Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with? (photos)

Question

Hello! After 11 years of having breast implants (at age 23) I need them removed due to capsular contracture. NHS will remove them for me as I wouldn’t be able to afford to go private anymore, but they remove not replace, I’m ok with this. As NHS surgeons are not usually experienced in plastic surgery, please can anyone give me an idea of what I’ll be left with? Size before 30AA cone shaped with no lower pole fullness/crease. Implants 450cc low profile silicone over muscle - size 32E

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Since you did not show us a photo of your current breasts, one could guess that you will be left with an empty skin envelope. Although skin will shrink a bit in time, additional procedure like breast lift, to remove and tighten loose skin will be needed. Options for augmentation are few without implants; fat grafting is an option but it will take 2-3 stages to achieve some volume, shape. This is best to be discussed with an experienced plastic surgeon in your area before undegoing implant removal. Good luck.

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Obviously, after removing such large implants that have been in place for 11 years, you will have some loose, stretched skin that causes some degree of sagging.  However, your relatively young age and good skin elasticity work in your favor.  If you end up with too much sagging, then a breast lift would correct that.  Your size should return to your preop condition.  Interestingly, your early photos and description indicate that you have a variant of tuberous breast syndrome.  Since there appears to be a higher incidence of capsule contracture with implants placed in front of the muscle, if you could afford it, you should consider implant replacement behind the muscles.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The skin has stretched to accommodate the implants over the past 11 years.  You will have some retraction but will likely be left with some looseness of the skin.  As you did not have a lot of breast tissue before, you will likely have about the same.  Your surgeon will be able to give you more information after an examination.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Chiswick22, thank you for your question. the shape after explant depends on the specialist surgical technique and this vary from doctor to doctor. Is really important to completely remove the capsule, when capsule stays in the body it does not get reabsorbed and your body can show responses to the capsules. Also it would be necessary to carry out a preventive biopsy on each capsule. I link to a video about a capsular contraction that will shed some more light. To obtain more information and recommendations, it is best to consult one or more board-certified plastic surgeons. 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)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Chiswick22,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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

Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with? (photos)

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Answer: Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with?

Answer: Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with?

Answer: Implant removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with?

Answer: Implant removal due to capsular contracture after 11 years - what can I expect to be left with?

Answer: Implant removal

Answer: Implant removal

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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.