Implant exchange, would I need a breast lift? (Photo)

Question

I have 500 cc implants that are 10 years old they have gotten so heavy. I would like to exchange for a smaller size thinking about 350 cc would I need a lift?

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Yes &mdash; in most cases, a lift would be recommended.Here’s why:After 10 years with 500 cc implants, the breast skin and internal support have been significantly stretchedDownsizing to 350 cc removes volume and weight, but it also leaves excess skin and a lower breast positionSimply exchanging implants often results in:A flatter or “empty” look on topPersistent saggingNipples appearing low on the breastWhat gives the best resultAn implant exchange combined with a supportive breast lift (Push-Up Lift):Repositions your own breast tissue higher on the chestRestores shape and upper-pole fullness without needing a larger implantPrevents the smaller implant from looking bottom-heavy or droopyCreates a lighter, more youthful, and more comfortable breast long-termTrying to avoid a lift when downsizing usually leads to disappointment and revision surgery later.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I think a breast lift will help the shape and lift of the breasts. Especially with a smaller implant, there will be some slack in the tissues. Thank you.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you have droopiness or sagging in the breasts after removing the big implants, you should probably consider a breast lift with your revision surgery. At the moment, you don’t need it. However, after removing your implants and go for a smaller one, more than likely you will need the uplift as well.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nicky 89,

determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It depends on the location of your nipples in relation to your breast fold. If they are at or below your breast fold, then a lift would be recommended. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine this in the single photo provided.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend waiting 3 months after going smaller to see if they shrink and perk up more. From the pictures posted, because the nipples are above the crease under the breasts, no lift would be suggested. I believe there would be little change and little benefit. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

Hi.  Your breast shape is very nice and will still be good if you exchange the implants for slightly smaller ones.  However, any amount of decrease in size will allow your nipples to come down a little bit.  I think they will still look very good without the lift.  But if you want your nipples to be higher and more perky, then you would definitely need the lift.  With the lift comes a lot more scars, so you may not like the tradeoff.  My preference would be to avoid the lift and keep a natural look.  Talk to your surgeon since he/she will be able to give you a better idea of the outcome when you have an in-person exam.  Best of luck!

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. It appears that your breast shape and contour is excellent. From your photo I believe that your nipple and areola are above the level of the fold underneath your breast, which is the correct position. A 350 cc implant diameter is approximately 1.5 cm narrower than your 500 cc implant.  In an effort to avoid placing incisions on the front of your breast, I would favor the following approach; remove your present implants, do a internal thermal shrinkage of the lateral part of your capsule to tighten it slightly and keep your new implant positioned toward your cleavage. I would then wait several months to allow your breast tissue to contract and contour over your new implant. If your skin contracts well and you’re pleased with the new shape and contour, nothing else needs to be done and you have saved yourself permanent incision lines. If there is too much loose skin and you’re unhappy with the shape and contour of the breast, then a breast lift could be done to tighten the skin and perhaps elevate the nipple up slightly higher. Discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A reduction in implant size to 350cc would look nice with your frame.  You will likely need to consider a lift with the implant exchange to get optimal shape.  The combination would give you a good result though.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Going down to 350 cc's would be a nice size for you, but you will need a lift to deal with the excess skin. Also, with a smaller size, sagging will be less of a repeat risk.

Implant exchange, would I need a breast lift? (Photo)

Answers (10)

More Breast Lift Questions

Breast lift - do I need a revision to raise my nipples? (Photos)

Breast lift type for 21 year old, do I have mild, moderate or severe sagging? (Photos)

Post breast lift - Is there anyway to have my breast lifted slightly more? (Photos)

Not happy with my breast lift results - can a small amount of skin be taken to tighten the breast? (Photos)

Crescent breast lift for nipple asymmetry? (Photo)

Is it possible to get a proper breast lift with the location of the horizontal scar? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS