My skin is not supporting the weight of the implant and I went from a C to a DDD. What are my options while pregnant?

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this — and I want to be very clear and reassuring up front:-Yes, you have options during pregnancy, and-Your comfort and safety come first.Given what you’re describing (350 cc subfascial saline implants, rapid breast enlargement to DDD during pregnancy, significant pain, skin unable to support the weight), this is not something you should be expected to “just tolerate.”1)Why this is happeningPregnancy causes:Hormonal breast enlargementIncreased glandular tissue and blood flowSkin softening and stretchingWhen implants are already present — especially saline implants and subfascial placement — pregnancy can accelerate:Implant descent (“drop and fluff”)Skin overloadPain from weight and tensionThis is not your fault, and it does not mean the surgery failed — it means pregnancy changed the biomechanics dramatically.2) Can implants be removed during pregnancy?Yes.If you are in pain and distressed, implant removal can be performed during pregnancy, typically:Under local anesthesia with sedation orCarefully planned general anesthesia (in coordination with your OB)Explantation is considered much lower risk than elective cosmetic surgery because:It relieves pain and physical stressIt removes a mechanical problemIt does not involve adding foreign materialMany surgeons prefer to do this in the second trimester (where you are now), which is generally the safest window if surgery is needed.3) What should not be done during pregnancyDuring pregnancy, the goal is relief — not aesthetics.You should not do:Breast liftPocket reconstructionInternal bra / meshFat transferImplant exchangeThose are elective and aesthetic procedures and should wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.4) What happens if you remove them now?You’ve already said the most important thing:“I don’t care if they look saggy or empty.”That mindset is exactly right for this moment.After explant during pregnancy:Breasts will be much lighterPain usually improves quicklySkin and tissue can rest instead of being overloadedAppearance can be addressed later, when hormones stabilizeAny sagging or emptiness can be corrected safely and properly after pregnancy with a lift or reshaping if you want.

Dear Friendly726565,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

You will not be a candidate for surgery since you are pregnant. However, you have have the implants aspirated, which will take out the weight of the implants with minimal or no anesthesia. This is simply rupturing the implants and the body will absorb the saline water.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You can elect to have the saline implants drained. The shell will remain but the weight of the implants will be gone. You can address the removing the implant shells at a later time. Visit with your surgeon to learn more.

Your situation is complex.
Most plastic surgeons will generally recommend not doing elective cosmetic surgery while someone is pregnant.
That said implants placed above the pectoralis muscle can potentially be removed in an office setting using local anesthesia.
If the implants are saline and not silicone, removing them becomes even easier.
There are a lot of things to go over and think through.
Perhaps you need revision surgery to restore the position of your implants.
Anytime, excessively large implants are used the chance of complications, undesirable outcomes, and need for revision surgery will always increase.
The bigger the implant the more likely the patient is going to need some type of revision procedure.
I suggest you talk to both your obstetrician and plastic surgeon about coming up with a treatment plan.
Each provider will have their own way of doing things and some providers do all implant removals in a formal operating room.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD