A breast lift at the time of explant for small breasts, will I have good results? (Photos)

It is difficult to make 100% accurate predictions following explant. There are a number of factors to consider including age (the breast changes over time irregardless of augmentation), weight change, skin stretch and residual elasticity.
Following removal, one can expect:
-Loss of volume- Not an exact correlation between pre- and post augmentation due to the changes over time. You may be bigger or smaller than you remember.
-Ptosis/sagging-Ptosis develops over time and may be worsened by the presence of an implant. If a patient has pre-explant sagging, removal is likely to worsen this to a certain extent. If there is no ptosis, it does not necessarily mean there will be no ptosis after removal.
-Skin laxity/stretch- There is inherent skin elasticity which will allow for some measure of snap back. However, the greater the volume differential pre- and post- the more likely there will be excess skin.
In my experience, it is usually a safe assumption that there will be some changes post removal which oftentimes may necessitate further operative intervention (i.e. lift), however this is often a function of size and length of time post op. Small implants which have only been in place for a short period will lead to an improved response/recoil post removal. Whereas larger implants which have been in for several years will often necessitate a lift.With regards to your specific question, you are certainly a candidate for a lift. However, you should be prepared for a significant change in volume and more specifically upper pole fullness. A good result is relative to expectations. 
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Verified Member
RealSelf Top 100RealSelf Hall of Fame

It is difficult to answer your question without first discussing what a "good result" means to you.   The breast tissue you had prior to implants may have changed from time, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss the procedures including your goals for surgical result.  Your surgeon should be able to give you an idea of what you can expect in terms of results once the implants are removed and the lift is completed.

The technique I recommend is explantation and lift 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 (in 95%) 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.

The smaller the implant and the less the amount of time it has been since placement, the greater the chance the breasts will return to their preoperative state. It is very difficult to predict breast size following explant b/c breast implants and weight fluctuations over time tend to thin tissues, cause a decrease in size, and create more droop.  
It is not unreasonable to remove the implants and then observe a waiting period of six months before the determination for breast lift is made. This will give your breasts time to bounce back and your PS time to determine what type of lift, if any, is needed. 

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your photo. Generally speaking, after removal of breast implants, breasts will look smaller and deflated. Many patients will need a breast lift after breast implants removal, which can be combined with liposuction and fat grafting to breasts to enhance the volume. I would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and advice.
Best wishes and good luck,

Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon