What results should I expect from a breast explant with no replacement? 420cc over the muscle 11 years ago.

Good day! Generally after explantation, the shape and size of the breast will be unpredictable. The breast will be smaller and possibly sag more. Result varies between patients and it will largely depend upon their age, duration and size of the implant, or previous state of their breasts like existing anatomy, deformity, previous surgeries, underlying personal and family medical conditions, nicotine use, pregnancy and other factors. Improved appearance can be achieved through natural breast augmentation or fat transfer in conjunction or after explantation if you are not satisfied with the results. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon about this and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Simply
explanting 420 cc implants will result in excess hanging skin and you will be
dissatisfied.  I recommend explantation
using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants
are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness,
elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your
cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided,
nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured
during your previous surgery.  At the
same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is
desired.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear hberry88,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Without seeing what you looked like prior to surgery, an exam, or even your current pictures or measurements of your base diameter it is hard to tell exactly what your breast will look like after breast implant removal.Clearly there will be some more sag than with the implants as the soft tissue is stretched but this is dependent on several factors such as  the elasticity  of your skin - the more the better, and the degree of sag you had before. Younger patients with smaller implants tend to do a bit better. There are also other options such as placing fat in your breasts at the time of implant removal that can minimize these problems. Always see a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in this type of surgery. #californiabreastlift

Thank you for your question.  I personally always suggest that women allow 9 months after explantation to allow their skin to retract as much as it is going to retract before they decide whether they want to pursue a lift.  During those nine months I encourage them to wear a very supportive sports bra 24/7 that eliminates the pull of gravity on the skin so that it can retract optimally.  Over 90% of my patients are satisfied with their results after explantation alone (estimate, not actual practice data).

Due to the size of the implants and the length of time you've had them, it is likely you will have loose, saggy breasts after removal.  You have the option of removing the implants and allowing the breasts to fully heal.  That way you can know for sure about the result.  If you are pleased, then there is no need to do anything further.  If you are unhappy you can elect to do a lift at a later time.

Thank you for the question.   Nothing will replace in-person evaluation when it comes to providing you with good advice.  
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.
 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.
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.  
 Best wishes.

Dear HBerry88,Hello and thank you for your excellent question.  At the time of your breast removal surgery, you could have a lift using a No-Vertical-Scar breast lift technique.  Some people refer to this as the Bellesoma Breast Lift technique. Our technique provides an exceptional breast lift, upper pole fullness, relief from neck and back pain, and no vertical breast lift scar. It uses a woman’s OWN breast tissue to produce an internal suspension technique, without the need for a breast implant. It does not disturb the nipple, areola, or breast glands, so sensation and the ability to lactate is preserved. It uses 3D scanning of your breasts and body to design a procedure specifically designed for YOU, and you alone. Finally, for patients who desire breast enlargement, it can be combined with fat grafting. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018