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

Question

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

The implants may be removed if you'd like, but your breasts may be a little saggy if the implants were on the larger size. This is because your skin may not be able to retract. However, I recommend you're sure about having implants before proceeding with surgery.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

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 created to hold larger implants.  
Scars in any size breast augmentation are permanent, whether the implants are removed in the future or not.
Be sure you've had all of your questions answered by the surgeon that you're planning on doing the surgery and make sure you understand all the risks and benefits to breast augmentation.  You should never be pressured by a surgeon to proceed with surgery.
Best of luck.
Steven Williams, MD

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

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 surgeon's office lend you some sizers and walk around with them in your bra for a couple of hours.  Try on some different clothes and see how you like the new fit.  
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
Shafer Plastic Surgery
New York City

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

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 body's initial response to surgery and medications may make you feel uncertain about your decision to have augmentation, even though you made your decision with great care.  You may initially feel strange or conspicuously 'big' after your augmentation, and your new implants will be a preoccupation to you. By six weeks most people make it through the day without once thinking about their new breasts, you will be back to your exercise routine, and regrets about surgery would be most unusual.
Good luck with your decision!

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

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 your reasons for surgery are internal (i.e. you are not doing this for someone else,) the results tend to be positive. Don't jump in until you are ready. There is no rush.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

Michael Law, MD · Answer

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 to have a particular procedure performed, and I am continually amazed at how thoroughly many patients have educated themselves about specific procedures prior to their consultation.

	In any case, the only way to truly decide whether or not to "have something done" is to get the best information available from a source with experience and appropriate credentials, whom you trust with your well-being. That information includes a thorough understanding of all options available and it should be provided by a baord certified plastic surgeon that understands your aesthetic sensibility and goals. This is what I do my best to provide for every individual that I meet in consultation.

	My personal aesthetic sensibility is this: a good aesthetic cosmetic surgery result is a result that looks natural, not 'done'.

	When considering breast augmentation surgery, be sure to look at many ,many before and after photos of work performed by the plastic surgeon you are considering. Some plastic surgeons specialize in very large breast implants. My goal is to provide natural looking results from breast augmentation surgery. A petite woman looking for extremely large implants would not be the ideal patient for my practice since my goal is always to provide a very natural looking result. You may wish to speak to several previous patients of your plastic surgeon so they can discuss their experience with you patient to patient.

	You should feel very comfortable with your plastic surgeon and feel like he or she is listening to and understands your concerns and desires. You should feel confident that all of your questions have been answered before proceeding with surgery. You can and should ask questions about lawsuits, complications and reoperations. You also need to ask how many breast augmentation procedures a plastic surgeon performs annually. Of course before proceeding with any surgery, you should go to the website of your state medical board and check out the background of your surgeon there.

	A slight bit of nervousness before surgery may be normal but real fear or serious doubt should not be ignored. Take your time when considering plastic surgery and never let anyone make you feel rushed into making a decision.

	Although breast implants can be removed , careful consideration about surgery and taking time to research is a far better option.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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 were before. The longer you wait, the more likely the tissues will have a deflated appearance.

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