Will 550cc implants withstand a lift or should I be concerned about sagging?

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. They then get to choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

While there is no guarantee that your breasts will or will not sag in 10 years, 550cc is a larger implant and so is heavier. The heavier the implant, the faster the sag. It would be a good idea to choose a proportionately sized implant if you’d like to minimize the risk of sagging.

Dear Luminous774471,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

A lot depends on the type of lift to be done as well as seeing your current appearance. 550 to me seems a little on the large side however and increases the risk of sagging

The technique I recommend is 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. Later, fat transfers or small implants can be placed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The heavier the implant, the more likely that the weight will put stress on the skin envelope resulting in the need for a lift at a later time. Even with no implants some women need a lift to address sagging. Even with large implants, some women never need a lift. If the implant is one that correctly fits the breast space and gives you the look you want it is best to proceed with that and if you need a lift later, then so be it.

The 550 cc implant is a very large and heavy implant and will sag over time because of the weight. Please consider going smaller so your breasts will still look good for quite some time. Also, as you age, your neck and shoulders will not like that heavy large implant.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Without photos, knowledge of your present size, quality of your skin, and degree of sag, I cannot answer your specific question. However, 550 cc implants weigh 1.21 pounds apiece. If you have significant stretch marks, an implant of that size may prove problematic. Stretch marks indicate the presence of permanently damaged overstretched skin usually occurring during pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation where when pregnant or overweight, the skin's dermal elastic fibers rupture, resulting in the loss of elasticity and the development of streaks on the skin surface. The skin will stretch over a greater surface area (like a worn out rubber band) and will predispose to further sagging.
If you have significant stretch marks of your breasts, maximizing upper pole fullness may not be in your best interest, and you may wish to go a bit smaller.
Discuss this possibility with your plastic surgeon as he / she has already examined you.
Best wishes...