What is your typical criteria for max implant size done at the same time as a breast lift?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. This combination of procedures has a high complication profile and therefore the size of the implant should be selected with careful consideration to prevent wound healing issues or compromise of the circulation to the nipples. I hope this helps.

Combining a breast lift with implants is not something to be done lightly. Without careful planning, you can run into a host of problems including wound breakdown and loss of the nipple-areola complex. One of the most important safety measures to take is limiting the size of the implant. Ideally, I keep the implant size under 300cc. If you need a lift and ultimately want an implant larger than that, it is better to upsize in a second operation, or do the operation in two stages.

The size of the breast implant depends on the patients goal. At size 32 or 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. At size 36 or 38, each 200 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. Once you know your beginning cup size and your desired cup size then you can compute the volume required to achieved your desired goal.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello @yeeks thank you for your question. Is important to understand there is no standard process. Each patient must have a personalized evaluation to take into account all factors that will affect the final result. This way we can define not only the volume but the technique to perform the breast lift in your surgical plan. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Dear BGtea44,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi! Thank you for your question! Usually when combining a breast lift with an augmentation, it's not safe to go with an implant that big. The reason for it is because both surgeries are acting in opposite forces. The breast lift is tightening and removing excess skin and the augmentation is adding implant/volume. If the implant is too big, may cause wound healing problems, implant exposure/implant loss and nipple necrosis. What determines the implant size is your measurement (primarily breast width) and how much breast tissue you have. The good thing is, that after the first surgery, if you feel your implants are too small, we can always do an implant exchange at least 3-4 months later and place a bigger implant since all the healing from the lift already happened ;) Hope this helped!

The size of implants is based on the patient's frame, measurements, and amount of breast tissue present. The 600 cc implants are large and heavy and do not hold up in most women after a lift. I would suggest going with something smaller so the lift will last.

Hello! Thank you for this important question. When a plastic surgeon performs an inverted T breast lift; breast tissue ( gland and fat) and excess skin are removed; so the tissue "envelope" becomes tight; so, when an implant is placed; it exerts force and tension from the inside to the outside; when the tissues are closed; they make the opposite force; from the outside towards the inside. So, if large implants are placed, the will put a lot of tension over the skin closure; resulting in wound opening, skin necrosis and / or implant exposure. So that's why large implants are not recommended in breast lifts.