What type breast lift can be performed years after breast reduction? (Photos)

Question

Hello! I had a breast reduction 5 years ago. While thrilled with the results I wished the scarring was less evident. I am now considering a breast lift. What would be the best procedure based on my pictures. Thank you!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
I perform a liposuction breast lift for secondary reductions that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster and drains are not necessary. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. If you have shoulder grooves from your bras, I can also use the fat to fill these areas in and give you more cushioning as well as contour. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.  
Best of luck!    
Dr. Schwartz 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
#RealSelf100Surgeon 
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and question, I would recommend a vertical lift , an in person consultation would be best for a better evaluation,good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos, The Horndeski Method/The Bellesoma Method has developed a weight transfer technique that takes the weight off the skin (and surrounding tissues) placing it on the chest muscles without removing much breast tissue to relieve pain. Women no longer have to sacrifice loosing cup sizes to enjoy full/perky breasts. Upper pole fullness is achieved by re-positioning and reshaping a patient's own tissue to improve cleavage and fullness. I have attached a short video of an example of this technique. No implants are ever used and the vertical scar has been completely eliminated. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision. Best wishes and kind regards,Dr. Gary Horndeski

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   You already have an anchor scar on your breasts from your previous breast reduction.  Based on your photograph, you are a
candidate for a breast lift.  This can be designed to result in an
improved shape and contour of your breasts.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and evaluate their results.  The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

You had a full Wise (anchor) pattern breast reduction (with very small new areolas). You now want a breast lift, which fortunately uses the same incisions and can further tighten your skin brassiere. But you have to have realistic expectations regarding outcomes. Your same breast volume would be contained in a higher tighter skin brassiere, but it's the same skin, with the same (lack of) elasticity, and the same (poor) collagen content.You will sag again over time, especially if you gain weight.So, IF you have realistic expectations, then, sure, revision of your reduction can be considered. Same incisions and same results over time. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
First I want to congratulate you for making this important decision. Deciding to get an aesthetic procedure to change your body and get a new life style is a big step!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get a breast lift without implants because you have enough tissue to reshape and lift it. Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. For us your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

Your results look fantastic! If the scars bother you, you could have a scar revision or a re-do breast reduction. Keep in mind that the volume removed from the breast this time will likely be significantly less than the first surgery. Insurance may not pay for the procedure in this case. Best of luck to you!

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breast lift can be performed using the same scars you already have. A very small amount of volume will be removed and the breast will be lifted

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Given that you have had a breast reduction procedure already, breast lifting can be done through the same incision lines. No additional scars would be necessary.  My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully.  Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you learn more.  Best wishes.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. If you are considering a lift, I would suggest a vertical pattern, or peri-areolar approach. Of course, it will be necessary to evaluate you in person to make an accurate assessment. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeo

Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeo

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