How Much Does Skin Retract After Implant Removal?

Question

I had my implants removed after 5 weeks. They were 286cc. I was a tight small a cup before augmentation. Although my breasts look good when I am standing, they fall over into a "puddle" of loose skin when I lie on my side. I am 6 weeks post op. I am 47 years old. How much skin retraction can I expect? Do I have any hope?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! It is difficult to assess without an in person examination or at least a photo. Generally, 5 weeks is too soon to see final results as bruising and swelling may persist. Your must give your skin and muscles ample time to heal, retract and recover. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for any additional aftercare you need for best results. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are a few factors that can impact how your breasts will look after implant removal.  Mainly included is your skin elasticity, the size of the implants, and the length of time they were in place.  The latter two factors are on your side as you had conservatively sized implants in place for only a short while.  Skin elasticity can vary.  You will see your final result six to nine months after surgery, so you still can expect some changes ahead.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

How much the skin will retract is hard to predict. If you haven't seen any improvement to date it is still possible but not terribly likely that there will be any more.
	Age and skin elasticity are predictors. How much stretching occurred at the time of implantation, and how long they were in are other factors.There is not much to do about any of these factors. 

	SIx weeks is early, so don't give up.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes, there is still “hope”; it may take several additional months ( and even up to one year) for full skin contraction to occur.

	Generally speaking, what breasts look like after removal or down sizing of breast implants will  depend on several factors such as: the quality of skin elasticity (the better the elasticity the better the skin will bounce back),  the size of the implants used (the larger the implant the more trouble you may have with redundant skin), and the amount of breast tissue present at this time (which may have changed since the time of your breast augmentation). 

	Life experience since your breast augmentation procedure, such as pregnancy or weight gain weight loss, will  potentially influence the factors discussed above. If you take these factors into consideration and apply them  to your specific circumstances you may get a better idea of what to expect after full skin contraction has occurred.
	  

	 Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Skin retraction after implant removal really depends upon your agae, quality of your skin, genetics, how long the implants were in, what you started out at, how large the implants were, and how long sicne the surgery. Six weeks is still early, give it more time.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

While you are in the healing phase, be sure to wear a tight sports bra to help the skin retract. It takes 6 to 9 weeks to heal . If you are left with excess skin, consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) to discuss if you are a candidate for a Breast Lift ( Mastopexy).

How Much Does Skin Retract After Implant Removal?

Answers (6)