What happens to the pectoral muscles after the implants are removed from behind the muscle wall.

HI Linda,The muscles usually contract down to the chest wall following a breast implant removal. The skin and breast tissue may change, however, so it is important that you discuss what should be done with these areas after your implants are removed. The  muscles are not the problem.Please see a Board certified PS in your area to discuss the possibilities and to see what you would be happy with. Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

The muscle slowly heals back to its original position.    I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

The muscles will contract back down and reattached to the chest wall. Depending on your degree of excess skin or drooping you might consider a breast lift at the same time. You also have the option of having fat injections to the breast a few months after the procedure if you wanted additional volume. #StayBeautiful @RealDrWorldWide

It is not so much the pectoralis muscle that is the issue but rather the lack of breast tissue and perhaps the loose skin.An in person exam would help identify what would be required to help improve the results once the implants are removed.  I would recommend you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to help guide you with what would be best for you.

Dear LetsAskLinda,,your pectoralis muscle probably won't create any problem because it should go back to the size before the surgery. However, your skin will probably be loose. A fat transfer or a breast lift might be indicated after implants removal. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Great question!Once the implants are removed, the pectoralis major muscle on each side will simply shrink down to its pre-treatment size.  It is the overlying skin that may not shrink as effectively and is the reason why some patients will come back for a lift down the road. That being said, I see a good number of patients for breast implant removal and so far have not done any lifts after this procedure.  Fat grafting is an option to help restore shape if you are concerned once the skin has settled (about 6-8 months after surgery).I hope that helps and wish you the very best!Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Thank you for your question. The muscle has an excellent ability to retract and therefore this will pose neither medical nor cosmetic concerns once the implants have been removed. With regards to the appearance of the overall breasts, due to the lack of volume, it is possible that they will require a mastopexy (breast reshaping) to improve the shape. My advice would be to see an experienced plastic surgeon and I am sure you will be in safe hands.All the best.Andrea Marando, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Manchester, UK 

Thank you for your question. The pectoralis muscles and skin will contract some after the implants are removed. The appearance of your breasts after the implants are removed depend on several factors including but not limited to implant size, duration of time implants have been in place, skin elasticity and weight gain. After the implants are removed, some of the skin and breast tissue and muscle will contract and shrink to some degree. If you do not have the implants removed with a lift, you can always have a breast lift done later.

Sincerely,

Dr. Benjamin J Cousins MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach/Broward

The muscles will flatten down and the tissues will contract a bit.  How the skin will respond is difficult to say for sure.  Some do well, and others then need a lift.

Muscles have the native ability to contract and are not loose and saggy, but the skin might be.