Hi I’m 5’5 139 lbs. 44 years of age fit, works out 4-5x week. I had 325 cc moderate plus implants put in in 2008. I had them re-done in 2021 and one from 325 cc to 525 cc. I would like to downsize to 400 cc. I guess my first question is am I going to need a lift and if so can I get away with a donut l donut lift. I really dislike scars and would like to avoid any other types of lifts. Feel like the 525 Are Way too big for my body and make me look top-heavy
Answer: Considering Implant Downsizing and Periareolar Lift It’s completely understandable to want to downsize your implants—especially if you're feeling top-heavy despite being fit and active. Reducing from 525cc to 400cc is a noticeable change, and whether a lift is needed will depend on your current breast tissue, skin elasticity, and overall shape. A periareolar mastopexy (a lift performed around the edge of the areola) is often preferred by patients who wish to minimize visible scarring. This technique can be effective in cases of mild ptosis, particularly when only a subtle repositioning of the nipple-areola complex is needed. However, it’s important to note that periareolar lifts have limited lifting capacity. If your skin has stretched over time due to the size and weight of your implants, or if there’s moderate sagging, a more comprehensive lift technique may be required to achieve a naturally youthful shape after downsizing. Your desire to avoid additional scarring is valid, and many surgeons will first assess whether a periareolar approach can provide sufficient improvement while respecting your aesthetic priorities. I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in implant revision and lift techniques will be the best next step to tailor the plan to your goals. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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Answer: Considering Implant Downsizing and Periareolar Lift It’s completely understandable to want to downsize your implants—especially if you're feeling top-heavy despite being fit and active. Reducing from 525cc to 400cc is a noticeable change, and whether a lift is needed will depend on your current breast tissue, skin elasticity, and overall shape. A periareolar mastopexy (a lift performed around the edge of the areola) is often preferred by patients who wish to minimize visible scarring. This technique can be effective in cases of mild ptosis, particularly when only a subtle repositioning of the nipple-areola complex is needed. However, it’s important to note that periareolar lifts have limited lifting capacity. If your skin has stretched over time due to the size and weight of your implants, or if there’s moderate sagging, a more comprehensive lift technique may be required to achieve a naturally youthful shape after downsizing. Your desire to avoid additional scarring is valid, and many surgeons will first assess whether a periareolar approach can provide sufficient improvement while respecting your aesthetic priorities. I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in implant revision and lift techniques will be the best next step to tailor the plan to your goals. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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May 20, 2025
Answer: Breast Lift Thank you for your question. Significant size increases, from 325cc to 525cc, will have stretched your skin. Downsizing to 400cc is reasonable, but whether it will cause sagging and need a lift depends on two key factors: nipple position relative to your inframammary fold and tissue laxity and implant footprint. If your nipples are at or above the fold and your skin has maintained decent elasticity, you may not need a lift. If your nipples sit below the fold, a donut lift likely won’t be sufficient. In that case, a more extensive lift (vertical or anchor) may be required to restore a youthful breast shape. It's best to have an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess nipple position, skin tone, and breast volume in detail.
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May 20, 2025
Answer: Breast Lift Thank you for your question. Significant size increases, from 325cc to 525cc, will have stretched your skin. Downsizing to 400cc is reasonable, but whether it will cause sagging and need a lift depends on two key factors: nipple position relative to your inframammary fold and tissue laxity and implant footprint. If your nipples are at or above the fold and your skin has maintained decent elasticity, you may not need a lift. If your nipples sit below the fold, a donut lift likely won’t be sufficient. In that case, a more extensive lift (vertical or anchor) may be required to restore a youthful breast shape. It's best to have an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess nipple position, skin tone, and breast volume in detail.
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April 21, 2025
Answer: Your request seem reasonable According to your pictures, I can say that your request is achievable. If you’re skin quality is good, seem like the donut lift will do the job. But please don’t forget that for exact decision we should examine you in person. Better be prepared for a slight change of vertical scar.
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April 21, 2025
Answer: Your request seem reasonable According to your pictures, I can say that your request is achievable. If you’re skin quality is good, seem like the donut lift will do the job. But please don’t forget that for exact decision we should examine you in person. Better be prepared for a slight change of vertical scar.
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February 21, 2025
Answer: Lift with implant size change Thanks for your question and pictures. Based on your photos, you may not require any type of lift when decreasing implant size by 125 cc. Going down in size may actually fit your chest better and be more centered on your nipples. Make sure you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam.
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February 21, 2025
Answer: Lift with implant size change Thanks for your question and pictures. Based on your photos, you may not require any type of lift when decreasing implant size by 125 cc. Going down in size may actually fit your chest better and be more centered on your nipples. Make sure you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person exam.
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December 13, 2024
Answer: Donut lift Thanks for your question! I'm not the biggest fan of a donut lift because it can distort the areola. Your breasts aren't droopy now, so my advice would be to replace the implant and take a wait and see approach with the lift. You may not need one if you are okay with your nipples being a little bit lower on the breast mound. Good luck!
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December 13, 2024
Answer: Donut lift Thanks for your question! I'm not the biggest fan of a donut lift because it can distort the areola. Your breasts aren't droopy now, so my advice would be to replace the implant and take a wait and see approach with the lift. You may not need one if you are okay with your nipples being a little bit lower on the breast mound. Good luck!
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