If you’re unhappy with your breast implants and considering a breast implant revision with lift, you’re not alone. Some women, over time, realize that their implants no longer provide the shape or look they desire. Whether it’s due to changes in your body, dissatisfaction with the original surgery, or other concerns like rippling or shifting, a revision might be the right solution.
However, one common question is: does every breast implant revision require a lift? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as each person’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are different. Understanding when a breast lift is necessary and when it’s not can help you make an informed decision and get the results you truly want.
What Is Breast Implant Revision with Lift?
Breast implant revision plastic surgery involves replacing or adjusting existing implants to address issues like size dissatisfaction, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or simply a desire for a different shape or size. This procedure is often sought by women who are no longer happy with their breast implants due to physical changes over time, lifestyle changes, or other concerns.
In some cases, a breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed at the same time as the revision. A breast lift is designed to reshape and reposition sagging or droopy breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue. This can enhance the overall contour and give the breasts a more youthful, perky appearance.
As Dr. Rosso explains, “A breast implant revision can be very successful on its own, but for some patients, adding a lift can dramatically improve the shape and firmness of the breast.”
The key consideration is whether the current position of your breast tissue and skin laxity requires additional support from a lift to achieve your desired look.
When Is a Breast Lift Necessary During Implant Revision?
A breast implant revision with lift may be necessary if there is significant sagging or drooping of the breast tissue, which is common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or natural aging. These changes can cause the skin to stretch, leading to a deflated appearance or nipples that point downward.
Signs you may need a lift include:
- Breast sagging: If your breasts have lost volume or appear to droop, especially if the nipples are positioned lower than the breast crease, a lift may be necessary to reposition the breast tissue.
- Loss of upper breast volume: Some women notice that after time, their breasts lose volume at the top, making the implant sit lower than expected.
- Skin laxity: If your skin has lost its elasticity and has visible stretch marks, a breast lift may help tighten the skin for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
In these cases, a breast lift will enhance the outcome of the implant revision by repositioning the breast tissue to better support the implants, creating a more harmonious and natural look.
Dr. Rosso notes, “If the skin and tissue have sagged, simply replacing the implant won’t give the desired result. A lift restores the breast’s shape and position, offering a more complete enhancement.”
When a Breast Implant Revision May Not Need a Lift
Not every woman who undergoes breast implant revision surgery will require a lift. If your breasts still maintain good shape and your skin has retained its elasticity, you may achieve excellent results with just a revision. In these situations, a lift might be unnecessary, especially if the implants themselves need only minor adjustments, such as repositioning or a change in size.
Examples of when a lift may not be necessary include:
- Capsular contracture: This is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing discomfort or distortion. In such cases, the revision may focus solely on addressing the scar tissue without needing a lift, however, sometimes a lift is necessary.
- Implant size change: If you are dissatisfied with the size of your implants and wish to go larger or smaller, but your breasts are not sagging, a simple size adjustment can often be made without a lift.
- No significant sagging: If your nipple position is still above the breast crease and your breasts have not sagged, a lift may not be required.
Dr. Rosso advises, “In cases where the breast skin is still firm and the implants need only minor adjustment, a lift is not always necessary. But, every patient’s anatomy is unique, and the surgical plan should reflect that.”
How to Determine If You Need a Lift with Your Implant Revision
The best way to know if you need a breast lift in addition to your implant revision is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. During your consultation, the plastic surgeon will evaluate your breast tissue, skin elasticity, nipple position, and overall breast shape to determine the best course of action.
Factors to consider include:
- Skin elasticity: The elasticity of your skin will play a significant role in determining whether a lift is necessary. If your skin has lost firmness and can no longer support the implants well, a lift may be recommended.
- Desired outcome: Be clear about your aesthetic goals. Do you want fuller, perkier breasts? Do you want to correct drooping, or are you simply looking for a better implant fit? Your desired outcome will guide the decision on whether a lift is needed.
It’s important to select a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant revision surgery.
What to Expect from Your Breast Implant Revision Surgery
If you decide to proceed with a breast implant revision with lift, the surgery will typically take a few hours and can be performed under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will remove or replace the implants, reposition the breast tissue, and perform a lift if necessary.
Recovery time can vary, but most women can return to most normal activities within two to three weeks. Results are often long-lasting, though factors like aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect the longevity of the results.
For more detailed information on what to expect during recovery, you can visit WebMD’s guide to breast surgery recovery.
Alright, here’s the wrap-up!
Deciding if you need a breast lift during your implant revision depends on your body and what you want to achieve. A breast implant revision combined with a lift can greatly improve the appearance of women dealing with sagging or loss of volume. However, not every revision needs a lift. By consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon, you can create a personalized plan to reach the beautiful, balanced results you desire.
If you’re ready to explore your options for breast implant revision, call us at 310-326-3636 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ronald Rosso. Together, you can discuss your goals and develop a tailored approach that fits your needs.