Breast implant removal - how likely I will need a fat transfer or lift? (photos)

I recommend explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired. The pectoralis major muscle cannot be repaired if it has been cut because it usually retracts.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello @Olive87, thank you for your question. Sometimes breast implant removal can cause alterations in the chest wall or breast tissue, such as indentations. This is usually more evident in women with larger implants, as the larger the implant, the more it can alter the natural anatomy over time. However, it depends on the specialized surgical technique and procedures that are determined to be used to achieve an adequate result. I always approach a breast explant with immediate aesthetic reconstruction to reposition the breast tissue and enhance the projection of the upper pole and medial areas using the BRALAN (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation) Technique, as the results will be aesthetically adequate and have minimal L-shaped scar and lift if necessary. In this way, you would get an aesthetic result with which you would be happy.

If what you want is to perform an explantation with capsulostomy is not convenient to perform the fat transfer to the breasts in the same procedure, it is advisable to wait 3 to 6 months to prevent the fat from dying or risk of infection. It is best that you consult with one or more board certified plastic surgeons for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best regards.

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" (IFATS), Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Good evening,
I would perform an en bloc explant, place a drain on each side, and then have you wear a nice tight compression bra 24/7 for 12 weeks before making any decision regarding fat grafting or a lift- it is amazing how the skin shrinks back down after you remove the implants!

Dear Olive87,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Although you will be left with some loose skin you should be able to have the implants removed without the need for a lift. You could consider fat transfer but you look to be very slim and have little fat to harvest.

It is difficult to say if a lift will be recommended after explant. It will depend upon how much native breast tissue you have and skin elasticity. As you mentioned fat grafting, it does not appear that you have much fat for this procedure, and it too comes with some challenges. If you are still wanting more fullness than you have naturally you may wish to exchange for a smaller implant.

Even removed, you may still have some animation deformity when flexing your muscles. Also, you do not appear to have much donor fat for a transfer. Do remember you were not happy before implants and may not be happy once removed. You might consider going smaller instead.