What should I expect after breast implant removal? Saline implants, worried about appearance. (photos)

Removing your implants would not cause a severe deformity. You will be left with breasts that are small- probably a small B cup. Your breasts will look essentially the same but smaller. Yes, you could use a lift but this is up to you.

Thank you for your inquiry! Removing the implant will remove volume, fat transfer could be an option for you. We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Hello, thank you for your question. It’s completely understandable to feel apprehensive about the outcome after breast implant removal, especially when it comes to the potential changes in appearance. Since you’ve had saline implants for 20 years and are seeking removal without a lift, there are several factors to consider regarding what to expect. Please see the attached video that answers your question in detail. Continue to have open discussions with your surgeon about your concerns regarding the appearance after removal. They can provide more specific insight based on your anatomy and help you come up with the best approach that fits your needs and budget.
Best of luck with your decision, and remember that every woman's experience and results are unique!

I often offer to percutaneously deflate saline implants in the office with a needle and a syringe so that my patient knows what their breasts will look like without implants before deciding on which surgery or combination of surgeries to have. Removing the saline in this way also allows your breast skin to retract/shrink. If the skin shrinks enough and we are planning a lift, sometimes I am able to shorten the length of the scars. The time necessary for skin to retract after percutaneous deflation is usually 8-12 weeks.

The technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Breast lifts are often a great option for women who want their implants removed, but not replaced and have a good amount of breast tissue, but signs of aging (droop and lowering of nipple position). Combining this with fat grafting is a nice option to restore some natural volume. Fat grafting alone is an option for women who are not interested in a breast lift, but the improvements in shape with fat grafting alone are modest and may require more than one session.

Dear CML1891,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You can get implant removal and wait to see the final results of your surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Hello @CML1891, thank you for your question. The surgical procedures vary from surgeon to surgeon. In case of an explantation with capsulostomy, the surgical procedure would imply a breast reconstruction not only a lift, because taking out the volume that the prosthesis gave will require repositioning of the tissues. In this way, you would achieve an aesthetic result you would be happy with. Due to the experience of so many explantation surgeries practiced in these 21 years I consider that the L-shaped incision is the minimum and smallest scar possible in this surgery. Remember that every 10 years the prostheses must be changed. Is important that you consult with several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Implant removal and breast lift is most likely your best option. I understand, not wanting to undergo the lift, however, it is likely that because the implants have been in place for so long, you will lack a significant amount of volume on each side. Some people will discuss Fat grafting, however, often the volume that is required to get you back to a similar look is not feasible or reliable. Removal of the implants will result in more droop to the breasts, and likely a less aesthetic appearance. If that is not your concern then this can be safely done. If the best appearance is what you are hoping for after removal of the implants, I would recommend removing the implants, performing a lift, and contouring the remaining rests with some Fat grafting to provide good symmetry. Have a conversation about your goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We are happy to help in any way we can.

An examination is needed to see how much actual breast tissue is present. You will be smaller and flatter, but no longer have to worry about implants. You could also consider exchanging for something smaller.