To avoid a lift, could I exchange XL implants for smaller ones and a higher profile?

Question

I've had 4 augmentations in the last 10 years. My first was 440cc post 2 pregnancies, following a 3rd they dropped, aug revision and wanted a bit bigger 600cc but my Dr went 800UHP and they were just enormous, so yet another augmentation down to 600cc moderate profile which is still not what I'd asked for and made my boobs look saggy. Went back up to 800cc again at moderate and I just think they are too big for my body. Implant has also appears to flatten at the bottom.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Luminous111326,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. It seems like you have lacked some good communication with your surgeons regarding your goals and outcomes. I suggest before having another surgery, you take the time to figure out what you really need and how to achieve your goals. If you go down in size and up in profile, then you are going to end up with an implant that is very short and not very wide and is likely going to again result in a poor outcome. Usually when a patient is trying to do thing to "avoid a lift" then a lift is exactly what they need and efforts to avoid it lead to early revision and re-operations, usually including a lift.
Hope this helps!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I agree that downsizing  is a good idea. I don’t know if you need a lift after having such heavy implants. I know you don’t want a lift but if you don’t get one you risk having another poor result. Go get some opinions from some surgeons who is experienced  in breast revision. Just changing sizes has not been a good strategy

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With smaller implants, you will probably need a lift to deal with the excess skin and relocate your nipples to the proper position.  The 800 cc implants are just too massive for most women.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Photos are essential in answering your questions.  From your history alone, I would guess that you should go smaller and have a lift.

To avoid a lift, could I exchange XL implants for smaller ones and a higher profile?

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Answer: Implants

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To avoid a lift, could I exchange XL implants for smaller ones and a higher profile?

Answers (6)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Breast revision

Answer: Breast revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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