17 year old silicone implants - Do these breasts need a mastopexy? (Photos)

In my experience, you do not need a breast lift.

Some internal pocket adjustment (capsulotomies) to better fill the lower poles and bigger implants for more upper fullness. This should give the results you desire.

Further discussion with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended.

I believe that a mastopexy would be beneficial in creating a more aesthetically harmonious breast shape/mound. This is just my professional opinion.

Dear Modest,
Thanks so much for your question! From what you’ve shared, it doesn’t sound like your breasts have significant droop, which is a good sign when considering whether a lift (mastopexy) is truly necessary. There does appear to be some asymmetry, and that’s something that could potentially be improved with revision surgery.

If you’re looking for more fullness, going with a larger implant is one way to achieve that—but it’s important to keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better in the long run. Your anatomy, skin quality, and overall goals all play a big role in choosing the right size and approach.

The best way to get clear answers tailored to you is to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation. They’ll be able to assess your current implants, your breast tissue, and help guide you on the safest and most beautiful option moving forward.

You're asking all the right questions—now it's just about finding the right partner to walk you through the next step!

The answer really depends on what your goals are and if you are wanting to go with a larger or smaller implant. If you are wanting them higher and tighter, a lift would be appropriate. It would be best for you to discuss your desire with your plastic surgeon to decide if a lift is right for you. Best of luck to you!

Dear Modest27708,

determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is difficult to provide a specific recommendations without a physical examination . However, based on the photographs provided, you do have some asymmetry with regard to position of nipple complexes (the right being lower than the left). That asymmetry can be corrected with a mastopexy. However, if you're happy with the appearance of your breasts and just want more volume, that can be accomplished with exchange to larger implants without a breast lift. For best results, be sure to consult a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Good luck.

Your breasts are slightly asymmetrical, one nipple-areola complex is lower than the other. You would benefit from a donut mastopexy. If you want more volume, fat transfers can be performed. I do not recommend larger implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question and photos. You do have nicely shaped breasts and I would not recommend a breast lift or mastopexy for you. You can exchange these to somewhat larger implants to give you the desired fullness. You did not state what size implants you have and if these are under or above the muscle. I use the Vectra 3D to simulate the augmentation using different profile and volume implants to give a visual representation of what you could expect from surgery. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Breast implants tend to drop with time loosing upper pole fullness. You could have a lift and new implants but then there would be scars and you probably would need smaller implants. I think you need to see a surgeon and find out what the different options would look like for you or just leave them as they are

You can consider having an implant exchange with no lift. However it is important to note that it will not correct the nipple asymmetry nor lift the nipple position. You will have a look similar to what you have now, only larger. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.