Will I Need a Breast Lift After Explant? (photo)

Question

I am 24 and have 300cc one side and 325cc on the other saline implants placed under the muscle for just over 4 years. I have decided to explant only at the end of August because i am not happy anymore. I am worried of the outcome of the explant, is it possible to tell from the attached photo if i will need a breast lift after 3-6 months? There is and has been for a few years some visible rippling at the top and side of my breast.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants can 'perk up' the breasts and my experience has found that removal of implants may lead to premature deflation of the breasts and increased droopiness. It is possible to stage the explantation of the breast implant with the lift.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. The breast will be smaller and possibly sag more. Still, it varies between patients depending on 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, and other factors. Improved appearance can also be achieved through natural breast augmentation or mastopexy in conjunction or after explantation. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.  The decision to proceed with removal of breast implants and whether or not you will be pleased with the outcome of surgery  is a very personal  “issue” that is hard to advise you about online.

	Generally speaking, what breasts look like after removal or down sizing of breast implants will  depend on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back),  the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 

	Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will  potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them  to your specific circumstances you may get a good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed or replaced with smaller implants.
	 

	I hope this helps.

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

A lot depends upon the elasticity of your skin. A way to tell before you make a decision is to have your surgeon deflate your saline implant before your surgery so you will have an idea of what you look like without implants.  You may decide that actually want to have an implant, but a smaller and less projecting one.  A silicon implant will help with the wrinkling probelm your having.

	Good Luck,

	Dr T

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photo. Generally speaking, some of the skin will retract after explanation, but it would be difficult to tell how the shape will be. If you are planning on taking them out either way and have nothing placed then you will have your answer after the surgery.

Will I Need a Breast Lift After Explant? (photo)

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Answer: Will I need a breast lift after explant

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Will I Need a Breast Lift After Explant? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Can't tell

Answer: Can't tell

Answer: Will I need a breast lift after explant

Answer: Will I need a breast lift after explant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.