6 months ago I had 20-yr old large implants removed and a lift. I noticed my skin stretching slightly off of my sternum after getting the original implants but since they have been removed, it’s obviously much. I am a bit surprised that my surgeon didn’t address this recently during the X plant and lift. She did mention things like dermal matrixes, or the only way to fix it would be new implants, but seems reluctant to address it. I need a second opinion but not sure where to start.
Answer: Symmastia Tough Problem to Fix Based off your photo - a comparison photo of you with implants and prior to that would be ideal to understand the anatomy and the evolution of your breasts over the past 20+ years. Unfortunately, having large implants for so long would have led to skin stretch and migration of implants leading to possible symmastia if implants are removed +/- mastopexy (lift). There are techniques to try to repair this but come with higher failure rates - one of them is trying to use dermal matrix to rebuild the lower fold into the midline; there are suture techniques to also attempt to recreate the midline cleavage fold (but none of these are perfect and sometimes a few surgeries might be needed to get it to something you are close to happy with). Discuss with you surgeon more or seek a second opinion in person to see if there are other options.
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Answer: Symmastia Tough Problem to Fix Based off your photo - a comparison photo of you with implants and prior to that would be ideal to understand the anatomy and the evolution of your breasts over the past 20+ years. Unfortunately, having large implants for so long would have led to skin stretch and migration of implants leading to possible symmastia if implants are removed +/- mastopexy (lift). There are techniques to try to repair this but come with higher failure rates - one of them is trying to use dermal matrix to rebuild the lower fold into the midline; there are suture techniques to also attempt to recreate the midline cleavage fold (but none of these are perfect and sometimes a few surgeries might be needed to get it to something you are close to happy with). Discuss with you surgeon more or seek a second opinion in person to see if there are other options.
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June 9, 2025
Answer: Skin Stretching and Sternum Area Concerns After Implant Removal It’s understandable you’re concerned about the noticeable stretching of your skin in the sternum area, especially following the removal of long-standing, large implants. When implants are in place for an extended period, particularly larger ones, the skin and tissues around the sternum can significantly stretch and lose elasticity. After explantation, without implants to support these tissues, the stretching can become more visible. Solutions your surgeon mentioned—such as dermal matrices (ADM)—can indeed reinforce tissue support, helping improve the contour without requiring new implants. Fat grafting or additional lift techniques can also be options, depending on your anatomy. Since your surgeon appears hesitant, seeking a second opinion is completely reasonable. You might consider consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in complex breast revisions or reconstruction after implant removal. They’ll offer guidance tailored specifically to your situation. I hope this helps guide your next steps clearly. Consulting with an experienced revision surgeon would be beneficial for exploring effective solutions. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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June 9, 2025
Answer: Skin Stretching and Sternum Area Concerns After Implant Removal It’s understandable you’re concerned about the noticeable stretching of your skin in the sternum area, especially following the removal of long-standing, large implants. When implants are in place for an extended period, particularly larger ones, the skin and tissues around the sternum can significantly stretch and lose elasticity. After explantation, without implants to support these tissues, the stretching can become more visible. Solutions your surgeon mentioned—such as dermal matrices (ADM)—can indeed reinforce tissue support, helping improve the contour without requiring new implants. Fat grafting or additional lift techniques can also be options, depending on your anatomy. Since your surgeon appears hesitant, seeking a second opinion is completely reasonable. You might consider consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in complex breast revisions or reconstruction after implant removal. They’ll offer guidance tailored specifically to your situation. I hope this helps guide your next steps clearly. Consulting with an experienced revision surgeon would be beneficial for exploring effective solutions. — Güray Yeşiladalı, MD
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May 17, 2025
Answer: Symmastia Thanks for your question! Symmastia can be a very difficult thing to address once the cat is out of the bag. I would suggest finding a breast specialist in your area. Good luck!
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May 17, 2025
Answer: Symmastia Thanks for your question! Symmastia can be a very difficult thing to address once the cat is out of the bag. I would suggest finding a breast specialist in your area. Good luck!
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January 28, 2025
Answer: Synmastia is difficult to repair Synmastia is a difficult problem to repair. However, if you really want to try to have it fixed, you will likely need to have your surgeon use some type of dermal matrix (i.e. cadaver or pig skin). I have had some nice results with that, as long as no implants are replaced.
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January 28, 2025
Answer: Synmastia is difficult to repair Synmastia is a difficult problem to repair. However, if you really want to try to have it fixed, you will likely need to have your surgeon use some type of dermal matrix (i.e. cadaver or pig skin). I have had some nice results with that, as long as no implants are replaced.
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November 25, 2024
Answer: Symmastia repair Thank you for submitting your questions and photo. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this issue after your procedure. Symmastia is a tricky problem to fix. There are a few ways to help correct this, such as liposuction in this area, re-tacking the skin down from the underwise, using an ADM, etc. I absolutely recommend you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience in correcting these. Good luck and thanks again for reaching out!
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November 25, 2024
Answer: Symmastia repair Thank you for submitting your questions and photo. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this issue after your procedure. Symmastia is a tricky problem to fix. There are a few ways to help correct this, such as liposuction in this area, re-tacking the skin down from the underwise, using an ADM, etc. I absolutely recommend you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience in correcting these. Good luck and thanks again for reaching out!
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