Can You Have a Breast Lift With Pre-Existing Implants?
Over time, women that have undergone breast augmentation may notice that their breasts start to lose volume, resulting in sagging and excess skin on the breasts. Women experiencing these problems may wish to undergo a breast lift to restore shape.
But since they’ve already done breast augmentation surgery, they generally ask their plastic surgeon: Is it possible to have a breast lift with pre-existing implants?
About Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery –also known as “mastopexy” — is done to elevate and reshape sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance. Droopy breasts typically occur because of pregnancy and breastfeeding, but can also be due to the effect of aging and/or weight loss.
The breast lift operation may be done using several different techniques. The most common method involves making an incision around the areola. However, your surgeon will discuss the various approaches with you, and determine which would be most favorable, based on your aesthetic goals.
Surgery typically involves the removal of excess skin, uplifting of the skin below the breasts, and shifting the nipple and areola to a more elevated position.
Breast Lift After Breast Augmentation
Women who undergo breast augmentation with implants often don’t need a breast lift at the time of their enhancement. This is usually because they don’t have any excess skin or ptosis (droopiness).
However, changes to breast volume can occur as the years go by. The breasts may start to sag and lose shape, and you may want to have a breast lift to make your bust line beautiful again. But if you’ve already had a breast augmentation the important question arises, relating to the suitability of doing a lift with the original implants still there. Can it be done? It all depends.
Read More: Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?
Is It Possible To Have A Breast Lift With Pre-existing Implants?
If your implants are in good shape and are not causing you any problems, a breast lift can be done without any issues. Also, if the there is no hardening of the implants, and they are still mobile, some doctors will leave them in place. However, there are times when it may be best to have breast implant replacement at the time of a breast lift procedure.
It is always best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon when contemplating a breast lift, or any type of cosmetic surgery. The surgeon will conduct a formal evaluation, and determine which option would be most suitable for you.
Doctors often suggest replacing implants if they are over 12 years old. Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime, and older implants are more prone to rupture, so your doctor may recommend changing them at the time of the breast lift surgery.
In other cases, doctors may recommend changing out saline implants for silicone implants at the time of breast lift surgery. While there are pros and cons to both types of implants, your surgeon may have specific reasons for recommending a change. It is therefore best to rely on the expertise of your plastic surgeon.
When doing this type of revision surgery, it is always advisable to seek out the services of an experienced surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How To Know If You Need a Breast Lift
If you have drooping breasts that are impacting the type of clothes you choose to wear, or making you feel less confident about your body, it may be time for a breast lift. A breast lift is also recommended if your breasts look deflated, and your nipples point downward instead of outward.
Read More: What Makes a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Benefits of a Breast Lift
A breast lift will make your breasts higher and shapelier. Consequently, your cleavage will look a lot better, and you will feel more confident and start to wear clothes that show off your figure rather than hide it. For some women breast lift surgery is a big boost to their self-confidence, and it also makes them feel more feminine.
Additional Resources
Average Price for a Breast Lift
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), the average price for a breast lift ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 (based on an ABCS national survey. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the average price of a breast lift was $4,377 in 2014 (according to their statistics).
Before & After Breast Lift Photos
Find a wide range of before & after photos of breast lift procedures on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
Read More About Breast Lift Surgery
Learn more about breast lifts on the American Society of Plastic Surgery website.
Find a Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon
- Find a plastic surgeon near you in the MD.com specialists directory
- Find a cosmetic surgeon near you in the MD.com specialists directory
- See if a plastic surgeon is board certified by visiting the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website
Breast Lift Surgery in Tupelo, MS
Breast lift surgery is available in Tupelo, MS from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Craig at Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Learn more about breast lift surgery on Dr. Craig’s official site, or contact Dr. Craig to schedule a consultation today.
Mark Craig, MD, FACS
@drmarkcraig
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