How soon after implant placement can I have an explant done? Will I require a lift at the same time?

Hello, thank you for your questions. You are eligible for explant now, there is no reason to wait for this. Given your age and exam, a lift is not always required at the time of explant. Especially when you could potentially have a contracture. A complete capsule removal is required whether you have smooth or textured implants, be it silicone or saline to ensure you can be at your healthiest after removal. The capsule must be sent out to pathology to rule out BIA-ALCL. In terms of scarring, it is dependent on the patient’s ability to heal, genetics, and nutritional status. Post-operatively the skin along with breast tissue will recoil. It will take up to one year to see full results.
 

Dear BAquestions23, Implants can be removed anytime after augmentation. Your surgeon will most likely do a capsulectomy, use the same scar and use drains. I would advise my patient to take a wait-and-see approach as to whether or not she desires a lift after explant. How your breast skin responds after removing the implants is not predictable. Look at implant removal post-op photos to get an idea.

Hello @BAquestions23, thank you for your question. Generally, an explant surgery can be done 12 months after the surgery has taken place. The need for a lift depends on the specialist surgical technique. I always perform an immediate aesthetic reconstruction using the patient's own tissue using the BRALAN Technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation). Yes, you will need a total capsulectomy. It is important to remove the capsule completely to prevent future inflammatory reactions. The scar depends on the specialist surgical technique I always perform this procedure with an L-shaped incision, which for me is the smallest and most discreet incision possible in a breast explant with breast reconstruction. If you are considering a breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. I link a video to shed more light. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Dear BAquestions23,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If you are past 6 months from surgery, then implants can be removed. You will not return to your original state since the implants have stretched your skin and breast tissue. You may be too thin for a lift, but could achieve some tightening with minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment like ThermiTight or Renuvion. Do remember that you were not happy with your breasts prior to implants and may not be happy once removed. I would suggest considering going down in size or a better outcome.

You can elect to have your implants removed at any time. With good skin elasticity you may be able to avoid a lift, although skin may be a little looser than before augmentation. The smaller the implant, the better the skin elasticity, and the closer to the original augmentation equates to a better chance of not needing a lift. One option is to remove the implants, allow the breasts to heal and then decide if a lift is desired or not. Capsules that are thin and not causing an issue can be removed with the implants or left behind. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.