Can I Get a Lift and Keep my Implants?

Why not replace your current implants with the latest type of silicone implants ? The type of breast lift and sequencing with implant replacement depends in part on where your implants reside in your breast, what type of lift you need, and how thin your breast tissues are. Seek out a good plastic surgeon for this type of revisionary cosmetic breast surgery.

While it is technically possible to do a lift over your old implants, since your implants are already 15+ years old, the odds are that they will probably leak / deflate fairly soon.  Generally, if a patient's implants are more than 10-12 years old, and we are planning a breast operation, I would recommend changing them to new ones while you are under anesthesia.  Much less hassle than waking up one day with a deflation!

It is certainly reasonable to perform a lift over the existing implants.  If the implants are are intact, soft and mobile and if you like the size then get a lift .  Obviously consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see if after examination your a reasonable candidate.  Concerning leak rate, silicone is  not a better choice because if it leaks is more difficult to detect.  Silicone has merits of increased softness and less wrinkling.

Dr. ES

While there is a not a general answer which applies to all patients, there are many patients that are able to have a breast lift and keep their original implants.  However, you would need to be seen in consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. 

 

Good luck.

Silicones generally "feel" bettter and behave more like natural breasts due to the consistency of silicone more closely approximating breast tissue. Although you could get a lift without replacing thre breast implants, it is a great opportunity to replace 15 year old implants. Wouldn't you be upset if your implants rupured one year after the lift?