Is it better to remove implants sooner or later?

Question

I’ve had silicone textured implants for 20 years. They look natural and are beautiful. However, I lost sensibility on half of my left breast and it’s kind of painful. Therefore, I’ve always thought that the day I had to replace them I would choose to remove them completely without mastopexy. Although the implants are intact now I know that someday soon I’ll have to make this decision. I’m wondering if it’s better to remove them now that I’m 41 than wait to get older and have less elastic skin.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi @Gregarious199024, thank you for your question. It is best for your health to remove the implants as soon as possible, as you have had them for 20 years and the recommendation is to replace or remove them once they are 10 years old. It is important to keep in mind that after implant removal, the skin and breast tissues may be stretched or sagging, which can result in a less than ideal appearance. If you decide to undergo a lift, the most optimal and aesthetically appropriate option would be immediate reconstruction with the BRALAN technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation) combined with a breast lift to provide a natural and lifted appearance. Consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. I link a video that sheds more light. Best regards.

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. I have attached a video in detail that specifically answers your question. You're 100% correct in regards of your skin elasticity--meaning that the likelihood your results will look more aesthetically pleasing after removal are better than someone who is 65, for example.

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question! Typically, the breast tissue the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. following breast implant removal. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's deeper layer of the skin called the dermis, and skin elasticity. The fact that you are only 41 years old likely increases your chance of having better skin elasticity than when you become older, as with age, the dermis typically thins and one's skin elasticity typically decreases.   Another reason to consider removal of your implants soon is the fact that you stated that you have had textured silicone implants in place for 20 years.  The older the implants, the greater the risk of rupture and leak of the silicone into tissues surrounding your implants. In addition, you may choose implant removal due to the risk of Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma with older, textured breast implants.  You can refer to my website (drstraka.com) to see examples of breast implant removal patients of various ages who have undergone their breast implant removal.  These are procedures which I personally have performed for over 25 years. I wish you the best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gregarious199024,
I recommend my patients to change implants every 10 years in order to reduce the chance of possible complications. 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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

As you are experiencing changes in your breasts (sensitivity changes and pain) it would make sense to address these concerns now.  Or at the very least visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation of your symptoms.

Is it better to remove implants sooner or later?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Is it better to remove implants sooner or later?

Answers (9)

Answer: Is it better to remove implants sooner or later

Answer: Is it better to remove implants sooner or later

Answer: When to remove implants

Answer: When to remove implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.