What Would Happen if 20 Year Old Breast Implants Were Removed?

You have said it all. If you implants are small, you may not have flat or saggy breasts. There is nothing wrong with leaving them out. Discuss this with yourself and your significant other. The alternative is to replace them with a smaller implant but you will run the risk of encapsulation again. This is a personal matter.

What your breasts will 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... more

It is difficult to predict the final shape of the breast after implant removal.  If you have had them for a long time and your skin has lost elasticity they may appear saggy.

There are so many factors that will effect the ultimate outcome and appearance of your breasts following implant removal. These include: 1.Age (yes, over 40 does mean less elasticity/contractility than a 25 year old but usually more than a 60 year old) 2.Size of implant 3.Number of years implant is in place 4.Over or under the muscle placement 5.Length and duration of nursing while implants are in place 6.Natural volume of breast tissue In summary, it is my... more

Petey60, The answer to your quesiton really depends on your goals.  If you never want to have another breast surgery, take them out, get a lift, and be happy with smaller, perkier breasts.  If you enjoy a fuller look, consider a capsulectomy and replacement of implants.  Many things have changed in breast surgery  over the last 20 years.  Implants are now idealy placed in the submuscular or subfascial plane.  You can also visit the FDA's website (fda... more

The breast skin may be excessive when compared to the deflated breast implant. In these cases, a breast lift procedure is warranted to restore the cosmetic contour and shape of the female breast.

The appearance of your breasts after implant removal depends very much on the size of your breasts before you had augmentation. If you were very small, then the chances are that you will return to your pre-augmentation size and shape - except aging has occurred. However, if you were larger to begin with, then once you remove the implants, you are more likely to need a breast lift to avoid significant sagging and an unsightly appearance. Sometimes the better option would be to stage the... more

Dear Petey60, The implants can be removed- ultimately the volume of the implant and possiby some of you breast tisssue will be removed- this depends on the degree of capsule formation and the implants- whether they are intact or not. You may have a breast lift at the same time and also include micro fat grafting (your own fat used to add volume to the breasts) to achieve a nice shape and size of breast. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

All depends on how much breast skin you have and how much breast tissue is left above the implants. Removal of the implants is usually done just outside the capsule breast junction to avoid encountering the gel. There is some bleeding, depending on how inf lammed or not this plane is. When all is done drains are usually left in for a few days. This MAY leave you with a "rock in a sock" deformity. If you are OK with it and do not want new implants than stop here. On the other hand,... more