Waterfall effect? 7 months post-op breast lift/augmentation (photos)

Question

I had a breast lift and implant in May and I’m not loving the shape of my breasts. I have round, smooth implants under the muscle. What is going on? I’m so discouraged. It doesn’t even feel like they’re close to filling out the lower pole. I moved out of state which makes going back to my surgeon difficult (but not totally impossible). I just want opinions.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

Continued breast sagging after breast lift surgery is common and is almost guaranteed to occur to at least some degree over time.  This is most often seen  when the inherent skin elasticity is often poor, which is probably why you had the procedure done in the first place.  Several factors may accelerate normal age related breast atrophy and sagging, including weight loss or placement of large implants.  In your case, this is probably due to poor elasticity of the skin.  Fortunately, the effective and worthwhile solution is a revision of the breast lift.  In your case, this might be a relatively minor procedure, such as excision of additional skin from the lower part of the breast using the inframammary fold scar.  I recommend in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this type of breast implant revision surgery.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears from your photos that you have restretched out your lower pole tissues or they were never tight enough with your first surgery.. It appears that the lift attempted was a vertical incision only and you now need a revision with a breast fold incision to remove a large amount of excess skin. Discuss with your previous or new plastic surgeon in person. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mlc52811,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after 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

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Apparently, more skin should be removed in the lower pole.  Many times, minor revisions are needed for patients after the breast have settled if they have skin elasticity issues.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photographs, you appear to demonstrate residual / recurrent ptosis of the breasts with the bulk of your glandular tissue residing in the lower poles of the breasts. 
The
performance of breast augmentation and lift in a patient who suffers from
stretched out skin from previous pregnancy or sun damaged skin may be complicated by a degree of
recurrent sag as the relatively inelastic damaged skin stretches even
more as it accommodates the weight of the new implant. This is often unpredictable.
You appear to be a candidate for revision. 15% of cosmetic surgeries require a secondary touch up.
Visit your plastic surgeon to discuss further.
Best
wishes...

Waterfall effect? 7 months post-op breast lift/augmentation (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Lift Revision

Answer: Breast Lift Revision

Answer: Residual / recurrent ptosis after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Residual / recurrent ptosis after breast augmentation and lift

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.

Waterfall effect? 7 months post-op breast lift/augmentation (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Breast Lift Revision

Answer: Breast Lift Revision

Answer: Residual / recurrent ptosis after breast augmentation and lift

Answer: Residual / recurrent ptosis after breast augmentation and lift

Browse related questions

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.