Am I a candidate for a breast lift? Thin skin. (Photos)

Yes — you are still a candidate for a breast lift, even with very thin breast skin. In fact, thin skin is one of the strongest reasons to choose the right type of lift rather than avoid surgery altogether.Why thin skin changes the strategy (not the possibility)After explant of 450 cc UTM implants, thin skin is common because:The skin was stretched for yearsThe implant provided “internal volume support” that’s now goneSkin elasticity is reducedWhat thin skin does not mean is that lifting is unsafe. It means:Skin cannot be relied on for supportA standard “skin-tightening” lift would failTension must be taken off the skin and placed internallyWhy a Push-Up Lift is the safest optionA revision Push-Up Lift (supportive mastopexy) is specifically designed for situations like yours:It rebuilds internal breast support using your own tissueThe lift comes from parenchymal reshaping, not skin pullSkin closure is low tension, which is critical for thin skinScar quality and healing are generally better, not worseThis is actually safer than doing nothing or attempting a minimal lift, which would overstress thin skin.Is a second lift safe after explant + lift?Yes. Once tissues have healed (usually ≥6–12 months):Blood supply is reliableSkin behavior is predictableRevision can be planned conservativelyRevision lifts in thin-skin patients are common and successful when internal support is rebuilt.

Dear MollyTu,

determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.


Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Bring an appropriate candidate for a breast lift has more to do with the relation of your nipples to the fold under your breast, which can't be determined in your picture. In general, thin soft tissue coverage is more of an issue if you are placing an implant.

Yes, you may still be a candidate. However, please wait until you’ve recovered from your recent surgery before considering a revision.

Thanks for your question. From your pictures, it seems like you may be a good candidate for a breast lift. I recommend scheduling a consult for a proper evaluation. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Dr. Moises Salama, board certified plastic surgeon

Thank you for your photos. There should be no reason why you cannot have a revision of your breast lift done, which would remove only some additional skin from your breast, but retain all of its volume. This should help your breast look slightly fuller because the same amount of volume is now contained in a smaller envelope of skin. From your photos, it does not appear that your nipple/areola need to be moved any higher, but that the lower portion of your breast could be tightened some. There should be no problem with the thickness of your skin and you’re healing, especially since you healed well after your first lift. Best wishes.

From the looks of your photos, yes, you are a candidate for a breast lift. The thin skin is not an issue.

Based on your photos, yes, you could have a breast lift. However since you had one recently, you should allow everything to fully heal for a full year before considering another lift. Also understand that you have very little volume right now and that will affect the shaping of your breasts.

I recommend The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Based on your post photos, I recommend a full revision of breast lift due to primary lift was done poorly. Expect fees to arrange from $8000-$12,000. Best of virtual consultant with.