6 months post-op 550cc implant removal, 1 breast has line/adhesion that won’t relax, will it settle? (Photo)

Question

I had implant removal 6 months ago and one of my breast doesn’t look like it has settled down like the other side has. I was very flat to begin with and removed 550 cc implants that were in 20 years so my skin is loose and that I understand but I don’t know why the one breast underneath seems to be stuck. Not sure if this is called adhesion and if it will still settle over the year.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello. Thank you for sharing this. It is common to have some asymmetry or unusual settling following implant removal and a lift, especially after having large implants for a long time. Please see the attached video to answer your question in detail. The differences you’re noticing may be due to several factors: scar tissue or adhesions, variations in skin elasticity, or difference in how the chest wall and soft tissues have adapted after the removal. Monitor for changes, but it is best to consult with your surgeon. They can assess for adhesions or other underlying issues and discuss possible treatments, such as massage, physical therapy, or surgical correction, if necessary.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear apryle311,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Eric Wright, MD · Answer

Having 550cc implants removed that were placed 20 years ago can lead to various postoperative results due to changes in the breast tissue that have occurred.  Capsule removal and muscle retraction can lead to this type of appearance  .  At six months, you may have some small improvement with time. Massaging the area can help with any scar adhesions that have formed.  If at a year you are still unhappy with the postoperative appearance, I would follow up with your surgeon to discuss options including fat grafting or mastopexy procedures.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Nom it will not settle on its own because it has already done so. However, you can have some reshaping done or even some fat transferred. Please discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may have some scar tissue that is causing the tethering effect.  You can consider a lift to remove excess skin and improve shape.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

As you mentioned yourself, your tissues were probably stretched out significantly, considering you had fairly large implants and small breast.
Whenever we see indentations or disfigurement in breast contour after removing implants, it’s often not because of the skin, but rather the capsule inside the breast.
Ideally, the capsule should be removed with the explantation, especially if the capsule has any thickening.
When that’s the case it’s best done at the time of explantation. 
Any attempts at correcting this will most likely need to involve working with the capsule.
Other variables that may be contributing is that the natural IMF infra mammary fold was opened to make room for such large implants. Once the IMF is gone it’s very difficult to re-create a normal shape or contour.
In the end, your outcome may be a combination of multiple variables.
It’s important to try to have the best understanding of what the underlying primary or secondary problem is when attempting to correct the problem.
Getting a quality outcome at this point may be challenging.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

6 months post-op 550cc implant removal, 1 breast has line/adhesion that won’t relax, will it settle? (Photo)

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