"Internal Lift" with Breast Explantation?

Question

Ive read through most of the stories on explantation.com and most of the after photos look really nice. Seems like a very popular explant surgeon is Dr. Melmed from Dallas. Ive read some of his patients say he does an "internal lift" by "rearranging breast tissue" & no scars. Im interested in this; his patients look better after implant removal than they did before their BA! I email my surgeons office and asked about this, and they dont really know what is meant by "internal lift". Any ideas?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for
patient’s to develop significant breast sag following explantation of breast
implants.In many cases, correction of
this deformity will require bilateral breast lift procedures.In an effort to avoid breast lift surgery, surgeons
occasionally obliterate the implant pocket by placing quilting sutures between
the under surface of the breast and the chest wall.In some cases, these sutures can advance the
breast tissue in an upward direction to provide an internal lift.It’s important to realize that each patient’s situation
is unique.This option may be extremely
helpful for some patient’s while other patients may need a formal breast lift
procedure.It all depends upon the
physical examination, the patient’s aesthetic goals, and how the tissue
responds to these maneuvers in the operating room.If you’re worried about breast sag following breast
implant removal, it’s important to discuss this issue with your plastic
surgeon.Your surgeon should be able to
discuss your options and determine if an internal lift is a possibility for
you.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. The breast will obviously be smaller and possibly sag more. Still, it varies between patients depending on their age, duration of the implant, or previous state of their breasts. Patients who already have ptosis (drooping) should think about mastopexy at the time of surgery. Improved appearance can also be achieved through natural breast augmentation after explantation. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon about this and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

David Bogue, MD · Answer

When you remove an implant, there is a large space within the breast. By rearranging and suspending the breast tissue, often times the end result is very attractive. This "internal lift" is merely a suspension and rearrangement of the breast tissue to help close the space and support the remaining breast tissue.

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

Most patients are able to return to their preoperative state with implant removal. An internal lift or pocket plication can take advantage of the capsule and reposition the breast higher.

Byron D. Poindexter, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for us to try and elevate the breast mound higher on the chest wall after removing the implant.  Usually the results are quite good, but it has a lot to do with selecting the right patient for the procedure.  If you need a lift before having the implant removed or if the implant is really large and has stretched the skin quite a bit, then you will need some external form of lift afterward.

"Internal Lift" with Breast Explantation?

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Answer: Internal Lift

Answer: Internal Lift

Answer: Internal Breast Lift

Answer: Internal Breast Lift

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"Internal Lift" with Breast Explantation?

Answers (10)

Answer: Internal Lift

Answer: Internal Lift

Answer: Internal Breast Lift

Answer: Internal Breast Lift

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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.