Is it common that my skin is not retracting after implant removal?

Question

I had my implants (375cc high profile) removed on 27th August this year (7 weeks ago). I only had them in for 3 months and had no problems at all with the implants; I just hated the size and appearance of them. My plastic surgeon lowered my crease for the original surgery and the skin has not retracted so it’s created a double bubble effect. He says he can correct this with more surgery if it doesn’t resolve itself by 3 months. Is this common? And, does it normally resolve itself by 3 months? Thank you!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your skin should retract to some degree over the next few months.  Factors that will influence this are the quality of the skin, the size of the implant, and the length of time the implant was in place.  You still should continue to see improvement, but as your surgeon mentioned if you are unhappy with the result you can consider surgical correction.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. It is too soon to see final results because swelling and bruising may persist plus your skin and muscles will need time to adjust as well. The results 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, pregnancy and other factors. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss any other additional aftercare you need for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Over the next several months, your skin should tighten more and slowly heal. You may find everything settles down fairly well, but it may not go back totally to how you were before surgery.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The skin will take at least 3 months to get the final results ofretraction. Often the double deformity will improve at that time. It is recommended to wait and wear compressive bras and shirts to get the best results in the meantime. Good luck.

Pravin Reddy, MD · Answer

Following implant removal, the skin either remains the same or will contract to the pre-augmentation state.  It is difficult to predict where along this spectrum a patient will fall.  Reasonable predictions may be made based on age, presence of stretch marks, and skin quality.  The process of skin contraction, or redraping, May take several months.  If the skin remains stretched several months after implant removal and the breast shape is not acceptable, surgery may be the only option.

Is it common that my skin is not retracting after implant removal?

Answers (5)