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

Question

If implant removal & tummy tuck are done at the same time, can I only have "one" scar?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, if you are undergoing a tummy tuck and want breast implants removed, it is possible to remove the implants through the abdominal approach provided the implants aren't rupture and you don't need a capsulectomy.

	An alternate approach would be to remove the breast implants through the incision they were placed, unless it was an axillary incision. It is more difficult but not impossible to remove saline implants from the axillary incision. If the implants are gel and/or ruptured, it is not recommended to attempt this through the axillary approach.

	I hope this helps.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, not only is it possible but this is how I would recommend it being done. Make sure you select a board certified plastic surgeon experienced with this technique.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

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.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

This is a question that only your plastic surgeon, who has seen you, can answer. Most of the time when implants are removed, a lift is required. If the capsule needs to be removed (capsulectomy) that could not realistically be considered from the tummy tuck approach. The only way it could be considered is if the removal is simple, with intact implants, and no lift is needed. That combination of factors would be uncommon since there is usually some problem that would be the reason for implant removal.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

dear soie, yes .. if a full tummy tuck is planned and only a removal of your implants is planned. if a capsulectomy is planned as well, this might be difficult to do. but your implants can just be removed through your old scar. best of luck

	bianca knoll,md

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, these two procedures can be done at the same time with a single incision.. You will need to discuss your specific situation with your plastic surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate.

	Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I am not sure what you are asking. If you need a tummy tuck , then that is one incision., If you had a previous breast augmentation than I asuuem you have another incision. If it is a ffairly straight foward removal, I have placed implants through tummy tuck incision, so removing them is basically the same.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The combination of breast implant removal and Tummy Tuck would depend on why the implants are to be removed ? Do you need a Capsulectomy? do you need a breast lift? Are the implants Saline or Silicone ? Is there a silicone implant rupture? or leak?

	You already have a scar on the breast where the implants were inserted, why not use that incision for the implant removal?

	Discuss all these issues with your plastic surgeon, and depending on your particular situation a recommendation would be discussed with you and the pros and  cons of each approach

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Implants can be removed through a tummy tuck incision but it may be harder to do, especially if the implants are silicone gel and possibly ruptured. However, you already have a scar from placing the implants than can be used.

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

Answers (11)

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