Breast Lift Possible During Removal of Implants?

What type of reconstruction? Was it a straight augmentation or something else? If it was an augmentation, there is no reason why you cannot have a lift at the same time as implant removal. In fact, in many cases it is desirable to do so. An experienced plastic surgeon can determine if you, in fact, need the lift. If you had some other type of reconstruction, I need more info to answer the question. Hope this helps. Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS

Yes, you can have breastlifting performed at the same time as breast implants are removed. Obviously, you want to be as sure as possible, that you will be happy without reaugmentation of your breasts. 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... more

Storm57, sorry to hear of your predicament. Given that you had breast reconstruction (presumably because of breast cancer), your procedure should be covered by insurance. If the reason for your breast implants was not due to cancer but rather a congenital condition or cosmetic, you may not get much assistance from the insurance company, however if you have your original implant information, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the implant manufacturer. If you implants are... more

The safest and most reliable approach to your situation is to remove the implants then wait 6-9 months before attempting a breast lift. The reason for this is to allow sufficient time for skin contraction and shrinkage during the 6-9 month time period. Then, you and your surgeon will have a better idea as to what time of lift, if any, you may need. This is not as simple a procedure as some may believe. I highly recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your... more

It is very likely that your lift will be somewhat minimal and therefore easily performed at the time of implant removal/exchange. IF however, your implant is large and you are removing them completely and or need a significant lift, then there may be some concerns with vascularity to the nipple. This may limit the extent of the lift and some surgeons would prefer a staged approach

 You most certainly can have a breast lift at the same time as an impalnt removal provided that you have enough tissue to actually lift.  Many times, when I have removed implants, patients do not have enough tissue to lift to fill out their breast.

Dear Storm57:You have several options. First, given that you underwent breast reconstruction with implants (i'm assuming after mastectomy), any revision procedures associated with post-mastectomy reconstruction will be covered by your insurance. Now lets move on to your procedural options. Briefly, you will have two options. 1. Revisional surgery with new implants. A lift can be tailored to your reconstructive procedure to give you a more youthful/perkier look.2. Removal of implants... more

The short answer is yes. Make certain you go to an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who will go over all the possibilities and the upside and downside to any surgery you anticipate doing.

It ALL depends on how your operation was done, the thickness of the breast skin and if the skin was radiated or not. I would ask your surgeon if at the time of implant exchange he could strengthen the floor of the breast and prevent future droopiness by placing either Alloderm or a Strattice graft. This may be the long term solution to your problem. Good Luck.

Yes it is possible to have implant removal and breast lift at the same time. Often, however, it is not necessary to do a lift since once the implants are removed the breast skin will tighten to some degree on its own. It is important for you to have a face-to-face consultation so the plastic surgeon can see how your breasts are now to determine if a lift would be necessary at the time of implant removal.

M, Whether you can have a breast lift at the same time your implants are removed depends on a number of factors. We want to do everything we can to protect the blood supply to the breast tissues. Somethimes the best course of action is to remove the implants, possibly the capsules or scars around the implants and allow you to heal for 3-6 months. This allows some healing to occur and you may decide you don't need a lift at that time. I would visit with your plastic surgeon, discuss your... more