Wise pattern Masectomy with implant exchange - how long should I wait before explanting?

Question

Hi, I recently had a wise pattern mastopexy with a breast implant exchange after discovering my original implants were ruptured. I really would love to remove the implants all together. I have very little breast tissue and im fine with going flat. I just want the breast implants removed and know I'll need another lift to remove the excess skin. How long should I safely wait before having revision breast lift and explant?

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@maylene87 This is a great question. I always recommend my patients wait for at least 6 months prior to additional surgery. This allows your body to have time to heal prior to additional surgery. 
If you feel like you'll need another lift, it is even more important to wait 6 months minimum. This helps to ensure that the blood supply to the nipple complex will have time to adjust to it's new home and decreases the risk of nipple loss or nipple necrosis at the next surgery.

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

Ideally would wait at least 6 months after breast implant exchange and mastopexy, prior to implant removal and secondary breast lift.  This gives time for swelling and inflammation to go subside.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

If you recently had a Wise pattern mastopexy with implant exchange, it is usually safest to wait before doing another breast surgery unless there is an urgent problem such as infection, wound breakdown, severe pain, or implant exposure.
In most cases, I would wait at least 6 months, and often closer to 9–12 months, before revision explant and another lift. This gives the skin, scars, nipple blood supply, and internal tissues time to heal and soften. Operating too early can increase the risk of wound healing problems, widened scars, nipple/areola blood supply issues, and unpredictable shape.
Because you already had a Wise pattern lift recently, the blood supply to the nipple-areola complex is an important consideration. A second lift soon after the first one must be planned very carefully, especially if you have little remaining breast tissue.
If you are comfortable going flat, the procedure may involve implant removal, capsule management, and removal/redraping of extra skin. Sometimes it is better to stage the explant and skin tightening, depending on tissue quality and how much skin retracts after the implants are removed.
My advice would be to discuss timing with a revision breast surgeon and bring your operative report. Ask what pedicle was used for the Wise pattern lift, whether the nipple blood supply is safe for another lift, whether capsulectomy is needed, and whether a staged explant is safer. If there is no urgent complication, patience usually gives you a safer and more predictable revision.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

There really isn't a minimum time to wait, other than to let your incsions completely heal and be sure any open spots  close completely.  Cheers from Texas

Wise pattern Masectomy with implant exchange - how long should I wait before explanting?

Answers (4)

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