Doc recommended breast lift with only 275cc implants? (Photos)

Question

I am interested in having a breast lift with an augmentation, my breast are already large but they just aren't at my desired fullness/perkiness. Doctor suggested 275cc implants to achieve that "upper pole" fullness that I am looking for. Is 275cc too small?

Jon Paul Trevisani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Based on the photographs you have submitted, placing an implant alone will NOT lift your breasts. Your nipple position will still be low and the breasts will still have some ptosis (drooping). A breast lift will certainly lift your breasts to a desirable position. However, as you may know, a breast lift will require more incisions and thus resulting in more scarring. It is often times challenging inserting a larger implant during a breast lift surgery because of the risks associated with this. Such risks include: a lot of pressure on the incisions with a larger implant can cause poor wound healing, premature sagging. Often times when the procedures are separated into two step procedures, a patient is able to have larger implants. Step one would be to have the Mastopexy (Breast Lift) surgery alone. Step two would be to have the Breast Implant surgery. I would suggest seeing a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a thorough examination and evaluation. Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Kdboobies,
  
Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient.  
  
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements. 
  
Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match. 
  
Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.
  
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, the best shape and contour could be
achieved with an implant and a breast lift. Your nipple sits below the
inframammary fold and without a lift in addition to the implant, this will not
have a natural shape.  A breast lift with an implant can result in a very
nice shape if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of
the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Elizabeth S. Harris, MD · Answer

For patients that have sagging, flattened elongated breasts, a breast lift will tighten and shape the breast tissue to result in more youthful appearing, rounder breasts.  However, one of the limitations of a breast lift alone is the difficulty restoring superior breast fullness since the breast skin has lost elasticity. An implant is frequently used for this purpose.  The use of breast implant sizers can help patients understand the approximate size that the volume would be increased in their breasts. Measurements of the breasts and chest are important to help determine the appropriate size implant to be used.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, KdboobiesThanks for your question and photos.  Without examining you in-person, I cannot recommend a specific implant size.  However, choosing an implant size should be tailored to you - your goal and your body.  In recommending an implant (size, type, shape), I base it on each patient's anatomy (chest width, chest height, existing breast tissue) as well as her desired look.  During the consultation, I spend time to understand each patient's goal and to perform a physical examination.Please share the photos of your desired look with your plastic surgeon.  Best regards.

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

No not necessarily.  You already have a LOT of breast tissue that can be used to form a nicely shaped breast.  A small implant just helps maintain that upper pole projection over time, and I typically will use a smaller implant in these situations also, which helps prevent healing issues and pressure on the breast lift closure/incisions.

Robert Caridi, MD · Answer

You have quite amount of sag to your breasts. You have lost superior fullness for sure. The issue is really how your doctor is going to manage this situation. In my mind there are two major issues. First, what size implant (pretty much any size that is reasonable and safe). Second, is the tissue--what to do with it? Do you try to lift it or remove it?
In my world I remove the tissue as tissue can't be made to go up. Won't happen. The breast implant becomes the new foundation of your breast and then the tissue is adjusted as needed and the nipple-areola complex is situated right where it needs to be (facing forward an up). Sounds easy but it takes a lot of experience to get this right each and every time. Lifting the tissue without removal will not work as the implant will stay up high and the tissue will fall and it will be a mismatch. The combination of these procedures moves the breast upwards, shapes it beautifully and makes it firmer and youthful.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Congratulations on your decision to pursue a breast lift with implants. I think you will be very happy with the procedure. The size, profile, shape, texture, and type of implant (e.g., saline, silicone gel, “gummy bear”) is based on your desired versus existing breast size and shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality. It is really not possible to give you a good idea of what size implants will work for you without an in-person evaluation. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. I suggest that you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of patients who have had similar procedures. Good luck!
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc”

Doc recommended breast lift with only 275cc implants? (Photos)

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