Can my areola scars be reduced w/implant removal or should I also consider a lift if I don’t want to get new implants? (photos)

Thank you for your question. You should be able to modify the scars around your areolas. This can be done when you remove your implants. The other decision is if you need a lift or not. If you proceed with a lift, the scars around the areolas can be revised at this time as well. Best to speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Together you will be able to make a plan.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Yes the areola scars can be reduced. The implant removal will help since tension from an underlying implant is avoided. You probably do not need a full uplift since on your photos the nipple position appears adequate and reasonably high but you would benefit from a full discussion with a Plastic Surgeon on the relative merits of the options available to you once the implants are removed,

Dear Nina1705,
You can get implant removal and areola reduction with scar revision at the same time. 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

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photographs.  It appears that both options (direct areolar reduction, lift) are possible and should leave to an improved areolar appearance.  Ultimately the best decision is made once your tissues can be examined. Set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. 

Reducing the appearance of areola scars often depends on various factors, including your individual anatomy and the extent of scarring. Here are some considerations:1.) Implant Removal Only: If you choose to remove your implants without replacing them, this may reduce tension on the skin, potentially improving scar appearance. However, it may not necessarily address areola scars directly.2.) Breast Lift (Mastopexy): If you don't want new implants but wish to address both areola scars and breast sagging, a breast lift (mastopexy) might be a suitable option. This procedure can reshape the breasts, reposition the areolas, and reduce scarring to some extent.3.) Scar Revision: In some cases, scar revision techniques can be used to minimize the appearance of areola scars. This may involve surgical or non-surgical methods, depending on the scar's characteristics.4.) Consult a Plastic Surgeon: It's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate course of action. They can provide personalized guidance on how to address your concerns effectively.Ultimately, the best approach for reducing areola scars after implant removal or without new implants will depend on your unique circumstances, desires, and the surgeon's recommendations.

You might want to consider exchanging your implants for something smaller and a lift. You were not happy with your breasts prior to surgery, and may not be happy with the removal. If you just go with the removal, you will also need a lift.

Hello,Thank you for sharing your questions and photos.Sorry to hear that your areola reduction surgery was not a success and has left you with a large scar. Unfortunately, removing the implant alone is not going to reduce the appearance of this and you would need an uplift or an areola reduction procedure performed too which will help correct the apperance of your areola.

Your surgeon can downsize the areola when your implants are removed.  This can either be addressed via an areolar reduction or with a lift.  I encourage you to meet with an experienced plastic surgeon near you to discuss your goals for surgery and determine the correct procedures for you.

Either one of the options you mentioned in your post are possible. Exactly what operation you should undergo will best the best be determined after in depth consultation process.   Some general thoughts in this regard may be helpful to you: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.
 I have found in my practice, that when breast lifting surgery is definitely going to be necessary in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome, MOST patients prefer to have the breast lifting performed at the time of breast implant removal.   Most patients simply do not wish to undergo two operations, if avoidable.
   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. The advantage of waiting. to perform a breast lift (staged approach): more accurate assessment of whether breast lifting is really necessary,  more accurate planning of the operation (based on measurements made without breast implants involved),  possibly shorter and more accurate scarring and less trauma to the breasts (in one setting).   The latter (trauma to the breasts) may be potentially dangerous, depending on the patient's circumstances, when it comes to  compromise of blood flow and healing complications.
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.
 
 As you can see, there is much to consider (which is why nothing replaces individualized care,  centered on good communication and good judgment, provided by a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon). 
My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  
  I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.