Robert Whitfield MDAmerica's Breast Implant Illness Expert™

When is a lift needed after explant?

15 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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1:10

In this educational segment Dr. Robert Whitfield outlines the clinical factors that determine whether a mastopexy (breast lift) is required after breast implant removal. He explains that patients with small implants, minimal skin stretch, and a well‑positioned nipple‑areolar complex generally do not need a lift. Conversely, those with larger or progressively larger implants, significant skin stretching, or a nipple‑areolar complex that sits well below the breast fold often require vertical lifting to restore proper breast shape after explantation. He also highlights that thin tissue quality, multiple old scars, asymmetry, or uncertainty about residual volume demand careful evaluation and may necessitate staged procedures to avoid wound‑healing complications. Throughout, Dr. Whitfield emphasizes patient education and prioritizing safety in the decision‑making process.

Chapters

If someone has a relatively small implant, limited skin stretch, and a nipple position that's already good, then obviously they typically don't need a lift. They wouldn't want a lift. And if there's confusion about it, we'll just explain that so they can better make an informed decision. If someone has a progressively larger implant or more stretched-out skin or a nipple areolar complex that's sitting well below the fold, then removing the implant in that position changes the characteristics of both volume and skin, and then the nipple position can suffer and become lower as well. So those patients typically may require more vertical lifting. Third, someone who has thin tissues, several old scars, asymmetry, and uncertainty about volume. That may require very, very careful consideration and staging if necessary. We don't create a wound healing. problem. So once again, all the things are always the same in terms of what we're trying to do is we always want to help, but we want to do it in the safest possible manner.