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Thank you for your question! It is expected that a breast implant will cause some overlying atrophy of the tissue over time. The breast tissue and skin has also stretched with the increased size provided by the implant. Removal of the implants may cause this "deflated" appearance and may potentially cause some deformity, depending on the size of your breast, the amount of breast tissue still remaining, and the size of implants in relation to your body habitus. Unfortunately, there are no non-surgical methods to fill your breast. Some surgical options include a breast lift, breast implant, fat grafting, and flap/tissue rearrangement. Soft tissue fillers and permanent fillers are not recommended for such a condition as yours and are potentially harmful. Hope that this helps!
The most common answer other than implants, which remain the best solution even after difficulties you may or may not have had, is fat grafting. But you cannot fill the cavity with fat and expect it to survive, so multiple sessions above or below the pocket would be necessary, and proper technique is essential to get as much fat as possible to survive.But THAT is precisely the problem! The fat that does not survive (usually 50-65%) can cause scar fibrosis, lumps, and microcalcifications, all of which can interfere with the mammographic detection of breast cancer. I and many of my ABPS-certified plastic surgeon colleagues are not recommending fat grafting for breast enlargement because of this. There are equally well-trained and ABPS-certified colleagues who do not have a problem with fat grafting to the breasts, and time will tell which set of surgeons is more prudent with the lives and well-being of their patients.Thus, in the absence of fat grafting, implants remain the best option. Brava suction devices have been used for years but work poorly and yield no more than 1/2 to 1 cup enlargement, and this often regresses with time, so most of us do not recommend this device either. Interestingly, those PS who recommend fat grafting also use the Brava device to stimulate vascularity that is said to enhance graft "take." I personally believe this is of little long-term value.BTW, this is why I tell patients that implant removal should be done only as a last resort, as the pre-augmentation appearance is almost never re-established after implants have stretched the skin and compressed breast tissue, not to mention flattening the ribcage slightly. These living tissues respond to the presence of the implants and do not "return to normal" after removal. Any ABPS-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast implants can give you advice on options going forward, including information about the newest generation of cohesive implants, which have much fewer difficulties than older types of implants. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
I am always hesitant when someone comes to my office wanting her implants removed.If the implants were of a substantial size, then the breasts will not completely recover to yoursatisfaction. We can usually solve the problem with an exchange to a smaller implant thatthe patient is more comfortable with.
Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign...
Itching is usually a sign of nerves healing after your procedure. This should improve as you continue to heal. If it doesn't see your surgeon for an evaluation.
The use of drains can vary from one practice to another; it comes down to surgeon preference. In my practice, I do use drains and remove a small segment of capsule (even if it is normal and unthickened); both maneuvers are meant to help prevent fluid accumulation in the space where...
