What can I expect my breasts to look like after removing my implants and getting a breast lift to remove excess skin? (Photo)

Question

I would like to explant my 9 year old 550cc mentor silicone implants. I'm 5'10" and weigh 145 pounds. I'm looking for a plastic surgeon with experience in en bloc/total capsulectomy.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

From your
pre-augmentation photograph, your breasts were low and small.  Over 9 years, it is likely that you have
gained some fat and breast tissue.  I
recommend explantation using The Bellesoma Method.  This technique will remove your implants,
reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants,
elevate them 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.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can
be performed if additional volume is desired. 
There are several advantages in leaving the capsule in place.  The most significant advantage is it provides
blood supply to your skin.  Also, the
capsule will allow multiple layers for fat injection.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on what time and gravity typically do, an implant removal alone will leave you with excess skin and breast sagging that you would likely dislike.  The lift will help improve your nipple position and remove much of the excess skin but you would not be left with much breast tissue.  Depending on your goals you may wish to reduce the size of your implants and then have a lift performed.  Hope this helps.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Without an exam, it is difficult to tell you what your final breast size would be after removal and breast lift. The indications and  feasibility of Enbloc Capsulectomy depends on whether or not you have a capsular contracture, implant rupture, and whether or not the capsule is adherent to surrounding structures such as the chest wall/ribcage.  In certain situations the risks  of enbloc capsulectomy could outweigh any perceived benefit. I am usually pleasantly surprised at the final appearance and size after implant removal, but you certainly have to be prepared for a flat upper pole and a dramatic change in your breast appearance that you may not be thrilled with.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. Assuming that you are showing a before/after photo, the shape will likely revert back to what you were prior to your initial surgery. Without an exam it is hard for me to give you a good prediction, but ultimately the breasts will deflate. This will likely be a big change for you. Options to help with the shape include placing a smaller implant or possibly using fat grafting. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area that is an ASAPS member and specializes in cosmetic breast surgery. Best of Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear fieldsm77,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to 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

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  I would expect your breasts to look like they did before your aumentation but saggier, if that helps?  You will need a lift just to excise that excess skin.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and questions.  When the implants are removed you will lose the volume that the implants provide and will likely have loose, sagging breasts.  The lift is used to raise the position of the nipple and shape the breasts.  Based on your "before" photos you do not have a lot of natural breast tissue to shape.  Depending on your goals you may wish to discuss options with your surgeon, such as fat transfer or a smaller implant.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you do not have a lot of natural breast tissue, then you might be best to remove the implants and see how they settle down first so that the "dead space" can shrink down. Then after several months a formal lift might be reasonable.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you were not happy with your original size, you may not be happy after the removal. I would suggest considering exchanging your implants for smaller ones which will be less heavy. Your large implants have probably thinned your tissue over time, and you may be smaller than prior to surgery. You will still probably need a lift. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing all your options and concerns.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

After removal, total capsulectomy and lift you can expect extremely small, flat breasts with little to no fullness and no lasting upper pole fullness. You simply don't appear to have the amount of natural tissue to achieve more than that. It is possible to inject your own fat to achieve at least some more fullness/volume but because of blood supply concerns with your first surgery I would recommend considering this at a later date if desired.

What can I expect my breasts to look like after removing my implants and getting a breast lift to remove excess skin? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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