Do you have any idea what size I will be left with after getting my implants removed?

Since your implants have been in place for 18 years it is likely that the breast tissue has thinned during this time and that you'll be smaller than you were before implants.  Your surgeon may be able to better  estimate what you have in terms of native breast tissue after an examination.

The technique I recommend is 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.

Thank you for the question.  Online consultants, will not be of much specific help to when it comes to predicting results after breast implant removal surgery.


 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.


 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.  


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 your case specifically my best advice: select your plastic surgeon very carefully. Ask him/her to show you examples of previous patients (demonstrating what he/she expects your breast to look like after breast implant removal surgery.   Seeing these visual representations (of similar patients), will likely help you make an informed decision as to how to proceed.


 I hope this helps. Best wishes.