My breast look deformed after explant surgery. My nipples are weighed down and caved in. Are these results typical? (photo)

Question

Decided to explant with capsulectomy. I had three sets of implants within five years before explanting. Last set were 215cc Right after explant procedure, I noticed both breasts looking deformed. My PS said it was because of the drains and when removed, my breasts will look normal. Drains were removed a couple days ago, my breasts still look deformed. I am 4 days post op, and worried that these results are permanent. Are these results normal to have right after an explant procedure

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

Removing implants after many years will always leave your breast less full and potentially more droopy. The final result after explant will be visible after 6 months. As it's only been 4 days since your operation, you can expect these results to change. However, it would definitely be a case where your breasts will look significantly different from how they looked when you had implants.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! Generally, 4days is too soon to see final results as bruising and swelling may persist. Your must give your skin and muscles ample time to adjust and recover. Nipple inversion may occur after trauma and can be corrected with a procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia which is commonly performed with breast revision surgery. In severe cases of nipple inversion the breast ducts may need to be severed or devices such as the Niplette by Advent can be used without surgery with some success. It is often used after surgery to create suction and maintain the correction.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or find a board-certified surgeon that has extensive experience with this procedure. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

It appears that your surgery was done through periareolar incisions and there is some tethering between the skin and the underlying tissues. You are still very early in the healing process and  you can anticipate improvement with time. Hopefully this will soften and release. Follow your surgeons recommendation for local care to facilitate this. You will have options if this does not occur to your satisfaction, but surgical intervention is premature at this time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BeccaFang,I understand your concern and it is quite normal to be concerned about the outcome following breast implants removal surgery. However, you are still in the very early stages of the healing process.Your will need to be patient at this moment and follow what your surgeon has instructed you to do post operatively.At the early stage of the healing process, the tissues are still swollen. Once the swelling subsides  you will be able to see the final result of your surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You are still early in the recovery process and may see changes ahead.  I encourage you to closely follow your surgeon's instructions.  If your nipples remain inverted there are corrective measures available.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately sometimes after an explant, some scar retraction can occur on your breasts.  It is hard to predict before surgery.  I have seem them improve with time so don't be too discouraged.  Follow up with your doctor over the next few months to see what changes occur.  There are a few options for revision if they don't improve over the next 3-6 months. Good luck.

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Following breast augmentation, the skin and soft tissues remodel and the breast tissue effaces. At removal, there will be initial deflation of the breast with deformity. However, the tissues will soften and will again remodel to accommodate the new smaller size over a span of 3-6 months. The extent of this correction depends upon the state of the overlying tissues. Stretched out skin with stretch marks will not remodel. It depends upon the length of time the implant has been present. It also depends upon the size of the implant that was utilized as larger implants will create more distortion.
If residual deformity persists after 6 months, one may consider a breast lift to eliminate the tissue laxity. 
Continue followup with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

My breast look deformed after explant surgery. My nipples are weighed down and caved in. Are these results typical? (photo)

Answers (7)

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