Have my breasts fallen since surgery? Do I need a lift? (Photo)

Question

On august 26, 2022 I had a breast augmentation, 500cc, with subfacial mastoplexy. Since then I have lost around 5-8 pounds. I feel like my Breast have fell a lot since the surgery and even in thr last few months. I was trying to keep from having a scar from the traditional lift but I think I’m going to have to have one.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

After surgery it is common for the implants to be very high and "tight" as the soft tissue envelope of the breast has not had time to accommodate the new volume. This can be particularly notable in subfascial/subglandular augmentations. A 500cc implant in a subfascial position might cause some problems with lower pole stretch, as this is quite a large implant without any muscle coverage. This is my own personal opinion.

Daniel Reichner, MD, FACS · Answer

As a plastic surgeon, it's essential to have an open and honest conversation with patients regarding there concerns. Firstly, breast sagging a year after breast augmentation can be influenced by various factors, such as your weight loss, your breast and nipple ptosis (droopiness) before surgery and the technical aspects of your sub-fascial implant placement. It's also important to understand the other specifics of your case, including your age, skin elasticity, and breast tissue characteristics, to determine the best approach.

Based on the photos you have provided, a breast lift, also known as mastopexy will be recommended by most board-certified plastic surgeons. This procedure is required to raise and reshape sagging breasts - to create a more youthful and lifted appearance. This procedure is appropriate and maybe necessary for patients who have experienced breast sagging, especially after having large breast implants.

While scars are inevitable with a breast lift, they typically fade over time and become less noticeable. It's essential for you to have a thorough discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon about your concerns regarding scars, so the surgeon can explain the expected results and their specific surgical techniques and after-care steps that can be taken to minimize scarring.

One other important option to address regarding your problem is the addition of an Autologous Dermal Matrix (ADM) as an “internal bra” to support larger breast implants (that are known to accelerate breast and nipple ptosis or “sagging”). ADM is a biological material that can provide additional structural support to the breasts, potentially helping to improve the shape and reduce sagging over time.  This procedure might be suitable for some patients, but individual considerations must be made - the plastic surgeon’s experience with this material and the extra cost.  ADM can cost as much as two breast implants.

It is important to emphasize that a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon (drreichner.com) is essential to assess your unique situation accurately. We have the expertise in handling cases like yours and can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear michellemomx2,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you might need breast lift. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! I do think that you will benefit from a lift. Your breasts have not dropped substantially from the initial surgery. You were just borderline needing a lift even before breast implants. Sometimes the implant is enough and other times it isn't. Good luck!

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

A breast lift requires scars around the areola and vertically down the center of the breast to the infra mammary crease. Looking at your breasts, you have some breast ptosis (drooping) but it is not severe. There is also a peri areolar mastopexy with scars only around the areola which has less scarring but less of a lift. If you don't mind the scars, you are a candidate for a breast lift.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

With larger implants you may be faced with needing a lift again so probably best to go smaller (less than 400cc) and a lift.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With such heavy implants, you will sag over time from the weight and stretching and thinning of your own tissue. However, right now you are fine just based on 2 photos.  Please discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon.

Sarper Mete, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question)You already were need breast lift even before breast augmentation for my opinion , the result would be make you happy more longer time , but of course you can do it now

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Based on your photos, it appears you would benefit from a breast lift. You seem to have gotten good result from the breast augmentation, but a lift is needed if you want your breasts to be perkier.
Best of luck!

David Plank, MD · Answer

A board-certified plastic surgeon is qualified to address your issues. Board-certified plastic surgeons have spent years of training and have the top level of experience and skill. Seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic needs.

Have my breasts fallen since surgery? Do I need a lift? (Photo)

Answers (15)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (15)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

What can I do to achieve rounder shape and bigger size? 11 months post breast reduction (photo)

33, breastfed 3 kids, can implants remove my symmastia?

10 months post op and concerned my nipples are too low - looking for a second opinion (photos)

6 month post op - have my implants dropped and will they fill out more or should I go bigger for a round, fake look? (photos)

11 months post op - what can I do about high breast augmentation scars? (photos)

Considering a breast augmentation + mastopexy, but I have Factor V (heterozygous) - is surgery too risky?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS