Can I get breast implants after reduction? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast reduction about 3 years ago went from a FF to a large C small D While I don't regret the decision as in 100xs more comfortable with my body now, I've been thinking about getting implants to even then out and maybe perk them up a bit? I've lost quite a bit of weight since my reduction and as a result they've gotten smaller just a tad and one seems much smaller than the other? Would implants help lift them as well as even them out? And what would the scar situation be like?

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Without examining you or seeing more photos it's difficult to give specific advice but placing implants into breasts that have previously had a reduction is something that can definitely be done if you require additional volume. This is not something that just any surgeon can accomplish in a way that will last long though, so choose your surgeon carefully. Bottoming out of implants after breast reduction is a huge issue and many surgeons do not actively address it at the time of augmentation. If you are happy with the size but want them perkier then a lift alone may accomplish your goals. As far as the scars go, no new ones would need to be added, but based on the photos you'd definitely want those scars revised to give you thinner, less visible ones. I would suggest having an in-person consultation by a local breast implant revision expert to be properly assessed. While this is not technically a breast implant revision, someone with expertise in that area will be well aware of the issues that arise with augmentation following reduction and will be able to take measures to prevent these during your procedure. Hope that helps!

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. 
Yes, you can get breast implants after a lift.  The specific types of implants, the pocket location and other details is best decided together with your surgeon after an in-person evaluation of your breasts. 
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review all your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, yes it is possible to get breast implants after having breast reduction surgery.  Sometimes people's breast size decreases over time, either due to age, childbirth, weightloss or other factors.  For this reason a person who initially wanted a breast reduction might find their breasts are too small for their body type years later.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It seems like you can benefit from a breast lift with implants. A breast augmentation and a breast lift work hand and hand to enhance the overall shape and size of a woman’s breasts. These procedures are ideal for increasing the size of the breasts while restoring balance and youthfulness to a woman’s bust. Schedule an email, Skype or in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper evaluation.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question.Yes,  you can have implants placed after having a breast reduction. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!!

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!Yes a small implant under the muscle will provide a little lift as well as upper pole fullness- and the incision can be in one of your scars- so no new incisions!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Typically, if your nipples are located below your breast fold then a breast lift would be recommended. It is difficult to see the location of your nipples in the photo you’ve provided. A lift can improve shape asymmetry while implants can help improve size asymmetry. A lift and augmentation can both be performed even if you’ve had a previous reduction.

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. An accurate physical examination is necessary to advice you precisely, but in general it is possible to enhance the volume of your breast with an implant, even after a breast reduction. I believe that a revision of the scars of your breast reduction would be appropriate to improve further the overall outcome. Please make sure that you proceed with surgery once your weight is stable.All the bestAndrea MarandoPlastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Manchester and London, UK

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and provided information as well..
Based in your question and the pictures you showed, yes, you could get implants. ou are a great candidate for a breast augmentation with scar revision of your breast reduction, just to make more friendly scars. Since you want really implants, the weigh they will add to your skin could be a lot, so, you'll totally need a lift. You may want to consider breast augmentation sub muscular. 
Know that the size, profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   
Best of lucks.
Dr. Luis Mejia.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon to be measured and discuss your goals. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Mildly Sagging Breasts: If your breasts are mildly droopy, a saline or silicone gel implant placed behind the pectoral muscle might help create the illusion of perkiness. That’s because as the implant fills out the top of the breast, it also fills out the bottom, making it look as if the nipple has moved higher. It hasn’t. Additional lift does not look like it is needed and a portion of your existing scar can be used for implants.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author                               
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee