cc silicone) No issues with them just looking for something smaller. Considering 235cc low profile motiva to get rid of the upper pole fullness which i don’t like, and add width / bring them closer together as i have quite broad chest. I really hope to avoid a lift as i dont want the scars but will it be necessary?

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Virginian,
   Thanks for posting your pictures. From observing your pictures you appear to be C cup or small C cup size with moderate capsule (pocket scar) contracture and mild ptosis (droopiness). Replacing your implants from 300 cc to 235 cc will reduce you breasts size by about 1/2 size and reduce your upper pole fullness. Capsulotomy (scar release) will improve on it further and will soften the breasts as well as improve on your cleavage. Finally, a mini lift ( donut lift, purse string lift) will give you a more youthful appearance and improve on your cleavage with excellent scarring as the scar will be place at the areola border which make it a natural line.
    Always consult wit experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the pictures at the  photo gallery of redo breasts augmentation with mini lift to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, nice projection, nice scars and natural upper slope and breasts look.
              Best of luck,
                                      Dr Widder
                           widderplasticsurgery.com

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos, you have significant breast asymmetry,  some capsular contracture (implants create superior pole fullness) and sagging breast tissue off the implants inferiorly. I understand your concerns about additional scarring, but to get the best shape with smaller implants as well, a lift is highly recommended. Removal of 20+ years old implants can be challenging if they are textured and or broken. We do not like to have surprises in the operating room, so imaging studies might be needed prior to your surgery. At times, these need to be staged, implant removal and a lift, followed by an augmentation later for best long term results. Along with the implant exchange/lift I would recommend liposuction of the axillary fullness and lateral chest wall. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation evaluation. Good luck.

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@PL2085 thank you for including photos. It allows me to provide custom recommendations. Typically, when downsizing an implant you need to consider a lift. Based on the information you shared, I anticipate you will need a vertical lift (likely lollipop scar pattern) to address the pseudoptosis (breast tissue hanging below your breast fold) you have in the photos. Additionally, when downsizing implants you'll need either extensive capsule work or a plane change to control the position of an implant.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Downsizing from 300cc to 235cc after carrying implants for 20 years will almost certainly require a skin lift (mastopexy) or extensive internal pocket tightening to avoid a saggy, empty, or drooping outcome., for more information contact us 829-745-2440.
Dr. Luis Mejia
Let's make it better

Implant exchange only or will I need a lift? (Photos)

Answers (4)

More Breast Implant Revision Questions

Advice on reducing upper pole for more natural appearance? (Photos)

19 year old implants (over the muscle) - should I have a lift now or in 10 - 15 years? (Photos)

Implant exchange, going from 350cc saline to 635cc silicone - will this look good with my proportions? (Photo)

4 mastopexies later, am I bottoming out again? Is there a solution to fix this? (Photos)

Are my nipples too high after a revision? (Photos)

Breast implant revision - should I proceed with a surgeon that is not sure they can fix existing concerns? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS