Breast Implant Removal After 25 Years

Question

Well, the time has come for my implants to come out. I've had no problems with them at all until about two weeks ago when I noticed slight swelling in one breast. Now, I'm trying to decide whether to leave the implants out or start over with new ones. My doctor seems to think my breasts won't sag that much, but he said he's only had three patients in his 30 yr career where women haven't had implant revision surgery. Please share your experience if you have not replaced the implants.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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 body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. Result varies between patients and it will largely depend upon their age, duration and size of the implant, or previous state of their breasts like existing anatomy, deformity, previous surgeries, underlying personal and family medical conditions, nicotine use, pregnancy and other factors. There are options available such as a lift or a fat transfer, if you are worried about the explantation result. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about options designed for your needs and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

The resutls of implant removal after 26 years depend on your age, implant size, location (under/over), your volume of breast tissue, amount of tissue to be removed, etc. Generally you will see loss of upper breast fullness.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

The answer to this question just depends on how much breast tissue you had to start out before ever having surgery, and how large the implants were.  If you were fairly small to start out with, and the implants were not considered too large, then there is a reasonable thought that the breast tissue will retract somewhat and be fine.  However, some women need a lift after removal, since the tissues do not bounce back like you hope and expect them to.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

25 years of implant longevity is impressive. After 30 years in practice, we do have patients returning from when I first started for implant exchange or removal. For more specific recommendations, you will need an in person consultation and exam. However, in general you will need to determine if the potential loss of fullness in the upper pole is going to be acceptable, and if the amount of droopiness is worth addressing with a lift.

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Answers (8)

Answer: Removing Implants After 30 Years - Will I Be OK?

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Answer: Breast Implant Removal After 25 Years

Answer: Breast Implant Removal After 25 Years

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