I'm considering removing my 300/325 cc silicone implants. Will they sag and will I need a breast lift? Was 32A, now 32D

Hi.  Although it's difficult to tell just through picture analysis, it looks like you have a nice shape and reasonable looking skin.  I'd try the explantaion without a breast lift - and give it 6 -8 months to see how your skin re-drapes.  You can decide if a mastopexy, with its incisional scars, is really necessary at that point.All the best,

Thank you for your question.  Based on your photos it is unlikely that you will need a lift after Explantation.

The concern of breast sagging after breast implant removal is always there. In some cases it is obvious that a lift is needed, because in some cases a lift is needed even before the implants are removed. In other cases the nipple is well placed, the skin tone is good and there is still some breast tissue to support the skin. Most cases are someplace in between. I would need to see you in person to offer any medical advice, but from your pictures, you have a good chance of nice result without a lift. If after removal there is too much sagging, you can still get a lift. The crease incision is the best one for breast implant removal, and has the most predictable cosmetic outcome in most cases. While individual results will vary, I have included a link below to my website, which includes some before and after pictures. Good luck.

There are several factors that will influence how you will appear after implant removal. Some include the size of the implants, the length of time they've been in place, and your skin elasticity. Obviously you will lose the volume from the implants, but your current nipple position does not indicate a lift would be needed. If you are noticing the implants are becoming firm or sitting higher you may have developed capsular contracture. This will influence if the capsules should be removed along with the implants. The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Given the size of your implants, you probably will contract following explant.  This may take several months but you can probably enjoy a reasonable result without a lift.

If you simply remove the breast implants your breasts will likely sag.  Usually the most cosmetically pleasing result is performing the explantation (removing of implants) and then performing a lift.  Usually some or all of the capsule is removed, but that depends on the individual and what their breasts look like.  Seek a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs a lot of revision breast surgery.  Best wishes to you 

 I am sorry to hear about the problems you have experienced after breast augmentation surgery.
Although, generally not possible to give good advice without physical examination I think in your case you will be best served with removal of implants WITHOUT mastopexy surgery. This approach will give your tissues the "benefit of the doubt” allowing the breast skin to contract back and avoid additional scarring.  I think, based on the limited information here, that you may be pleasantly surprised how good your breasts will look after breast implant removal (remembering, that it will take several months to see the outcome of the procedure).  Generally speaking what breasts look like after explantation depends 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 good idea of what to expect after the implants are removed.Consulting with a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in person will be helpful.I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast implant removal surgery concerns) helps. 

I expect that you will need a lift if you are a D cup at this point. Consider a smaller implant if you can.

Hi and thanks for your question. There are two main issues to consider in cases where implants are being removed without placing new implants. First is the breast volume. Some patients will have enough breast tissue to have a result they can be happy with. Many, however, don't have enough of their own tissue to form a breast that they will like. The other issue is nipple position. For many patients a lift is needed to bring the nipples up to a youthful, attractive place on the breast. For your particular case you have a couple of good things going for you. Your implants are on the smaller end of the size spectrum, so removing them isn't going to be a major change in volume. Next, your implants have been in for a relatively short time. The longer they are in the more you can see compression of your native breast tissue. Finally, you skin quality looks very good. When your implants are removed there is a chance your breasts may shrink down and keep a nice shape. Your best bet is to see a few plastic surgeons who can examine you and review your options. Based on the pain and the change in implant position it is likely you have a left capsular contracture. Rather than remove both implants, you might consider revision surgery to deal with the contracture and improve upon your result. Good luck to you.Dr J

I definitely would not consider a lift at the time of removal. I think if you get the implants out and wait 2-3 months for the tissues to adjust, you will be surprised at the result without a lift and will save a lot of money as well as the scars.