Does breast implant removal reduce breast tissue?

Question

Breast implant removal of over the muscle subglandular high profile 300CC A to D cup with capsulectomy, no lift. Will this reduce the amount of original breast tissue? Do large implants over the muscle subglandular placement wear away original breast tissue? Does cauterization reduce the amount of original breast tissue?

Angelica Kavouni, MD, PhD, FRCS(Eng) · Answer

Over time breast tissue will thin and stretch and loose volume and this happens even when you have breast implants. Removing the capsule, cauterization and any cutting results unfortunately in tissue loss. So you will be smaller when the implants and capsules are removed . It is impossible to say how much smaller than your original size because it depends on your weight as well

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @BAquestions23, Thank you for your question. Sometimes, breast implant removal can result in alterations to the chest wall or breast tissue, such as indentations. This is typically more apparent in women with larger implants, as the larger the implant, the more it may alter the natural anatomy over time. However, it depends on the specialist surgical technique and procedures determined to be used in order to achieve an adequate result. I always approach a breast explant with immediate aesthetic reconstruction to reposition the mammary tissue and improve projection of the upper pole and medial areas using the BRALAN Technique (Breast Reconstruction Anatomical Lift Augmentation), since the results will be adequate in terms of aesthetics and have a minimal scar in the shape of an L and a lift if needed. To shed more light on this, I have attached a video. If you are considering a breast procedure, consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure is essential to ensuring optimal results. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),   International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Some tissue may be removed however it won’t make a significant difference in your breast size. However, your breast shape will most likely be different since the tissues will have stretched out a bit.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Please see the attached video that answers your question in detail. Essentially, there will be a loss of volume from your implants being removed; however, the breast tissue is not touched in my practice.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear BAquestion23 thank you for your question.

During a total capsulectomy, there may be a slight loss of glandular tissue, but it's typically not significant. However, large implants can lead to atrophy of the mammary gland over time. Therefore, after explantation, the final volume of the breast may be smaller than it was prior to implant placement.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BAquestions23,
implant removal surgery will not reduce the size of breast tissue, it will only remove implants. However, there is a chance that breast tissue size reduced with time. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

When breast implants are removed, usually breast tissue is not reduced.  However, when a capsule is removed, some breast tissue is removed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

Breast implant removal typically does not reduce breast tissue. The surgery involves the removal of the breast implants themselves, but the natural breast tissue is not typically altered during this process. The appearance of the breasts may change after removal, and it’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation and discussion of your specific concerns and desired outcomes. In some cases, a breast lift or other procedures may be recommended to achieve the desired result.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Very little breast tissue is removed when implants and capsules are removed.  Breast tissue can thin naturally over time and can be influenced by the presence of implants, as well as other factors such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and age.  The breast skin envelope will also stretch over time to accommodate the implants, which can also influence the appearance of the breasts when the implants are removed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants do stretch and thin your own tissue. When the implants are removed, the tissue still stays thin. Large implants stretch and thin tissue more than small implants. Removing the capsule does remove the tissue that formed around the implant with a small amount of original breast tissue.  Cauterization is mainly used to stop bleeding or to cut through tissue with much less bleeding. Some tissue is removed with this cutting. Yes, you will be smaller once the implants and capsules are removed from your original size. Plus, over time, breast size can vary due to weight gain/loss, changes in hormones, pregnancy, and menopause.

Does breast implant removal reduce breast tissue?

Answers (11)

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