Should I remove 15 year old silicone implants? If I do, will my breast be flat and stretched out? (photos)

Question

I’m 55 years old, 5’7, 139lbs and have had silicone implants for about 15 years. When I originally got them I weighed less and they were a 32 C. I was just measured and I am 32 DDD. I think maybe this is too big for my frame. I would like to have them removed but I’m afraid my breast would look terrible with all the excess stretched skin . I was originally a size A, would I become a size A again? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Dear Skygirl0737:  Based on your photos I think you may be ok without a breast lift.  You don't have a tremendous amount of skin excess and I expect that after your implants are removed your skin will contract down and you may find the result acceptable, or at least preferable to the breast scars associated with a breast lift.  My advice to you would be to remove the implants then wait and see what your breasts look like after several months.  You may not need any further surgery.Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello skygirl0737Candidates would usually heal in different ways, i would advice you visit a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-patient consultation. #implants #sideeffects

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You
are an excellent candidate for explantation using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating
upper pole fullness, 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, if
not injured during your previous surgery. 
At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional
volume is desired.  If you were a 32 C
before and have gained weight, you will probably end up at 32 D. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

After you remove your implants and the capsule, your breasts will appear deflated.  A good option is a vertical mastopexy at the same time to cone your breasts and give you a nice shape without necessarily needing another implant.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

If you no longer wish to have implants- then you can certainly consider Bilateral Explantation. Be sure to seek an experienced Board Certified PS for in person exam/ consultation

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You need only remove your implants if you are having some issue or no longer desire to have them.  Though your breast would be smaller and saggier, possibly requiring a lift, they would be larger than your original A cup due to the weight gain.  Hope this helps.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

In the photo I would say the implants look too large for your frame, unless you have gained a lot of breast tissue.  If you have gone up a couple cup sizes, your own breast tissue is the reason.  So if you have the implants removed, you will likely have a fuller breast than you did originally.  Give it at least 6 months for the skin to retract.  Good luck!

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are done with those implants and think you are too big, then get rid of them!  My experience is with women that have could skin, the breasts really do shrink up and revert to pre implant appearance within about 1-2 months. Now you do point out your body has changed.  If you weigh more than you did 15 years ago, then chances are good that your breasts are going to be bigger than when you started. You may want a lift later, but you may not!   Mybpatients are consistently surprised by how good their breasts look later. please get in person consults with board certified plastic surgeons with special Interests in breast.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you choose to have your implants removed it can be done at any time.  If you are not having issues with them you do not need to have them removed solely due to age.  After 15 years your skin will have stretched to accommodate the implant.  You will likely look deflated and saggy after removal.  I recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation.  Together you can determine how much natural breast tissue you have and if a lift is recommended for you.

L. Dwight Baker, MD (retired) · Answer

Based on your history and photos, you could have removal and replacement to a smaller implant.  Or you can have your implants removed with no replacement.  In this case, I strongly recommend you have nothing else done to your breasts for at least six months and then see how you feel about their appearance.  At that time, you may be quite happy with what you see.  Or you may want and need a smaller implant to achieve your desired final result.  I doubt seriously that you would want or need a mastopexy.  I would not expect your breasts to be "flat or stretched out" with removal.  Best of luck to you.

Should I remove 15 year old silicone implants? If I do, will my breast be flat and stretched out? (photos)

Answers (10)

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