Will my breasts return to their normal size after breast explant?

Question

I was a 32A prior to my breast augmentation and went to a 32DD. I was wondering if I remove my breast implants, will I lose most of my natural fat from my breasts? I’m worried I will no longer have any breast tissue left if I remove them. Thank you!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Once implants are removed, there will likely be flattening and drooping that can be corrected in large part with a breast lift.   As far as the volume that is attained, that is a bit difficult to predict given the period of time that you have had the implants thinning the remaining tissue.  No one can truly predict this as each soft tissue envelope will respond differently, but you may do well with just removal. If there is any doubt, explant using the original incision, followed by a period of several months of observation.  After 6 months or so a decision for a breast lift with or without fat transfer can be made.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear whocarsssss,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Your results will depend on a number of factors (breasts shape prior to surgery, implants size, skin elasticity, age, etc.). You might want to consider fat grafting in order to replace some of the lost volume. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If
you were a 32 A prior and your weight has not significantly changed, then you
should return to that size.  owHow However, simply removing the
implants results in patient dissatisfaction because of the hanging skin.  The technique I recommend is explantation using
The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are
removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated
higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation
and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your
previous surgery.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michael S. Lofgren, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Shape of the breast following the removal of implants can vary widely.  It will depend on a variety of factors.  Breast size before augmentation, skin quality, age, size of implants and even how long the implants were in.  Generally speaking, women that went from an A cup breast to a DD will have significant ptosis or sagging of the breast following implant removal.  Options include replacing the implants or performing a mastopexy (breast lift) with the remaining tissue.  Your best option would be to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to explore your options.
Best wishes.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After removing breast implants, you can expect that your native tissue will be left behind. However, it is unlikely that your breasts will look the same as they did prior to your augmentation. There may be some ptosis or skin laxity, as your breasts have been stretched to accommodate implants. There shouldn't be any less tissue than you began with, but it will most likely be differently projected. Consult with your plastic surgeon to get a better recommendation for what results you can hope to achieve after this procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Depending on the length of time the implants have been in place some of your natural breast tissue may have thinned.  The skin surrounding the implant may have also stretched.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your goals for explant surgery.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  
 
Generally speaking, what your breasts will look like after explantation depends 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.
 Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months/year for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.
In "borderline" cases where there is doubt whether breast lifting is necessary or not, I advise patients to undergo explantation only and to give their breasts the benefit of the doubt  before deciding whether breast lifting would be beneficial.  
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question.It is very likely that you breast won't be the same as before as it will have loose a bit of elasticity and your breast tissue won't be the same if there was some extraction during your previous surgery. I recommend consulting the idea of a breast lift following the breast implant removal to prevent sogginess or discomfort. Hope this helps!Dr. Jimenez Toribio Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
The procedure of breast augmentation results in a remodeling of the surrounding tissues. The natural breast tissue is effaced and the overlying skin remodels. Following explantation, there will be initial deflation. Over a span of several months, the elasticity of the overlying structures will correct somewhat. The extent of this correction depends upon skin elasticity (stretched out skin with stretch marks will not retract), the length of time since augmentation, and the size of the implant utilized. From size A =>DD? There will most likely be a degree of residual sag which could be corrected with a lift. In our practice, we usually delay the lift for 3 months to allow for the readjustment of skin and soft tissue envelope. 
Although there may be more sag following explantation, there will be no decrease from your pre-augmentation breast size.
Seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

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