Why do so many breasts end up looking deformed after explants?

Different patients react differently to explant and capsule removal. Capsulectomy is really only indicated for a capsular contracture.  If you have a capsule contracture there is no reason to have your capsules removed. Just have implants removed. Allow three months for the breast to settle and reevaluate your shape and size.

The breast implant acts as a tissue expander for the breast tissue. The longer it is in the more effect that it has on the tissue. Somewhat, like breast feeding after having a baby.  Also, over time if you gain weight you may have more breast volume or maybe not.  You really do not know how the will look on taking them out. I goes back to your natural state.  The capsule needs to at least be scored so that it scars down and the pocket closes. Good luck

      This will depend upon the amount of breast tissue, the need for capsulectomy, the quality of the remaining tissue, and the judgment and skill of the surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Most women who decide to have their implants removed end up poking the same as they did before having implants placed to begin with.  Capsulectomy is only need if you have thick calcified capsule and that can usually be determined at the time of exam.  

Because the weight and dimensions of an implant in the breast cause changes due to stretching of the skin envelope and other factors, in many cases removing the implants will not leave breasts that look like they did before. This is more true after capsulectomy for contracture. For those reasons many patients need a lift or other procedures in order to have a nice shape after explantation.

There are many factors that can influence how the breasts will appear after implant removal. Some include skin elasticity, the size of the implants that were placed, how long the implants were in place, and weight gain and loss. If a breast lift was needed prior to the explant, removal of the implants can make the overall shape worse. I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about what is recommended for you.

Whether or not a breast has a "misshapen" after implant removal depends on the amount and quality of the remaining tissue.  If the implants are simply removed, and there is sufficient remaining tissue then a satisfactory outcome is likely.  On the other hand if there is insufficient tissue, or need to remove the surrounding capsule the outcome may be less desirable.  It may be helpful for you to have your surgeon remove the saline from your implants with a needle and syringe as an office procedure.  After a few weeks you should be able to visualize to a large degree how you will look after simple removal of the implants.Good luck.

Women may choose to have breast implants removed for many reasons. If you have a capture contracture are other problem it is to forming the breast then certainly there can be some irreversible changes after the implants are removed.  

Explantation of breast implants is indicated when there is a problem with the implant, infection, exposure, or if the patient no longer wishes to have them and desires their removal.  A complete removal of the capsule is not always necessary but a removal of at least the lower capsule is so that the breast will heal in the normal anatomic position.I find that with out removing the lower part of the capsule (strip capsulectomy) then the pocket persists after the implant is removed and a collapsed appearance is possible.  I also use a closed suction drain and chest strap to ensure best healing position.I hope this helps.

Thank you for your question. When you have implants for a long period of time the skin and soft tissue undergo changes. When you remove an implant additional surgery is needed to accommodate for the changes that occur in the breast.. The additional surgery usually involves a lift alone or a lift in combination with a smaller implant. Good luck.