Will breast issue fluff up after an explant? I was a 32A before implants. I am now COMPLETELY flat.

Question

I had 380CC (filled to 450 CC) saline under the muscle implants removed today. I was barely a 32A before the implants (just a tiny amount of breast tissue). I am disappointed to see that I am COMPLETELY flat (maybe even concave) aft

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The picture would be helpful in your case. This unlikely the breast will "fluff up" at this point. The breast will somewhat contract and try to regain some shape. But you're likely to have droopy breasts and loss of volume obviously. I would reevaluate your result and three months.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! It is unclear how far your are with your recovery or what other procedures your underwent. It is best to wait 3 months but improvement can be seen up to a year. Give your skin and muscle ample time to heal, retract and recover. Improved appearance after explantation can be achieved through a lift or fat transfer in conjunction or after the surgery if you are not satisfied with the results. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon about this and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is hard to believe that with a 380 cc implant that you would be flat. Give it time to heal and for the tissues to relax around them.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, they will definitely change.  In my experience, the biggest change seems to come in the first 2-3 weeks and I have even seen some research that measured breast volume immediately after explant and then 2 weeks later.  Even in that short amountof time, that research measured a 15-20% increase in breast volume.  So while they will look a little weird for a while, your breasts will improve for at least 3 weeks and maybe for as long as 3 months.  I hope this helps!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the procedure; your concerns about the size/shape of your breasts at this point are common and understandable. Generally speaking, many patients who undergo breast implant removal are much more pleased several months after the procedure is performed;  during the initial few months after breast implant removal, the breast skin envelope tends to “contract” and take better shape. Continue to follow up closely with your plastic surgeon who will always be your best resource for advice and/or reassurance. Best wishes.

Will breast issue fluff up after an explant? I was a 32A before implants. I am now COMPLETELY flat.

Answers (5)