Is it normal to be FLATTER after an explant than before the implant?

Question

I was a 32A before breast implants in 2009. Almost no breast tissue but there was some. I had 380CC (filled to 450) saline under the muscle implants. I had them removed yesterday via local anesthesia. I am now COMPLETELY flat, no breast tissue at all. Will they fluff up? They look kind of deformed. The skin is only slightly saggy around the nipples.

Stephanie Beidler Teotia, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, your breast will not likely "fluff up" following removal of the implants unless you have a significant weight change. However, your breast skin may contract in time (resulting in an approved appearance).This depends on your age and skin elasticity.

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

There are several reasons why your breasts may appear flatter -- first and foremost, the presence of an implant, especially a larger one, can thin out the breast gland due to compression.  Once the implants are removed, I have found that there will be some rebound of breast thickness over the first 6 months.  Additional factors include changes with age and weight.  Finally (and not insignificantly) a larger implant placed into a tight space exerts its force in all directions, including down onto the chest.  I have removed and/or replaced many implants where the rib cage was deformed and depressed due to the pressure exerted by the implants.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

This is typical breast contour after explantation. The breasts will slightly contract over several months but they will not "fluff up". Shape will improve somewhat most likely still have droopiness

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I know it's hard to be patient but you are far too early to judge your results.  It can take several months before you will see you final results.  Breast tissue can be influenced by several factors including weight gain and loss, age, and pressure from the implants.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon as it's important for you to feel comfortable and confident as you recover from your procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Since you started out with very little tissue to begin with, and then were stretchedout with implants, it is fairly predictable that unless you gained weight in your chest and the breasts grew that you would end up being flat with the removal.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Generally speaking, what  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.
Patience is definitely indicated after removal of breast implants; it will take many months for the skin to “bounce back” and for you to see the final appearance of the breasts.  In the meantime, I would suggest that you continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon on a frequent basis;  he/she will be in the best position to rule out and treat complications and will be in the best position to provide you with meaningful reassurance.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Women lose their own breast tissue as they age.  This is normal with or without implants.  Best wishes!

Michael Hueneke, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, this is completely normal. The breasts shrink with time with or without implants. The skin may improve, but might require additional treatment

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Generally, yes - and for two reasons.  First, as you age you lose breast tissue, so that - with or without breast implants - is part of the normal process over time.  Secondly, the implants stretch out all of the breast tissue, including the skin, the breast tissue itself, and the muscle (if placed under the muscle).  As the tissues are under stress from the stretching they can thin out and lose some volume.  That does not necessarily return to its previous appearance once the implants are removed.As a rule, the longer the implants have been in place, and the larger the size, the less likely that the breasts will return to their preoperative appearance with the removal of the implants.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100

Is it normal to be FLATTER after an explant than before the implant?

Answers (9)