Breast lift after donut lift and implants?

Question

I’ve had a donut lift done over a year ago with implants under the muscle. I am unhappy with how they look, they look saggy, and I would like my nipples higher. One areola is also bigger than the other. Would it be possible to get a full lift done without too much risk to damaging my nipples or scarring, since I already have a scar all around my nipple. I would probably be fine with keeping the implants I have or possibly I would want to go larger a little bit.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, it is not uncommon for a person to have more than one breast lift, including a different type of breast lift a second time.  You would need a proper in-person assessment to determine if another lift would meet your goals.   Typically, the second operation would involve removing the existing scar tissue but it depends on many factors such as the size and position of your areola, amount of scar tissue present, degree of skin laxity on the breast itself, current vs desired position of the areola, etc.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, whenever you do any surgical procedure on the breasts there is a risk of hurting the sensitivity of the nipple, or even necrosis of the areola, the more surgeries the more risk, it is important to know what technique the surgeon used for the previous surgery, which blood supply is intact for safer surgery

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,

And thank you for the question.

It is possible to perform breast implant exchange (with upsizing of your current implants) and revision of your breast lift following donut breast lift with implants.

Sometimes, full mastopexy (breast lift) may need to be performed with additional scarring, but it's difficult to say without seeing your photos or in person examination.

I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss  your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.  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.

I hope this helps.
Best,  Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. However, the technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Taking into account that I don’t have the benefit of doing a physical examination, it is usually possible to do another breast lift on somebody after they have had one breast lift.  This is due to the fact that a breast lift is only an operation on the skin, and the blood supply to the remaining portion of the breast would not be injured. Your plastic surgeon would have to determine whether the lift pattern for your new breast lift would allow removal of all your old incisions or if the new incisions may cross the old incisions and leave behind some of the old scarring/pigmentation.  Have a detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

One of the most common revisions is to perform a full mastopexy on a patient with a prior donut lift. You should be evaluated by a surgeon who you can trust, not someone who took your money thinking things were going to be just fine with a donut lift.

Matthew Zeiderman, MD · Answer

yes, you can and probably should have a full lift if you'd like your nipples higher. this can be safely performed after a donut lift but will require more incisions with a vertical scar and maybe an anchor scar depending on your needs.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Caring932330,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You can convert to a full T breast lift.

You can keep your current implants or swap them for larger at the same time.

An exam and consultation with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your options and expectations.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Sorry to hear you are not entirely happy with your results. It is definitely possible to get a revision of the lift to convert it to a lollipop lift to improve the saggy appearance of your breasts and that could be done with or without an implant exchange depending on your specific goals. I always suggest patients talk to their original operating surgeon about any concerns they have with results because most of us just want our patients to get the results they wanted and are happy to perform any minor touch ups needed to help achieve those results. If for some reason the relationship has soured then I would suggest getting in touch with a breast revision expert to have your situation assessed and a plan made to help you get your breasts looking the way you want them. Hope that helps!!