Temecula Doctors

Skin Retraction After Breast Lift Upon Breast Implant Removal

I am seeking medical opinions of a breast lift upon removal of implants, without replacement. I have 300cc, textured, anatomical, submuscular saline breast implants for 14 years. I am a young 35yr old, no children. Full A or small B prior, and went to a small/medium C cup after, with decent skin elasticity. Gained 15 lbs since then, and developed more breast tissue. I don't feel they sag at the moment, but do have a natural slope. How much does the skin actually retract after the breast lift? Any medical or detailed advice is appreciated.

Thank you for the question and picture.

Based on your description  and picture,  it is very likely that you will not “need” press lifting after removal of the breast implants. Things that you have going for you include: Relatively good skin elasticity, no history of childbirth, relatively small breast implants  etc.

In other words, you may find that the skin will “bounce back”  quite well in your case,  negating the need for breast lifting.

Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation  depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back),  the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 

Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will  potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them  to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed.
 
I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

20 Days Post Op. Is It Too Early to Start Massaging my Scars? And When Will Swelling Decrease to be the Final Result? (photo)

I have 3 questions! I'm 20 days post Op (Breast Reduction), I was wondering if it is too early to start massaging my scars with creams? My second question is how long would it take for the swelling to go down? And my third question is if there's any chance for my breast to further reduce in size? Sorry for too many questions! Many Thanks in advance

Thank you for the question and picture.

Congratulations on having undergone the breast reduction procedure; based on the picture it appears that you are doing well. You may find that the breasts may “settle” and appear smaller/softer within the next few months.You may find that it will take several additional months before you see the final results of the breast reduction surgery. It will take several additional months for the swelling to completely subside.

In regards to incision line care, it is best for you to ask your plastic surgeon;  you will find that every surgeon has his/her preferences.  Out of respect for your surgeon (and considering that he/she is ultimately responsible for your outcome) you should follow his/her “protocol”.

Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

My PIP Implants are Sagging 7 Years Post Op, What Can Be Done To Make Them Perkier After Removal?

I've had my implants in for almost 7 years. I am 26 and never had children yet they have sagged alot and have dropped at least a few inches down my chest. I have gained maybe 5/10 pounds but surely that wouldn't make such a difference? Is this normal? Can I do anything about it without having an uplift? They are PIP implants so am having them out anyway, im just wondering if they are replaced will they still be so saggy and is there any chance of them perking up if they are removed? Thanks

Thank you for the question.

Based on the description that you provide: " breasts have sagged a lot”,  it is possible the breast lifting will be necessary after removal of the breast implants. However, precise advice cannot be given without direct examination.

Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation  depends on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back),  the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 

Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will  potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them  to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed.

Consulting with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in person will be helpful.

I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon