Are textured breast implants more difficult to remove then smooth implants?

Question

Can a PS tell if my saline implants are textured/smooth? I had the BA done 12 years ago in another state and I don't remember what they are. I had a consultation to get them removed and the PS said that he would have to remove them from under the breast/through nipple (not through the old incision in armpit) because if they were textured, the implant could pull out tissue, etc. that's adhered to the implant if he tried to remove through armpit. I really don't want new scars! Thoughts?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sometimes, textured breast implants may be more adherent to the surrounding tissue than smooth implants making their removal slightly more challenging. One option for you may be to proceed with breast implant removal through the trans-axillary previous incision;  a backup plan (if intraoperative findings are that transaxillary removal is not possible) may be the use of an infra areolar or inframammary incision. Best wishes.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Whether the implants are textured or smooth, they should be fairly easy to remove. Often times when implants are being removed there are techniques to redistribute the breast volume. This cannot be done trough your transaxillary approach. Having an incision in the crease of your breast should not result in a bad scar. Best of Luck!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The surface of the implant does not make a big difference.  They both come out relatively easily.  I would not advise using your armpit incision to remove the implants due to the difficultly of that procedureDr. ES

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, textured implants may be more difficult to remove as the surface of the implants may stick to the surrounding scar tissue.  Also, textured implants do not always stick!  Smooth implants can be easily removed via the armpit incision.  Using a new scar under the fold would be perfect if you have textured implants.  However, if you are not sure of the implant type, you might try via the armpit scar first, and use a new one under the fold only if needed.  Your doctor can discuss these options with you.

Are textured breast implants more difficult to remove then smooth implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: Textured implants can be more difficult to remove

Answer: Textured implants can be more difficult to remove

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Are textured breast implants more difficult to remove then smooth implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: Textured implants can be more difficult to remove

Answer: Textured implants can be more difficult to remove

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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.