Should I get a breast implant if I have dense tissue?

Question

I’m going to get a breast reduction and lift. I’ve been advised by 3 doctors that I do not need an implant bc I have enough dense tissue. I’m second guessing getting an implant bc I want the results to last as long as possible. How long will a lift typically last if I do not have an implant? And should I go ahead and have one put in?

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi SuperMomof2,
yours is a challenging question, especially without photos. You are planning to have a breast reduction, which is generally performed to reduce the size of the breast, while decreasing the size of the areola and lifting the breast mound higher on the chest wall. While there are circumstances where an implant and reduction are performed concurrently (this is called subtraction-addition, with the goal of adding volume in the upper pole which a reduction will not reliably do), this occurs in just a small proportion of patients. The longevity of a lift should not be affected by the presence of an implant in the way that you describe, but an implant which is too large may have a chance of bottoming out over time, and by extension making the surgical results last less long.
I would suggest meeting with your surgeon again to discuss the goals of the reduction, and the expected postoperative shape, and whether your goals require an implant or not.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided any photographs or told us your bra size. However, the technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Im not exactly sure it depends on your desired results and your current breasts. Results of a lift regardless of an implant or not will typically lasts about 4-8 years varies from patient to patient. despite that it will not return to the full droop that it is in currently. Gravity always has a toll. IF you received very heavy breast implants it can make that drop of the lift occur sooner. be sure to wear a good supportive bra at all times. Discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and be sure to bring in wish pics of someone with a similar frame and size. Feel free to check out website for some before and afters.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @SuperMomof2, thank you for your question.  If your considering a reduction you must have breast tissue to consider other options different to implants. How much the results of the procedure last  depends on how you take care of your surgery.  Gravity always acts on a breast, so we need to be able to define its characteristics well, since when you don't wear a bra, gravity goes downward, stretching the skin, and the heavier the sin, the more the skin will come down.  I linked a video to shed more light.  Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear SuperMomof2,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If the surgeons you saw were board certified plastic surgeons and all three agreed that an implant is not needed to achieve your surgical goals, then that is likely correct.  If you are wanting upper pole fullness without an implant you may be a candidate for auto augmentation.  This approach uses your own tissue to create fullness.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

With implants, you are adding more weight to your breast which will sag over time. If you have more breast tissue removed so you can have implants, you may have more numbness and not be able to breast feed. Over the long term, just removing the excess breast tissue now will probably be the best choice. As you age, your tissue will become less dense. As long as you have implants, there is always the potential of needing another surgery.

Should I get a breast implant if I have dense tissue?

Answers (7)

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