Benelli lift left nipples pinched 8 months post op - can scar revision fix this or will I need invasive surgery? (photos)

Question

In March I had an implant swap as well as a benelli lift. I went to my same surgeon as my first augmentation. Due to some weight gain and then loss we went from 250cc mod plus to 500ccHP. My healing process felt pretty standard until I started spitting stitches on my right breast 4mths PO. I am now left with a thicker scar where I spit stitches as well as pinching on both nipples. Can scar revision fix this or is it more invasive surgery? I am not sure I want to fly back to Miami for revision.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry you are in this situation. Although I did not see what you looked like before this revision surgery, I am confident in saying that this type of breast lift was not your best option. The reason that you had spitting stitches and prominent scaring is because of excessive skin tension. Now that you are at this point, I want to remind you of an old saying: 'the definition of crazy is doing the same thing again and expecting a different outcome'. The truth is that it actually wouldn't be the 'same thing', because fixing it with a another circular excision will only increase the skin tension. Please do not waste time, money and the likely potential for a worse outcome than you have now. If you want normal looking and pretty breasts, you will need to convert to a standard breast lift scar pattern and likely reduce implant size. It will fix all of your woes: too wide and irregularly shape areola, prominent scaring, asymmetry, and persistently low placement of the nipple areolar complex on the breast mound. I hope you understand and agree, for your sake.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sabrina89986,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A scar revision with the addition of riggotimies can likely fix your concerns. Good luck

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A scar revision under local anesthesia should be able to help improve your scars. Since you went much larger, the scars did stretch.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, I note that you demonstrate large irregularly shaped areolae associated with an underlying contour deformity following your periareolar breast lift.
The periareolar lift basically involves removing a circle of skin around the areola, then suturing a larger circle to a smaller circle, which increases tension upon the closure, predisposing to possible later areolar stretching and deformity as well as adverse scarring.
Conversion to a vertical lift will eliminate excess tension upon the suture line, reduce areolar diameter, and eliminate the contour irregularity. Anything less invites recurrence.
Best wishes...

Benelli lift left nipples pinched 8 months post op - can scar revision fix this or will I need invasive surgery? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Adverse areolar scarring after Benelli lift

Answer: Adverse areolar scarring after Benelli lift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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Benelli lift left nipples pinched 8 months post op - can scar revision fix this or will I need invasive surgery? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Adverse areolar scarring after Benelli lift

Answer: Adverse areolar scarring after Benelli lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.