Can A Breast Lift Be Done With My Existing Breast Implants In Place?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I had a breast augmentation done in November last year. Initially I was very satisfied with the results but now they are starting to sag and I need a breast lift. I remember that I had a discussion with my plastic surgeon before the surgery about doing a lift at the same time as my implants but I decided against it because of the scars that would result. Now that I am ready for a breast lift will I have to have the implants removed, have the breast lift performed, and come back at a later date for new implants? Or can the lift be done with the breast implants in place that I have now?

A: Many times modestly sagging breasts get by initially with implants alone. But when the breast tissues relax after being pushed outward, they slide off the implant creating ptosis off of the edge of the implant. If you are happy with the size of your implants and they are in good position, I see no reason why you can’t proceed forward with the lift with the implants you already have in place. Most likely, you will need a vertical breast lift to get the breast tissues up in proper position over the implants. While it is never a pleasing revelation that you will need  a second surgery to get the breast result you want, take solace in the fact that a breast lift is much easier to go through than the initial breast augmentation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana