Does getting a lift limit how big the implants can be?

Breast lift when done with an implant in a single stage can be a complex procedure. It needs to be done safely without undue tension to avoid compromising circulation to the nipple. On account of this the size of the implant is limited by the size of the skin envelope that can safely accomodate the implant. Please consult a board certified plastic surgeon for optimal outcome.

Dear coreydacat,
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

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  It would also be helpful to view pictures of your breasts.  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.  

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

A breast lift does not have to limit the size of implants. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women with similar measurements with different size breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. 
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author                
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Yes, getting a breast lift (mastopexy) can affect the size of implants that can be used, but it ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of each individual case. Here are a few factors to consider:1. Tissue Quality and Quantity: During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned to create a more lifted appearance. Depending on the amount of excess skin removed and the quality of the remaining breast tissue, there may be limitations on the size of implants that can be accommodated without compromising the results or increasing the risk of complications.2. Implant Placement: The placement of breast implants can also affect the outcome of a breast lift procedure. Implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle (subglandular or submuscular placement). The choice of implant placement can impact the amount of lift achieved and may influence the size of implants that can be used effectively.3. Patient Preferences and Goals: Ultimately, the size of implants used in combination with a breast lift will depend on the patient's aesthetic goals, body proportions, and surgeon recommendations. It's important for patients to communicate their desired outcome and concerns with their plastic surgeon during the consultation process.In some cases, a breast lift may be performed without the use of implants if the primary goal is to correct sagging and achieve a more youthful breast contour. However, if the patient desires both lift and increased volume, combining a breast lift with implants (augmentation mastopexy) may be recommended.It's crucial for individuals considering breast lift surgery with or without implants to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate their unique anatomy, discuss their goals, and provide recommendations based on their individual circumstances.

The main limitation of size is your frame, the width of the base of your breast and the height of the skin. A lift does remove excess skin. However, reshaping the breast and the augmentation are done first, and then the excess skin is removed with a lift.

Yes,
there is a limit. Your surgeon needs to remove part of the skin and
glandular tissue to make the breast lifting or mastopexy, and it will
be a small place to fit an implant. The size of the implants will
depend on your body proportions. At the same time, it is necessary to
examine the condition of the muscles, tissue, and skin. Visit a
board-certified plastic surgeon to get an examination and to make the
best decision. Good Luck.

Thank you for the excellent question.  Some general thoughts regarding this combination procedure may be helpful to you:
 Generally speaking, patients undergoing the breast augmentation/lifting combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery. 
Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the other hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other. 
Therefore, it becomes important to remove the appropriate amount of breast skin and to use the appropriate size/profile of breast implants to balance these 2 forces appropriately and to allow for achievement of the patient's goals while minimizing risks of complications. 
In my practice, "tailor tacking" is an important part of the mastopexy and mastopexy/augmentation procedure. It involves TEMPORARY  closure of the skin (for example with temporary skin staples)  to double check the amount of skin that is to be excised during the procedure. This maneuver is done to ensure that enough skin, but not too much, is removed. On the one hand, it is important that enough skin be removed to achieve the aesthetic breast lifting results the patient is looking for; on the other hand, is important not to move too much skin creating tension upon closure and potential wide scars.
The tailor tacking technique is very important when performing breast augmentation/mastopexy procedures. Again, this technique allows for a double check of the skin excision prior to the actual excision being carried out. In this procedure (breast augmentation/mastopexy)  if too much skin is removed it will limit the size of implant that can be used and/or the surgeon may experience tension upon  closure of the skin resulting in  wide scars, wounds healing problems, and/or implant exposure.
Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work. 
2. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
Best wishes.

A breast lift is a procedure to remove extra skin and reshape the breast.  This procedure will make the skin envelope tighter and therefore smaller surface area.  There will be a limit on the size of breast implant that will fit into this new skin envelope, but it varies from person to person.Please see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast enhancement procedures frequently to assure the best possible result.Good Luck!

This is a great question. The answer is absolutely yes for the following reason. When breasts sag, the nipples become too low and there is too much skin for the volume of the breast. If you simply put in an implant, the nipple and breast slide off the front and it looks awful. Breast Lifts are designed to re-position the nipple to the correct location and remove the extra skin to provide a normal shape. The implant chosen can not be so large as to prevent the necessary skin removal to shape the breast and place the nipple appropriately. Going with an implant that is too big will compromise the result at best and may contribute to severe complications at the worst. The specifics of implant size, etc. are unique to each patient and should be addressed at your consultation. Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift is one of the more demanding procedures in Plastic Surgery. The best recommendation is for you to consult with a  Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that is very experienced in Breast Augmentation with a Lift. All the best.