How long should I wait between breast lift and breast augmentation surgeries?

Question

I suffer from very asymmetric breasts ( one is a small C, the other a large D) Although two doctors have told me they could lift my larger breast and give me implants in one surgery, I truly think my preference would be to first reduce and lift my larger breast then later get implants. I'm afraid if I get implants before reducing my larger breasts, they will still be very different in shape and position. If I decided to take a two stage approach, how long would I have to wait between surgeries?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You will get varying opinions.  I would recommend you wait at least 3 months between your breast lift  and your augmentation surgeries.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Either approach is acceptable, and I would ask your surgeon about the time between as it will be based in part on your healing.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately,
you have not provided any photographs. 
However, if one breast is a large D, why would you want to reduce it then
add an implant?  Instead, I recommend a
new technique called Breast Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast LiftTM.  Using only a circumareola incision it is
possible to reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness, elevate
them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Through the same incision, implants can be
placed.  Aligning the areola, breast
tissue and implant over the bony prominence of the chest wall maximizes
anterior projection with a minimal size implant.  Small round textured silicone gel implants
placed retro-pectoral look and feel more natural, are more stable, less likely
to ripple or have complications needing revision.  Implant profile is irrelevant in the
retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it.  Your best alternative is augmentation of the
smaller breast and lifting both breasts, not reducing the larger one and later
augmenting it.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

At least 3 months is a reasonable time to wait between such procedures, to take into account swelling and settling of your breast.   Your decision is a very reasonable one, and arguably, can produce more symmetric size and shape.  However, such a procedure may also be performed safely and well in one stage - also giving the benefit of a single procedure, single recovery, and cost savings...just some things to consider.  I would discuss the various options with a plastic surgeon to assist you in your decision.  Hope that this helps!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.If you choose to separate these two surgeries, I recommend waiting a minimum of 4 months between surgeries.

To be sure, see two or more board
certified and experienced plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete
evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hi, my advice is to wait at least 6 months between procedures if that's your Wish to do it in two steps. The techniques that are used today are very safe and very practical to perform these surgery in one step and get Great results, you may cant to approach to a certified plastic surgeon so he or she can help you clear your doubts. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Absolutely nothing wrong with staging the procedures if you and your chosen plastic surgeon feel that the outcome will be better and less complication prone. In my practice, I usually wait 3 to 6 months before proceeding with the 2nd stage procedure.  Best wishes.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.In my opinion both procedures can be done at the same time, this way your surgeon will make sure the right size would be given to you. Also the cost can be lower than if you had one procedure at a time.If for some reason you believe that you do indeed want them at separate times, then choose the breast lift first, any PS will tell you that it wouldn't be a good idea to place the implant first if a breast lift it's truly necessary.Dr. Campos

Roy Ng, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

I would recommend a minimum of 3 months between the two procedures. There is nothing wrong with doing it in two stages. However, excellent results are achievable in a single procedure alone and you have the advantages of cost-effectiveness and only one episode of downtime.

Charles R. Nathan, MD, FACS · Answer

I think any time after three months is a good time to evaluate your results and discuss an augmentation.  By then the tissue envelope has matured enough and you can accurately assess your volume.

How long should I wait between breast lift and breast augmentation surgeries?

Answers (13)

More Breast Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (13)

More Breast Lift Questions

After breast lift surgery, can I use Scarguard with silicone sheets?

6 weeks post BR is it safe to sleep without bra?

Does breast lift implant by surgery affect breast feeding?

Is an augmentation a good solution? (Photo)

Breast lift without implants and fat transfer? (Photo)

What are the risks of having multiple cosmetic surgeries at the same time?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS