Will I need a lift if I remove breast implants? If so, is it best to do at the time of removal or at a later date? (Photo)

Thank you for the question.
It is difficult to give you any type of specific advice regarding the need for breast lifting, without in-person examination. In other words, whether or not you should have a breast lift will depend on your physical examination and personal goals. Sometimes, in “borderline” situations, it is best to have the breast implants removed, allow for the breast skin to contract as much as it will over the course of several months and then make a decision whether or not to proceed with breast lifting surgery at a later date.
Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back), the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 
Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed.
Consulting with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in person will be helpful. Best wishes.

Great question!  There are basically two ways to approach your situation, depending on which one is more advantageous for you.  What is important to understand is that there is a volume and skin issue.  When the volume is removed, the question is what do we do with the excess skin that has been stretched out.  Just like in pregnancy, the skin itself will retract to a certain point - depending on age and quality of skin.  If you are looking for the least amount of scarring, then the best approach maybe to remove your implants first, and see how much the skin retracts.  After 6-12 month, you can undergo a lift if necessary.  However, this involves 2 surgical procedures.  The other alternative is to perform the implant remove and lift at the same time which will save you an extra surgical procedures.  However, the scarring maybe more in this situation.  As far as your areola is concerned, an areola reduction can be a very good procedure.While the above are just general considerations, only with an in person consultation and physical examination can an appropriate recommendations be provided and tailored for your specific needs.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai    @DrRogerTsai