Can I have breast implants after having a reduction/lift 11 years ago?

Question

I have had a breast reduction/anchor scar with implant removal in 2006. I will be 50 in a few months and am wondering about having implants again as I have since had a loss of weight and breast sag. I am currently a 36D cup with a very large ribcage so my previous implant size was DD. My scars aren't terrible from the lift but they are visible. The vertical scars are a bit wide and still quite pink but the lateral under boob scars are very well healed.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. In general a breast reduction/lift does not preclude you from repeat placement of implants. This would also afford you the opportunity of revising your original anchor incisions if needed as you may require another lift.  See an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss. Best wishes.

Ali Adibfar, MD, DDS · Answer

Hello It would be possible to perform a breast augmentation through the same scars as your previous breast reductions.  Those scars can also be revised simultaneously.An in person evaluation would be necessary for a more comprehensive recommendation.Thank you

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Breast implants can be placed after other breast surgery including reductions and lifts. The breast changes over time and with hormonal and weight change what looked good years ago may not look quite so good today. If you have lost volume since your last surgery, implants can restore your size. Additional, scar revisions can be done at the same time if needed.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  A breast augmentation can safely be performed after a  breast reduction.  This is actually very common.  The size, profile, and shape of
the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

Thanks for this questionThis is not an uncommon scenario. You should be easily able to have implants after your reduction. The implants would likely go above the muscle but that really depends on the quality of your tissues. I would suggest that you are conservative when you pick the implant sizes else you will be back to the beginning with breasts that are too big and likely giving you neck and back pain.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

In most cases, it would be quite straightforward to place implants many years after a breast reduction. In examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon would give you more information, including whether you need a breast lift to reposition your nipples.

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. It is absolutely possible to have a revision lift and add implants. That being said, I recommend that you schedule an appointment for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. They can examine you and offer the best options for achieving the results you want. Good luck!

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

The short answer is of course you can have breast implants after your procedure that was done 11 years ago.  However, based on your explanation it's quite possible you may need an additional lift procedure which could be accomplished by revising your existing scars.  An appropriate sized implant could be placed at the same time.  The only way to know for sure is to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an examination.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to undergo a revision lift along with implant placement. How larger of an implant depends upon your goals and your anatomy. Best of luck.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes it's almost always possible to do breast implants for patients who have had lifts / reduction s before, Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations.

Can I have breast implants after having a reduction/lift 11 years ago?

Answers (14)

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