Are implants heavy on shoulders?

Question

I was told by a friend I should not get implants with my breast reduction/lift as I have shoulder problems and the implants would be too heavy for my shoulder. Is this true?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Much of this will depend on an in-person examination of your tissues and goal results, but yes, implants will place additional weight on your shoulders, neck, and back which most patients become accustomed to during the recovery phase.  That said you must evaluate this for your specific shoulder pain.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

It is important to choose an implant that is in proportion to your size and whose measurements are consistent with your body.  An well fitted implant should not cause undue burden on your musculoskeletal system.

Riaz Agha, MBBS, DPhil(Oxon), FRCS(Plast) · Answer

It depends. If you are happy with your size following the reduction/lift (which you can simulate/imagine yourself) then you don't need implants anyway. If you want additional size with less weight, then fat transfer may be better as its lighter than an implant typically. Difficult to tell and be precise without photos and an understanding of your goals. I would be careful about putting in certainly medium to large implants (300 cc and up) if you already have shoulder pain. Another option is an auto-augmentation where part of the breast tissue normally discarded in the reduction could be used to provide additional size.
You should have a consultation in the first instance with a well trained, fully accredited Plastic Surgeon with before and after photo sets you like and good patient reviews. You can then discuss a range of options, their benefits, risks and alternatives. Then make a decision in the round having digested that information.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Mickeyneedsnewbooobs, thank you for sharing your question first in order to evaluate we might need some photos or an in person consultation to evaluate your tissues and discuss about desired results, but talking in general terms yes implants might add some weight to your shoulder, anyway small implants may give you better appearance and do not impact that much on the weight . Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Breast implants are not part of the body or incorporated and only held up by the skin envelope. The skin envelope puts pressure on the neck, shoulder and back. The larger the implants the heavier they will feel. If you are having a breast reduction, by definition, you have too much breast tissue and you will not need implants. 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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Without seeing photos I can’t tell if you would need implants at all. Small implants don’t have much of a risk of shoulder problems.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Mickeyneedsnewbooobs,
if you get breast reduction, then probably there is no need for breast implants. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The fundamental long-term concept with very large implants is that the breast tissue and skin may not be able to support them, leading to sagging, tissue stretching and thinning and even loss of the integrity of the implant pocket. This can lead to the need for revisional surgery and eventually downsizing of the implants and a lift. What constitutes too large of an implant is generally thought of as one whose base diameter is much greater than your natural breast base diameter.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants that a large for your frame and tissue do have weight and may be too heavy on your neck and shoulder.  Most women who are getting a breast reduction do not need more weight and do not need implants.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed to relieve pressure on the back, neck and shoulders. If you are truly a candidate for breast reduction surgery or mastopexy without an implant, you should receive some improvement in shoulder pain. Without photos, and without an in-person examination, it is impossible to determine whether you would need an implant to achieve your desired result.

Are implants heavy on shoulders?

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