25 y/o saline implants - what's the benefit of waiting to lift vs. doing it at time?

Question

25 year old saline over the muscle implants. Would love to remove. What is the benefit of waiting to lift vs doing it at time Of explant. And there's a lot of talk about fluffing. Is existing breast tissue more damaged by over the muscle implants vs under?

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! It is a difficult one to answer without examining you myself. However, many patients choose to stage their procedures so they can see how much skin retracts after breast implants are removed. The theory is that your skin retracts and you may not need as big as a lift, or possibly no lift at all. Good luck!

Anna Steve, MD · Answer

Explant and lift can safely be performed at the same time for implants placed above and below the muscle. One of the benefits of waiting to do the lift at a second stage is the ability to decide whether or not you are satisfied with your breast aesthetics after explant-only. 
If you have had your implants for 25 years, there is a good chance you would benefit from a lift as well. Your nipple position and breast shape can be used to help predict this pre-operatively.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @mikey1, 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. 
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. Take into account that the best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If a lift is recommended it is often done at the same time as implant removal.  This allows the patient to have one surgery and one recovery.  Typically if you have had implants for 25 years you will likely benefit from a lift.  With saline implants you can consider having them drained in the office and allow the breasts to start to adjust to the implant volume being gone.  Then at a later time you can have the implant shells removed and a lift performed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mikey1,
I understand your concern. Generally speaking, it is possible to get implant removal at the same time as explant. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

25 y/o saline implants - what's the benefit of waiting to lift vs. doing it at time?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lift timing

Answer: Lift timing

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

25 y/o saline implants - what's the benefit of waiting to lift vs. doing it at time?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lift timing

Answer: Lift timing

Answer: Breast lift

Answer: Breast lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.