Can waterfall effect be corrected with smaller implants and no lift? (photos)

Question

I have a surgery date scheduled for implant exchange I plan to go a little bit smaller and a capsulectomy will need to be performed. I obviously have waterfall effect which I would like corrected however I declined a lift due to scarring . Doctor recommended I go a bit smaller and he moves the pocket lower and or puts implant under and over muscle to help correct the waterfall effect. I am scared to death that is not going to correct anything and I’m gonna end up looking the same just smaller.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Tammyof4,
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

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Waterfall ptosis is where the breast tissue sags but implants stay up. Most of the time it is best to do a lift, depending on the location of the nipple relative to the bottom edge (inframammary fold) of the breast. Smaller implants may end up with a "rock in a sock" look. However, your surgeon is in the best position to advise you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need a lift. However, placing the implants on top of the muscle should avoid the waterfall fall look since the implants can sag with the breasts.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Tammyof4,

Your concerns should be brought to the attention of your plastic surgeon.  He/she, knowing your full history and having examined you can better assess the plan and the likelihood of correction than anyone in this forum.  Good luck!

Can waterfall effect be corrected with smaller implants and no lift? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Waterfall effect

Answer: Waterfall effect

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Can waterfall effect be corrected with smaller implants and no lift? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Waterfall effect

Answer: Waterfall effect

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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.