Aesthetic results after breast implant removal

Pamela B. Rosen, MD answers: Aesthetic result after breast implant removal?

I had a silent breast implant rupture (no encapsulation). My breasts are both soft and jiggly. The implants are 10 years old, mushy, and soft, and I have at least a B cup of my own tissue (sub-dermal implants). They are not droopy. Will I be deformed after having my breast implants removed? I'm very scared, my aesthetic result is important to me. What will I look like after explantation? What should I expect? Will I need a breast lift? Will all my own tissue be removed, leaving me with concave "puppy dog ears"?


Pamela B. Rosen, MD
5 months ago

Aesthetic results can be unpredictable after breast implant removal.  

Over time, the breast skin envelope stretches, and the longer the implants are in, the more likely the skin will be stretched.  

Also, larger implants will produce more skin stretching than smaller implants. Your age and skin tone also factor into the equation: the older individual with less elastic skin will probably have a less favorable result.  

Stretching of the breast skin is correctable with breast lift procedures. You may choose to have a lift done at the same time as implant removal, or you can wait .  

After the skin has had a chance to shrink (which may take a few months), you can still decide to do the lift if the breasts are sagging.

Obviously your breasts will be smaller with or without the lift, and unfortunately you will notice a lack of fullness at the upper portion of your breasts with or without the lift.  

The breast lift procedure, however, can tighten the skin and correct any drooping of the breast and/or nipple. 

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