Is It Risky to Perform a Breast Uplift at the Same Time As Implant and Capsule Removal?

I want my silicone gel implants and capsules removed as I have had them for 16 years and believe they are making me ill. They were done on the nhs when i was 20 as i had saggy, asymetrical breasts. I have seen two plastic surgeons who differ in their opinion and would like to know which is best option. I know i would not be happy without the uplift as i was unhappy before I ever had implants. I would also like to minimise surgery and recovery time.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Rachel K

Doctor Answers (7)
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Implant removal and a lift at the same time.

Be very careful with this combination. With the implants out the breast will contract some. In small to medium breasted women some times back to their preaugmentation appearance. Think of how some women can expand their abdomen with a pregnancy and then contract to almost the exact prepregnancy shape. The ideal situation would be to remove the implants, which many times can be a local office procedure, and then have the breast lift 3 months later. The experience of the surgeon is really... more

Robert E. Zaworski, MD

4 reviews

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Can it be done at the same time?

Breast implant replacement or breast augmentation themselves, are very straight forward operations, likewise a mastopexy is very straight forward. Combining these two operations brings in different elements of expanding the pocket and at the same time shrinking the skin volume. Prior surgeries interfere with circulation to the breast skin and nipple areola complex. Obviously implants that are directly under this tissue, such as subglandular, have more difficulty with... more

Combining lift, implant and capsular removal

It is possible to perform a breast lift at the time of implant and capsule removal. However, if at the time of implant and capsule removal there are signs of infection, the surgeon will not want to do a lift. A lift requires extra dissection and could spread infection. However, without the presence of infection, implant and capsule removal and breast lift can all be done. Best of Luck, Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Breast Lift and Implant Removal

It is possible to remove implants, do a capsulectomy and breast lift during the same surgery. You have not mentioned whether the implants are above or beneath the muscle. This is important because there is a greater risk of blood supply issues if the implants are above the muscle. This is especially true if you smoke or are diabetic. With respect to your health concerns I, obviously, cannot comment with specifics other than to say there is no scientific evidence to... more

Lift and implant removal

Depending upon what needs to be done will determine the risk. But often, a lift can be done after implant removals.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant removal

Thank you for the question. I would recommend to do it in 2 stages. Remove the implants (no need to temove the capsule) and 1-2 months later do the lift. It is very difficult to plan the lift while the implants are in place. Additionally, the breast tissue will contract after the imlants are removed and that can distort the breasts with the lift. Best of luck, Dr. Widder

Lift and implant replacement at same time

Yes, you can certainly have the lift, implant replacement and capsule removal all at the same time. However it must be done carefully and by someone experienced or there is the possibility of healing problems. I would think that any PS who performs breast implant surgery regularly should be good.