Benelli breast lift revision surgery to correct stretching. What should be done differently?

The Benelli (or donut) breast lift is fine for smaller breasts, ones that don't need much lift, and when used with no implants. In larger or heavier breasts the circular stitch (even permanent ones) can stretch out resulting in openings, scar widening, and flattening/widening of the area.

Dear Sensible57165,
Benellis lifts are always limiting. A vertical lollipop lift would have been my recommendation from the beginning, which should provide you with great results. I would stay away from anchor type pattern lifts (Old School Surgeon Technique) as they tend to flatten the breast and make a boxy appearance. Aggressive scar management would likely yield virtually invisible scars after the lift as well.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

There is a lot of tension around the areola with a Benelli or periareolar mastopexy. Sometimes a revision works better as the skin has relaxed and there is less tension. Often it is necessary to convert to a standard mastopexy with a vertical and transverse incision.

In the shirt term you need to allow the area to heal. This is a common problem with the Benelli lift. You may need to lift converted to a vertical lift sometimes called the lollipop lift to its ent stretching out of the areolae

You may need a donut mastopexy. This technique uses a non-absorbable suture on the outside which maintains the new shape and the smaller size. We do not use Botox as it would not be effective.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You did not post photos, so I cannot be specific. However, the Benelli lift is limited in what it can do. When asked to do more than it is designed to do, sometimes the incision comes apart. You might need the vertical component. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Benelli mastopexy is often overused and has inherited limitations. The execution of the procedure is also highly provider dependent
This procedure has a tendency to leave the breast, looking flat with widening of the scars and widening of the areola.
To make an assessment of the outcome of any plastic surgery procedure we need to see a complete proper set up before and after pictures. Without the ability to make an assessment, we can’t really give you useful recommendations.
The first question to ask is if you were a candidate for a Benelli mastopexy in the first place.
If you were not, then the procedure should be converted to a more appropriate mastopexy, which may be technically difficult once the Benelli approach has been done.
Follow up with your provider or consider scheduling in person second opinion consultations with other providers. For second opinion consultations I recommend patients come prepared bringing with them a complete set of before and after pictures and a copy of your operative report. These are all available from your current providers office if you request them.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD