Will my breasts go back to normal if I get my implants removed?

Question

At almost 20, I went from not even filling an A cup to a B with roughly 210cc implants. I have been very unhappy with them pretty much ever since. They have bottomed out, and I have "double bubble." I am now 24, and it has been a little over 4 years since my surgery. I do not want corrective surgery or new implants; I want them out. Since I am still young and since the implants are not that large, would my chest go back to its pre-surgical state? Any information would be much appreciated.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Even though your implants are not large, you do state you have some bottoming out of your breast.  Because of this, your breasts will not go back completely to their pre-implant state. When the implants are removed, that bottomed out area can be fixed. If you have saline implants, you can ask to have them deflated to see what you would look like. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing all your concerns.

J. Garrett Harper, MD · Answer

Even with a small implant and youth on your side, it is doubtful that your breasts will go back to exactly how they were before.  That being said, they may still look great and bounce back fine.  You should visit with other plastic surgeons in your area and see what they recommend.  "Corrective surgery" may sound bad, but it may involve less than you think.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

In general, the smaller the original breasts and the smaller the implants that are removed, the more "normal" things look. However, you have had problems, and a double bubble may indicate your native breast crease may have been violated or stretched. So there is no way to predict. Do consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your options.  Best of luck.

S. Daniel Golshani, MD, FACS · Answer

I have taken care of more than a few patients who for one reason or another are referred to me for having their implants removed. I have to say that, generally speaking, they are happy with their decisions to remove their implants. If you have decided that you no longer want to have implants, my experience is that there is nothing anyone can say that can happily change your mind. It is however always recommended to not remove your implants based on other people's opinions - let it be solely your decision.It helps that you have such small implants. Placement of drains after implant removal may or may not be necessary. At your age, I would probably not consider a breast lift and just remove the implants and apply appropriate soft compressive garments and follow the results before making any judgements. Photos would have been helpful.  Best of luck with your implant removal results. Daniel Golshani MD

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction.  Based on your age and small implant size your breasts should do well with removal.  I doubt you would need much "reconstruction" (as you put it) but that is difficult to know without an in person exam.  Breast implant removal can be a very rewarding surgery for patients.  Seek an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs a lot of breast revision surgery, especially removals.  Best of luck to you

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

It's possible to remove the implants but given the stretch of the skin from the weight of the implant you might need to have a lift done at the same time. Please consult a plastic surgeon in your area for a full examination.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry for you dissatisfaction. It is possible that your breast may revert to or approximate the breasts prior to surgery. However, the result is based on many factory including skin elasticity, the size of the implants used, the amount of breast tissue, life stage issues (such as pregnancy, weight loss/gain), and the duration that the implants were in. It is not an immediate process to revert to your prior state, and you will need to have a successful recovery from surgery. Consult with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options, and to develop a treatment plan best for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction after breast augmentation 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.
 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.  specifically, in your case, what you have “going for you “is your use and the relatively small breast implants utilized. Keep in mind, that some patients who have “double bubble” appearances of their breasts may benefit from internal suture repair of the inframammary fold areas (capsulorraphy) at the time of breast implant removal surgery.
Consulting with  well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in person may be helpful.  The attached link ( dedicated to breast implant removal concerns) may be helpful to you as you learn more.
Best wishes.

Will my breasts go back to normal if I get my implants removed?

Answers (8)

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