To get a lift with explant? Not sure what to expect?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is difficult to say what should be done without a formal evaluation or at least photos but if the breasts are sagging, you will likely need a lift. The safety of the procedure will depend on your medical history, amount of lift and soft tissue thickness.

Thank you for your inquiry! Removing the implant will decrease your breast volume and typically cause the breast to fall. We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

It is difficult to answer your question without seeing any photos. In general, if you have a fair amount of breast tissue, the breasts should have a good shape and size following explantation. If you are OK with some natural droop to your breasts, you don't need a lift. However, since you already have scars, there is minimal downside to performing a lift.

Important to note how many cc implants you have, a large implant of 700 cc versus a small 300 cc implant will have different outcomes. For someone who is 31, a lift would not be recommended in general, given the fact majority of implants are placed BELOW the muscle. Whereas a lift is entirely completed ABOVE the muscle. Given my practice, a lot of patients do not need an unnecessary lift operation, which is extremely invasive.

A mastopexy/lift will reposition nipples in a more aesthetically pleasing position. When you take out your implants you will lose a significant volume but only with a physical exam can I help guide you regarding your native breast tissue.
If you have a significant residual breast tissue volume then a board certified plastic surgeon can help guide you toward the surgical approach best suited for you. There are benefits to a superior medial pedicel technique to maintain superior pole (cleavage) fullness assuming your lift needed is safe to achieve those results. Alternatively, if you have less breast tissue a plan can be catered to your needs that includes fat grafting.
The decision to explant should be based on your aesthetic goals and desire to maintain the implant and their risks. There is also a cost difference that I am putting aside.
Hope that helps. Often times the answer is comprehensive and requires a layered discussion. Best of luck!

Photos or examination are definitely needed to better answer your question. Based on your description, it sounds like a revision lift would be necessary. Usually this can be done at the time of the explant, but sometimes if you don't have much tissue it needs to be done in a second operation.

Hello @grilledcheeseplease, thank you for your question. My opinion is that a breast implant removal should be combined with immediate breast reconstruction to reposition the mammary tissue and improve projection of the upper pole and medial areas using the BRALAN Technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation) since the results will be adequate in terms of aesthetics and have a minimal scar in the shape of an L. If you are considering a breast explantation, consultation with a plastic surgeon who is experienced in this procedure is essential to ensure optimal results. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

This is a very common question! Many women benefit from a breast lift to reshape and re-drape the breast tissue and remove any loose skin after breast implant removal. Considering fat transfer to replace the implant with some natural volume is also a great option for many women and worth considering.

Dear grilledcheeseplease,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi. Thank you for your question. Without seeing photos or examining you it is difficult to give a tailored response, but based on the information you provided I can make a few comments. If your breasts are currently "sagging", that will usually worsen after an explant. If your goal is to achieve a rounder and perkier breast shape then a lift may be advantageous. It sounds like you've already had a lift before which means your previous scars could be used to perform another lift. I would recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to help guide you through some of these decisions. I hope this helps.
Good Luck!David Light, MD, FACS