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Breast Implants Cost ≈ $6,600 average cost

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What if I Don't Like my New Breast Implants?

I am seriously considering a breast augmentation, but what if I don't like the way the implants look after surgery? Can the breast implants be taken out, and would my breasts look the same as they used to? I am just getting scared because with plastic surgery, it seems like there is no going back if you don't like the outcome.

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Take your time while considering surgery

When you get right down to it, nobody really needs aesthetic cosmetic surgery. It is really a matter of whether or not an individual wants aesthetic cosmetic surgery. God makes us all (and all of our parts) in different shapes and sizes, and beauty is not merely in the eyes of the beholder, but also in the eyes of the beheld. That being said, aesthetic cosmetic surgery can have a positive, powerful and lasting impact on a person's life. You may be absolutely certain that you want... more

Doctor's Website

Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Implants can be removed; scars cannot

Don't undergo a procedure that you are already thinking about backing out of. It sounds as if you have unaswered questions and are quite hesitant pursuing. Although the implants can be removed, your scars can't and will be a costant reminder of your surgery.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

It sounds like you're doubting your decision

Or maybe you haven't made the decision. Most women who come in for breast augmentation surgery have always disliked their small breasts and can't wait to have them enhanced. With that, the removal rate for dissatisfaction with the implants is very low. It sounds as if you have trepidation about whether you really want the procedure or not. Rest assured that you can always have the implants removed if you don't like them. Good luck!

Doctor's Website

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You don't sound quite ready for breast implants yet

Breast implants are certainly removable and most of the time there are no consequences from their removal. However, while most patients have an appropriate level of preop anxiety, it is usually about the safety, the anesthesia etc. If you have a significant concern that you might not like your result, wait until you feel more comfortable with the process, and more comfortable with your doctor and that they have properly informed you as to what to expect postop. This is not emergency... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Consider surgery carefully

While the overwhelming majority of women are very happy with their implants and do not want them removed, if you do have them removed, it is unlikely that your breasts will look like they did before surgery. Implants are a commitment, and you should carefully consider whether or not to have augmentation. That being said, breast augmentation is among the most common procedures women ask for, and most women are very, very happy with the results.

Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Soul searching before breast surgery

Hello, Plastic surgery is almost never a "one way street." Most patients are pleased with their breast implants and the impact on their look. In fact, in twelve years, I have never removed a pair of breast implants I placed just because the patient didn't like them. I have done "fix it" jobs for patients - primarily for those done elsewhere. The most important thing is for you to give some thought as to what you are trying to accomplish and why before surgery. As long as... more

John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Regret

Thanks for the question - You're right to be cautious. Surgery - any surgery - is something that can never be completely undone. You should be sure about why you're doing it, you should be sure you've found a board certified plastic surgeon who can answer all of your questions and you have good communication with. Smaller breast augmentation is more "reversible" than larger breast augmentation. The skin envelope stretches more to accommodate larger implants and a larger pocket must be... more

Steven H. Williams, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Don't Get Talked Into Anything!

Patients considering Breast Augmentation have generally thought about the procedure for several years. Most patients also have one or several friends or family members with whom they have consulted regarding their motivation for and experiences (positive or negative) with Breast Augmentation. A multitude of websites, including RealSelf, are available as additonal resources to patients considering Breast Augmentation. By the time they enter the Plastic Surgeon's office for a formal... more

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

A good face to face consult with your Plastic surgeon should avoid you making the wrong choice.

Prevention is the best medicine to prevent a bad choice. When considering a breast augmentation it is critical that you first find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Then you should have a personal face to face meeting with the surgeon. He or she should have ample time to discuss with you the procedure and possible complications in detail. You should spend time with your surgeon exploring the different approaches, trans axillary... more

Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD

Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Don't have surgery unless you are sure you want implants.

You are experiencing a very normal part of the surgery decision process. This procedure is purely elective. You are chosing to have surgery when you are perfectly healthy. You need to be certain this is the right decision. This should not be a whim. I am certain that all of the doctors responding have thousands of very happy patients with breast implants. It is extremely rare for a patient to reverse their choice after surgery. It is common however for patients to feel different and... more

David A. Dreyfuss, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

A very common question...

Plastic surgery is not for everyone. Breast augmentation will change the way you look and most patients are very happy with the result. If you are not sure about surgery, that is ok. Take some more time to think about it. There is definitely no rush. Go back to your surgeon and try out samples of implants under your bra. See how you feel with them. If it feels "not normal" and uncomfortable, then you may not be ready for the procedure. Talk to your surgeon some more and see how you feel. It... more

Sirish Maddali, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

Don't take surgery lightly

Please don't take surgery lightly. Plastic surgery is great and for the most part people are very happy with their results. However, it seems like you may need to think about it some more before you go ahead and have surgery. Having breast implants placed is not something you just try out with the intention of having them removed. Talk to other patients who have had the surgery so you can get a better idea of what them went through. If you are considering breast implants, have the... more

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

It is extremely unusual for patients to want their implants removed.

The short answer is that if you want your implants removed, the breasts will usually go back to their old shape, but of course you will have a short scar. In practice, this is very rare. Most patients are very happy with breast augmentation, even when the result is not entirely perfect. You have to be a good candidate, and you need a good, experienced surgeon.

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Breast augmentation is reversible, but....

Breast implants will stretch the overlying tissues, and the more the stretch, the more likely you are to have loose skin after removal. To some degree, with pressure there is even some shrinkage of the overlying tissues, and so your breast volume may seem less than before your surgery. The scar resulting from your incision will be quite permanent, and often looks worst at 6 weeks following surgery. It takes several weeks/months for breast size and shape to stabilize after surgery. Your... more

Michael Kreidstein, MD

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Surgery is serious stuff!

In the past, I have had patients desire removal of implants. Interestingly, the few patients that have requested removal had excellent outcomes without any complications. One patient wanted them out 2 weeks after surgery because they weren't part of her body. I had her wait 6 months, with the hope that she would adjust to them - but she still felt uncomfortable with them in, so we removed them. Another patient had cultural issues and the pressures were too much so she had them removed four... more

Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Get your concerns answered

It is normal to be a bit skeptical or ambiguous about your feelings to have breast implants even after they are inserted. This is common. But, your questions and concerns shoudld be answered during your consultation including the size, shape, location, etc.. so that the majority of your concerns are alleviated. If you are not happy with the implants placed at the time of your surgery, your implants can be removed. If done soon after surgery, the tissues usually rebound to where they... more