Can a donut lift gone wrong be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I initially had a donut Lift and implants. A few years later The doctor had to do a revision because the implants were bottoming out and as you can see it the nipples were just so terrible. Is there anyway to correct it once and for all without it stretching back out again?

Hakim Said, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Miamimia, Lifts around the nipple often run into those issues of stretching out. There are two options for that: a gore-tex suture can be very effective in keeping the areola small, and a lollipop lift is ultimately the solution if the gore-tex is not enough.If the implant keeps drifting down, usually it is a sign that you are slender, with delicate tissues that need help holding that implant in place. There are mesh options, both organic (expensive) and synthetic (cheaper), to keep the implant in better position without depending on your skin to carry that weight. You might also consider textured implants, which stay in place much better, so they don't drift down. Talk to your surgeon about those options, or find one who will make a detailed plan to help you fix these correctable issues. 
Hope that helps!

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thank you for your message. The short answer is YES! You can absolutely have a revision to reduce the size of your areola. However, if you are hoping to lift your breast along with it you will likely need an "anchor" scar to remove excess tissue and lift your breast along with your areolas!Hope that helps!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your query. It is very common to have stretching out of the areola after a circumareolar mastopexy.  The best solution is to reduce the areola and add a short vertical scar. I have done it several times in this situation with stable, long-lasting results. Please discuss your options with your Plastic surgeon who can help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are some techniques that can be used when performing a donut mastopexy that can limit the amount of areolar stretching. However, as the areola are cut and the implant is constantly pushing on the backside of the areola it is likely that the areola will stretch over time. The key is to limit the stretching. You would benefit from a areola reduction and lift, if you were opposed to the trade off of adding more scars for a better shape of your breasts. Good luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

No worries, it looks like you can get a nice result by converting your donut lift into a standard anchor scar pattern. This would cure a lot of ills: wide, irregular periareolar scars around wide, irregular areola, persistent glandular sagging, and implant drop out within the soft tissue envelope.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You can have your lift converted to a lollipop lift which will make the areolae smaller. However your current result is not all that bad so not sure if it’s worth it

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no way to guarantee that if a donut lift is repeated that the areola will not stretch again.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your concerns and discuss your options.  It may be that a lift with a different approach may yield better results.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The posted photos demonstrate spreading scars of a donut lift. Only attempted scar revision "my" help, but never any guarantees. Under local anesthesia fee $2,500; I.V sedation fee $3,500; general anesthesia fee$4,000. Best to virtual consult to fully understand the risks vs benefit ratios.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Miamimia,

Every breast lift technique has it's advantages and disadvantages.  The donut breast lift, or periareolar breast lift carries the risk of the areolae continuing to widen or stretch over time.  This is because most of the tension from the lift is created on the areolar scars, especially when combined with a breast augmentation.  The good news (?) is that over time the breast skin may have relaxed and stretched providing the opportunity to perform an areolar reduction and correcting the areolar shape.  Good luck!

Can a donut lift gone wrong be fixed? (Photo)

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