Explant/muscle flex deformity. Should I add a lift or not? (Photo)

Question

Planning my ex-plant, I have saline implants,under muscle for 24 years. I was fine for the first 13 years but then had them replaced and began developing strange autoimmune-like symptoms 6 months later after my replacement. Been very sick the last 9 years with no diagnosis, thinking I have BII. I'm trying to figure out if I should add a lift or not. When I flex the right side has some sort of deformity with lumpy looking tissue. Is this normal and can it be fixed with a lift? Or what can be done

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning,
I would not perform a lift at the same time- I would recommend an en bloc capsulectomy/explant, which should get rid of the animation deformity, place a drain for five days postop, and then have you wear a tight compression bra 24/7 for 12 weeks. It is amazing how much the skin can "shrink back down" and avoid the need for a lift and the additional scarring that would require!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having.  From your description it seems an en bloc removal of the implants and capsules would be recommended.  This should improve the animation deformity.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about your goals for how you would like your breasts to appear after surgery.  This will help to determine if a lift is recommended.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Nothing replaces an in-person examination of your tissues but it appears that en bloc removal of your implants should help improve your animation deformity while a lift would be recommended depending on your goal results.  Best to discuss these with your surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kathy101,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You will need an examination to see if a lift is needed. Perhaps minimal invasive skin tightening with radiofrequency, like ThermiTight would also work for you. Once the implants are removed, you still may have some flexion deformity since you have had the implants for such a long time.  Do be tested for food allergies since most autoimmune disorders are caused or related strongly to food allergies.

Explant/muscle flex deformity. Should I add a lift or not? (Photo)

Answers (5)