Five revisions and two lifts later, do I remove implants?

Need advice: I am 62 years old and want to have my implants removed. Over the years I have had five revisions and two lifts. Two of the set ruptured and the others were distorted from scar tissue. Originally I was a small C cup and now a large C "275cc". I am a small frame and in great shape for my age. The size is not important to me as much as the shape. I have consulted with two surgeons; the first one said to remove them and let my body heal and if I am not happy with the outcome I should consider a lift. The second doctor "world known for fat transfer" said to remove and immediately do the fat transfer and that the capsule will close and heal the same with or without the fat transfer. I am worried about the blood supply more than anything since I have had so many surgeries. Can an MRI detect how much breast tissue I do have and can it also detect the amount of blood supply? Please advise.

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age 55-64 rupture scar tissue

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by sophie10

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Results after Explantation

I encounter many patients in my practice with long-standing implants and a history of multiple surgeries for breast implants. Certainly it is quite feasible to have your implants removed. Ideally, a simultaneous breast lift will restore a more normal, age-appropriate breast shape. I agree that blood supply is a concern. The amount of breast tissue you have overlying your breast implants can be evaluated by physical exam. Typically, an MRI is not needed unless you are concerned about possible... more

Removing implants after several failed corrections.

The goal to remember is the final shape of the breasts. I typically recommend staging this type of procedure - remove the implants first then perform any lifting or contour work secondarily. To remove the implants, both the actual implant and the capsule surrounding the implant are removed. Often, this is all that is necessary and patients are happy. If after 6 months or so, you are unhappy with the shape, a lift with or without fat grafting for contours can be performed to improve the... more

David Bogue, MD

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Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Too old for implants

I tend to agree with the first surgeon.Since size is not important thenr emove them and see how you adjust and feel.If you want a lift then go for it or you can consider fat grtafts at that time.

Removal of implants, then what?

The MRI will show how much breast tissue there is, but so will a breast exam for about $2000 less. The MRI will not reveal anything about blood supply. Without a photo it is hard to make a suggestion about what to do here. If you are in good shape and are small framed I would wonder if there is enough fat to harvest to make a difference. Usually the struggle for patients in this setting is whether or not to do a lift, and I note neither surgeon suggested that as a primary... more

Many surgeries impact blood supply

It's great to see that you understand the concerns of multiple breast surgeries and are well-informed. I agree that you should consider multiple consultations until you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the plan - it is important to visit with board-certified plastic surgeons who have considerable experience with breast surgery and breast revisions. Your old operative notes may help if you are considering another breast lift. A conservative option would be to... more

Concerns about Removal of Breast Implants?

Thank you for the question. Although it is not possible to give you precise/accurate advice without direct examination and a full communication of your goals, some general words of advice may be helpful to you. Given that you are most concerned about the shape of the breasts after breast implant removal, your current breast shape and position of nipple/areola complexes will be of paramount importance in the decision-making process. For example, if you are pleased... more