How Long After a Breast Reduction can One get Implants?

Question

I recently had breast reduction surgery. I was very apprehensive about having this because I wanted to have a lift with implants. The doctor assured me that what I needed was a reduction. I was a 34DD. I wanted to be no smaller than a large C. I wanted a more uplifted look. I am now a 34B. I am now looking into having implants. How long after a breast reduction does one have to wait to have implants? And are there any added risks due to having a reduction before hand.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I typically will have my patients wait close to one year but this differs from patient to patient. Implants will be safer to place under the pectoralis muscle.  However there are other ways to accomplish this after in your case or at the time of your Breast Lift/Breast reduction. You may want to look into the benefits of breast augmentation with fat transfer. An alternative to breast implants is fat transfer also known as fat grafting or lipoinjection. This technique allows women the option of enhancing the appearance of their breasts without the potential problems of saline or silicone implants such as hardness, rippling or rupture.Who is a candidate?Any woman who is healthyWomen with sufficient body fat for the procedureWomen considering breast augmentation who wish to be one cup size larger or lessWomen who have had breast augmentation or reconstruction but who lack fullness or have contour concerns. Fat transfer can further enhance and reshape your breasts while smoothing out visible or palpable edges of breast implants. This will disguise implant rippling and wrinkling.Women with normal mammographySee the below links for more details:

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

I would let 6 months pass after the breast reduction to go in and put in implants.  You need to let everything "settle" and 6 months is probably a good interval for that.  You are not alone, this happens sometimes, especially when people realize that a breast reduction does not restore the upper breast volume lost with age/time/children.  Your situation is best evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon and if you are at all unsure, consult with several.  There is no one right answer.  Best of luck to you.

Teanoosh Zadeh, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Ideally, one should wait six months before implant surgery. However I strongly suggest that the implant be placed underneath your pectoral muscle in order to avoid compromising the blood supply to the breast tissue and nipple.

John Borkowski, MD · Answer

Hello,

	There shouldn't be any additional risks with augmenting breasts that have been reduced.  The greastest concern is making sure that you and your surgeon are on the same wavelength with regard to size and shape.  The operation may be a bit more difficulf for the surgeon depending on the degree of scarring wihin the breast.  Six months seems to be a reasonable minimal time between operations.  It gives the tissues and incisions a chance to soften.  The shape of the breast will have settle by then.

	Good luck

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It does sound as though you and yopur surgeon had a different understanding of what your surgical goal was at the time of your breast reduction.  Adding implants if carefully chosen can help fill the upper pole of the breast for more cleavage.  It is safe to add breast implants at a second surgery, but if precise sizing and shape are important to you, it is vbetter to wait until the swelling is gone and your skin has settled.  I would suggest a minimum of six months.

How Long After a Breast Reduction can One get Implants?

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How Long After a Breast Reduction can One get Implants?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Augmentation after Reduction-Risks and Timing

Answer: Breast Augmentation after Reduction-Risks and Timing

Answer: Breast Implants Following Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Implants Following Breast Reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.