I have Mentor, smooth round, high profile, saline, 330cc, 400cc final fill, under muscle. I want larger but not a lift. (Photos)

Question

I am not looking for perky breasts and not sure I want all the surgery involved in a lift. Could I go larger with my implants, 550cc or higher or would the skin just hang off them? I don't want 'frankenboobs'...

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi sologirl123,
  
Determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both 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 breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. 
  
These two surgeries can be done at the same time and this may be optimal as the risks can be minimized. 
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, it is actually breast tissue that is being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 
  
In addition, upper pole fullness is achieved with appropriate implant selection but more importantly, submuscular placement, and precise pocket dissection. The submuscular placement allows the muscle to cover the top part of the implant which allows the upper pole to appear fuller. Keeping away from the lateral chest during pocket dissection allows the implant to remain higher and prevents it from falling off to the side.
  
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals. 
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Larger
implants will not solve your problem. 
You definitely need a lift and I recommend The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating
upper pole fullness, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to
increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars
are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if
not injured during your previous surgery. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

In person exam is essential. If you don't want perky breasts- then you can go larger, understanding and accepting the fact that overtime you will sag more. In our Practice I would not put larger implants in this case, when a lift is indicated.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear sologirl123,Of course it is possible to place larger breast implants without a breast lift.  The real question is, what will your breasts age like, and how will they look in a few short years.  Larger, i.e. heavier breast implants tend to age faster (read sag).  That will be your biggest problem.  Good luck!

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

If you are otherwise happy with the shape and position of your breasts, you could choose a different, wider, larger implant. It would not replace the changes a lift would offer, only fill more of what is already filled.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although nothing will replace in-person evaluation when it comes to providing you with precise advice,  based on your photographs, I would be concerned that the use of larger breasts implants (without undergoing breast lifting also) will leave you with an aesthetic outcome that you will not be pleased with. Best wishes.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

If you go with larger implants you will have fullness in your upper breast but your breast will hang. It appears from your pictures that your nipple is below your breast fold (You would need a physical exam to confirm this). If this is the situation, a breast lift would give you the best result. There are different types of lifts; a donut lift (the scar goes around the nipple areolar complex and this is the weakest lift) a lollipop lift (the scars go around the nipple areolar complex and down the middle of the breast) and a anchor lift (which is a lollipop with an additional scar in the breast fold, and this is the strongest lift). I would recommend sitting down with your plastic surgeon and discuss all of your options thoroughly with him or her. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Might recommend AFTER in person evaluation 500 to 700 cc implants ranges to try to avoid lift scarring. Understand you will have a droop or saggy effect. Fee to exchange ranges from $4,000 t $6,000...

I have Mentor, smooth round, high profile, saline, 330cc, 400cc final fill, under muscle. I want larger but not a lift. (Photos)

Answers (8)

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