I have had my implants in for 14 years or more and recently had issues with encapsulation.

Hello dear @Pj23334 I appreciate your question. is really important to remember that the replacement time for the prosthesis is 10 years maximum to avoid encapsulation problems. When a woman undergoes breast augmentation surgery, placing a prosthesis in her tissue will make the body begin to surround that prosthesis with a new tissue, it is a small film that as time passes by it can become thicker and thicker and can have some inflammatory reaction to the prosthesis. I suggest to have a surgical plan to remove the prosthesis and improve the shape with a reconstruction of the tissues and breast pexy, that way you can achieve an adequate aesthetic result. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You can safely undergo a capsulectomy and implant replacement at the same time. If you wanted to go much smaller and require a lift, then it may be safer to wait the six months. Discuss these options with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeo

The doctor wants to remove the implants and wait six months to let the capsules resolve. This is an appropriate technique. Since you are a DD and do not want to be that large then there is an alternative technique. 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. At the same time, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear pj23334,
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

Hello,
And thank you.
Following removal of breast implants without replacement, a patient may choose one of two options: do nothing and see how much the skin retracts and then decide about fat grafting or breast lift at a later point, or undergo a breast lift and/or fat grafting at the same time.
Since you had small cup size breasts prior to undergoing breast augmentation, the breast volume and size will be similar after removing the breast implants.
Full mastopexy (breast lift) which will put your nipples into the correct position, make the areola smaller and allow excess skin to be taken away, giving you a more youthful and lifted breast appearance. Some people are a little apprehensive to the full breast lift due to the scars (lollipop or anchor), but typically they do very well and scars fade over time.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

pj23334, I would always recommend getting a second opinion. Get a third opinion. Do your homework, read the reviews, have questions prepared for your surgeon and feel comfortable with you select. Without photographs, no medical expert could properly determine what your breasts will look like after removing your implants. Here is some information I can provide that may help!
1.) Implants have come a long way in 14 years. We use Allergan's Natrelle silicone-filled breast implants, and they include a lifetime warranty. I recommend this brand. 2.) Replacing old implant and putting in smaller implants would be a common surgery; we would need more information as to why your surgeon recommended this. 3.) Breast lifts are becoming more popular as our generation is seeking more conservative, natural results. This can usually be achieved with or without an implant.
I'm wishing you all the health and happiness in this journey. Please always feel free to ask questions! Sincerely, Dr. Eric Khairalla and the team at bodze.

An examination is needed to see if it is safe to do a lift at the same time as the removal, or wait. However, you should be able to have smaller implants inserted and have have your pockets tightened internally. If this surgeon says no, then ask why or talk to another.

Many women are able to undergo re-augmentation and/or a breast lift when older implants are removed. I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to hear varying opinions based on your exam and surgical goals.

Another opinion offers you more information to make your decision. I recommend you work with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. The amount and quality of your tissues, as well if you decide to move forward with or without implants (as well as the many implant choices) etc. will help you and your surgeon set up a quality plan that works best for you.