Is the same amount of tissue removed during a breast lift regardless of implant?

Hi Jennifer, 411,

Thank you for your inquiry about whether the same amount of tissue is removed during a breast lift, regardless of the size of the breast implant. Generally, less breast tissue is removed when a larger implant is used. On the other hand, more tissue is typically removed with a smaller implant to achieve an optimal breast lift or mastery. It's important to note that we're referring to only a minimal amount of skin and fat, approximately a tablespoon. The primary consideration is the extent of the breast lift required. There are various types of lifts, including crescent, 360 donut, lollipop, and anchor lifts. An anchor lift, for example, will remove more tissue than a crescent lift. However, if the type of lift remains constant, a smaller implant will result in slightly more tissue removal. In a typical breast lift without tissue reduction, around one tablespoon of skin is excised, which is not substantial. The difference in skin removal between implants of 210 cc and 280 cc is negligible. Additionally, more tissue is removed when no implant is used at all.

In conclusion, I recommend choosing the breast size that feels right for you without overly focusing on the amount of tissue to be removed. Opt for the overall aesthetic of the breast you desire. The tissue removal is merely a consequence of the chosen implant size. Do not base your implant size decision on the potential amount of tissue removal. Good luck, and I hope this answers your question regarding tissue removal in breast lifts with varying implant sizes.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Dear Jennifer411,
in case of breast lift, no breast tissue is removed. Your surgeon will only remove excess skin and lift the remaining breast tissue. 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

Implants are added to the breast to fill up the skin envelope of the breast. A lift is typically done to reposition the nipple and areolar to its correct position on the breast mound and tighten the skin of a ptotic, loose skin breast. A 280 cc implant will add more volume to the breast and hence fill out the skin more so less skin would be removed during the lift as compared with a smaller 210 cc implant. If no implant is placed, usually more skin is removed during a breast lift so the volume of breast tissue that is available is contained in a smaller envelop of skin and gives the breasts a better volume appearance. Best wishes.