If Breast Implant Removal & Tummy Tuck Are Done at the Same Time, Can I Only Have One Scar?

While it is certainly possible to remove an implant via a tummy tuck incision this is probably not the best plan for many reasons. Since the breast area is remote from the belly it may be hard to do all the surgery that needs to be done to remove the implants (ie removing the capsule as well). Many patients will require a lift after implant removal and this will need to be done with incisions placed on the breast so using an abdominal incison would be counter productive. If you have a breast incision already from when the implants were placed this will likely be the easiest and fastest way to remove your implants and get you the best overall breast shape. Check with your plastic surgeon and see what they recommend, but don't be surprised if they suggest using different incisions for both your breast and abdominal surgeries. Best of luck, Dr. Kerr

If you are unusual type of patient who could have the implant removed and not require further breast surgery (such as a lift, removal of a capsule, etc.), then a single incision could be used.

There are always risks to every combined procedure, so discuss these with your plastic surgeon first.