To lift or not to lift? If you’re preparing for breast revision surgery, you may be wondering if a breast lift (mastopexy) is also needed. Revision surgery is like a touch-up for breast augmentation, being administered to correct complications like capsular contracture, make changes to the size of your breasts, or be an addition to a mommy makeover to address post-pregnancy breast changes.
Since breast revision surgery is performed for many reasons, there is no single answer to the question of a breast lift also being required. Do you need a breast lift with your revision surgery? The best way to decide is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sara Yegiyants, who is a triple board-certified female plastic surgeon in Santa Barbara with extensive surgical training.
Top Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery in Santa Barbara
If you’re unhappy with the appearance or feel of your breasts after breast augmentation, a breast revision may be needed. Common reasons for this surgery include:
- Capsular contracture – Tightening of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant causing pain and deformity to the breast shape.
- Double bubble deformity – Implants that shift can create the appearance of a “double bubble” where the breast tissue moves to below the implant. Revision surgery can correct positioning problems or shifting of the breast implants.
- Wrinkling or rippling – While all implants are at risk for rippling, it occurs most often in patients with large saline implants and little natural breast tissue. Changing implant type or size can help address this complication.
- Rupture or leakage – Modern breast implants are strong and durable and rarely leak or rupture. If leakage does occur, the implants are exchanged in a revision procedure.
- Desire to change implant size – Do you want smaller or larger breast implants? Revision surgery is performed to change breast size.
- Implant update – While breast implants don’t need to be replaced on a specific schedule, some patients may decide to exchange their implants after a decade or more of use. This procedure can also be performed to exchange saline implants for silicone or older silicone implants for a cohesive gel or gummy bear implant.
- Changes to the breast appearance from aging or pregnancy – Breast sagging from aging or pregnancy
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts after previous breast surgery or if you are experiencing complications, revision surgery may be all you need to make things right again.
When Do You Need a Breast Lift with Revision Surgery?
Got sag? A breast lift is one of the only procedures to address breast sagging. If you have droopiness or sagging in the breasts, you should probably consider a breast lift with your revision breast surgery. Changing your implants won’t correct sagging, even if you choose a bigger size. Bigger implants in saggy breasts lead to bigger, still saggy breasts. A breast lift is the only way to address breast sagging.
If your breast tissues are still tight and elastic, you may not need a lift with your revision procedure. Dr. Yegiyants may be able to exchange your implants without the additional incisions of a breast lift. Often she can use the incisions you already have to replace your implants without creating new scars.
Another time when a lift is probably needed is when removing breast implants. Implants stretch the breast tissue, and when they have slipped and are no longer in the breasts, drooping and sagging are very common. A breast lift can be performed simultaneously as your implant removal to tighten and lift the breasts, restoring a more natural-looking breast appearance.
Learn More About Revision Breast Surgery with Dr. Yegiyants
Are you in need of a breast revision procedure? Make an appointment to see Dr. Yegiyants, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast surgery experience. Contact Dr. Yegiyants online or call 805-682-1731 to schedule your consultation.