Process of removal - do I have options?

Question

In 2021 I went from an A/B cup and added 650 CC under muscle breast implants. While I do love how I look with the enhancements, recent events have me wanting to have them explanted. Where I went from such a small natural breast to a large breast and have some weight fluctuation within that time frame, I am wondering what would it be like if I got them removed, would they fat graft to somewhat maintain some form of a breast shape, or would it be flat? Do I have options?

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, you do have options. Depending on the surgeon you go with, you will be given different options. No matter what surgeon you go with, please make sure you find a surgeon that will removal the implant and entire capsule. You need to ask your surgeon if they will perform an En bloc or 100% total capsulectomy.

Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question! Typically, the breast tissue will decompress, commonly referred to as fluffing postoperatively, and the skin tightens to some degree for many patients. This can occur for months to even one year after breast implant removal surgery. The degree of fluffing and skin retraction is highly variable from patient to patient due to several factors such as patient age, the thickness of one's subcutaneous breast tissue, and skin elasticity. Procedures considered for improving the appearance of the breasts after breast explant surgery include the addition of volume with fat transfer and/or skin tightening by a breast lift, referred to as a mastopexy.  You mentioned that you have had some weight fluctuation.  If you have gained some weight since undergoing breast augmentation, you may have additional fatty tissue of your breasts causing your natural breasts to be larger than before your implants were put in and you may not need any fat grafting.  The best way to estimate what your breasts would look like after breast implant removal, and to see if fat grafting is even necessary, I recommend an in-office examination by a plastic surgeon who is very experienced in breast implant removal surgery.   I have been performing this surgery for over 25 years.  You can also refer to my website at drstraka.com.  I wish you the very best of luck with your surgery and outcome!

I wish you the best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CSKI990,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Since you had smaller breasts and now have large implants, it is most likely that you will have saggy breasts after removal. In that case, breast lift is the best option. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and the details provided. 650 cc is a large implant and therefore not only the size of your breasts will change but also the shape. It is very likely that you will also need some form of breast reshaping , such as mastopexy / breastlift. 
If however you had at least some  "pre-breast augmentation breast volume",  you might be able to have just the mastopexy procedure; if this is not the case, fat grafting will be a good option for you to restore some volume.

All the best

Andrea Marando
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon
Manchester, UK

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

When you have the implants removed you will lose the volume they provided.  You will likely have loose, stretched out skin from the presence of the implants.  Depending on the amount of weight gain you've had you may have slightly bigger breasts naturally but not likely enough to take up the stretched tissue.  You can elect to have a lift alone to help reshape the breasts or perhaps consider a smaller implant.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Process of removal - do I have options?

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Process of removal - do I have options?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast implant removal : what will likely happen and which are my options?

Answer: Breast implant removal : what will likely happen and which are my options?

Answer: Implant removal

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.