21 year old saline implants deflated - will I look the same? (photo)

Hello, thank you for your question. Please see the attached video that answers your question. When breast implants deflate, especially after being in place for 21 years, the appearance of the breasts can vary depending on factors like skin elasticity, breast tissue volume, and how the chest muscles and skin have adapted over time. If the implant shells are removed, the final appearance will generally reflect the remaining natural breast tissue and how much the skin retracts. Over time, the skin may tighten somewhat, but if your skin has stretched significantly and lost elasticity, there may still be noticeable sagging or an "empty" appearance. Removing the shells without additional procedures (like a breast lift) often leaves a deflated look. It’s best to consult with your surgeon for a personalized assessment and advice.

My expectation is that your breasts would look very much like this following removal of the implant shells depending on how long your implants have been deflated. Following deflation of saline breast implants, the skin of the breasts tend to spontaneously tighten/retract to some degree and can often continue to tighten for months to even one year in some patients. The amount of skin retraction varies from patient to patient depending on certain factors such as skin thickness and elasticity as well as the weight of one's natural breast tissue. Breast lift surgery can also be performed at the time of implant removal if desired. I wish you the best of luck!

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Saline implants are not meant to last a lifetime and there is no adverse side affect from the leakage since it is only normal saline. Following removal of the devices, you will look essentially the same as you look now. You will not look worse.

Dear suzieq096,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery