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

Question

I recently explanted 450cc UTM, I had a lift done at that time as well. I now have very thin breast skin. Am I still a candidate for a breast lift?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A second breast lift may still be possible, but thin skin and recent prior surgery make the planning more delicate. In the photos, the breast skin envelope appears thin and relaxed after explant/lift, with some lower-pole looseness; that visual impression needs to be confirmed with an in-person exam. The most important issue is not only how much skin can be tightened, but whether the nipple-areola blood supply, scar pattern, and remaining breast tissue can safely tolerate another lift.
If the explant and lift were recent, it is usually better to let the tissues soften and settle for several months before deciding on revision. A conservative revision lift, internal support, fat grafting, or staged surgery may be discussed depending on tissue thickness, nipple position, scars, and your goals. Very aggressive tightening in thin skin can increase the risk of wound healing problems, widened scars, or recurrent stretching, so this should be planned by a surgeon comfortable with revision breast surgery.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With thin breast skin after explant and previous lift, you can still be a suitable candidate for a revision breast lift combined with implants. This approach can help restore volume and improve breast shape.
A consultation will help tailor the best plan for your individual needs and skin condition.

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With thin breast skin after explant and previous lift, you can still be a suitable candidate for a revision breast lift combined with implants. This approach can help restore volume and improve breast shape.
A consultation will help tailor the best plan for your individual needs and skin condition.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes &mdash; 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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Gary DeCesare, MD · Answer

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.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

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

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

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

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

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.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

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

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

Answers (15)

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