Terribly worried about sagging after explant. Will they be pancakes? (Photo)

Question

Aug done 2007 three pregnancies recent 7 months right breast harder only one surgery

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have enough breast tissue that they should not be too flat.  You need to decide why you want them out.

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  On your current images there is sagging of the breasts.  This will only be more evident after removal of implants regardless of the size of implants one has.  I would recommend starting with a face to face consultation with a a Board Certified Plastic
Surgeon who has experience with this area. After your consultation they should
be able to let you know your options. Once you know your options then you can
decide if it makes sense to have surgery.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos you will have a better result if you have a lift when you have your implants removed.  You are already a candidate for a lift and with the loss of the implant volume the breasts will appear more saggy and flatter.

Paul G. Ruff IV, MD, FACS · Answer

How breasts will respond after an explantation varies based on a number of factors including initial breast size and amount of stretch the current implants created, inherent quality of the breast tissue and skin, starting position of the breasts prior to the augmentation, number of previous procedures.  Simple explantation is typically a straight forward procedure with little recovery time.  This may allow you, after about a month to six weeks, to assess your new baseline breast size/shape/position.  You may be happy, or at least accepting of their appearance, or you will now have the information that you need to make the decision for a lift, with or without an implant.  The incisions for a lift are a trade off for the new shape and position.  Based on the pictures that you provided and those from a prior question appear to suggest a need for a lift to give you the look you hope for.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, you already have some sagging and with implants removed the breast will flatten and likely sag some more.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Based on the pictures posted, you already have mild ptosis of the breast.If you plan to remove the implants, for some reason, then it is more logical to remove the implants, and after complete healing re-evaluate and decide if you want or need a breast lift, and if having the scars of the lift is acceptable to you.It is much better to see your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and have consultation with review of your pervious history, the position of the implant, the quality of the skin, degree of ptosis and probably a mammogram prior to surgery.Discuss what needs to be done with the capsule, the muscle if implants are under the muscle.Also the pros and cons, the potential risks and complications.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

Your implants appear to be above the muscle by your photos and the upper breast tissue is thinned. Having proper expectations is critically important to any elective surgery and is very important for you. If your implants are saline-filled, you might consider having your plastic surgeon deflate your implants in anticipation of surgery. This would allow you to get an idea of what they will look like without implants. I think you will benefit from either as breast lift with or without a new breast implant. Discuss your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon.Dr. Edwards

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

Can be difficult to predict without knowing your implant size, pre-implant appearance, and without a physical examination.  Even with all this information, it can still be difficult to predict exactly how the breasts will appear after implant removal. A post op support bra and the passage of a few months will give the tissues the best chance at contracting.  Worst case scenario, you may need a lift to get the shape you want.  However, I have been pleasantly surprised at times at how well the tissues retract and the breasts end up looking better than either the patient or i expected.

Susan Kolb, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I would recommend an internal lift at the time of explantation.  Sometimes additional skin also needs to be removed either at the lower pole or around the nipple arealor complex if you implants are large.  The internal lift decreases the breast diameter and increases projections so it helps to prevent the flat look.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Wearing a compression bra after surgery can help with healing.  Once you have healed from your explant, discuss breast lift surgery with your surgeon.

Terribly worried about sagging after explant. Will they be pancakes? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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