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

Question

I had Benelli lift less than a year ago & immediately after surgery the stitches tore & the incision lines separated. My areola contracts & gets smaller when exposed to stimuli like cold weather or when touched, I suspect that is the reason why the wound opened up immediately after surgery. What should be done differently in the revision? I am thinking permanent sutures underneath, stitch the wound outside too & botox the areola to stop it contracting. Any other suggestions?

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Donut mastopexy

Answer: Donut mastopexy

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Donut mastopexy

Answer: Donut mastopexy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.