How much breast tissue do I have? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I recently had an MRI of my breasts and also met with a breast surgeon (not a plastic surgeon-I'm waiting for my consult in 3 months) who advised me that my MRI images can assist the PS in determining how much breast tissue I have. My silicone implants were placed under the muscle 22 years ago and I've gained maybe 40 pounds since then so am assuming I may have more tissue now as opposed to then when I was 20 and weighed much less. TIA!

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi there &mdash; this is a great question, and yes, your MRI is actually one of the best tools we have to estimate how much natural breast tissue you have.What MRI can (and can’t) tell usAn MRI doesn’t give an exact number in grams or cc’s, but it very clearly shows the relationship between:Your implantYour native breast tissueSkin thicknessFat distributionMuscle position (especially important since yours are under the muscle)On MRI, plastic surgeons look at:Thickness of tissue over the implant (especially upper pole)How much glandular vs fatty tissue is presentWhether the tissue is evenly distributed or concentrated lower downHow much of the breast shape is implant-driven vs tissue-drivenThis is far more informative than photos alone.Has your breast tissue likely increased since age 20?Very likely, yes.Since your implants were placed:You’ve gained ~40 lbsFat distribution in the breast often increases with weight gainOver time, breast tissue commonly becomes more fatty and more abundant, even if glandular tissue stays similarSo it’s common for patients who had very little tissue at 20 to have significantly more tissue decades later.Why this matters for surgical planningKnowing how much tissue you have helps determine:Whether explant alone would look acceptableWhether a Push-Up–style lift could reshape your own tissueWhether fat transfer would be effectiveWhether implants are still needed at allIn other words, MRI helps answer:*How much of my breast shape can my own tissue support?Your breast surgeon is correctEven though they’re not a plastic surgeon, they’re absolutely right &mdash; MRI images are extremely helpful for your upcoming consult and will allow your plastic surgeon to give you much more accurate expectations.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

HI Jessica.  True, one can see the amount of breast tissue on an MRI...though a thorough in person examination can do close to the same. You appear to have a decent amount of tissue of your own....you are about 50/50 implant/tissue. With a proper breast lift, you will likely have an excellent result.

Shaher W. Khan, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Please see the attached video to discuss your question. There are many different factors that would go into how much breast tissue you have remaining. Including inflammation, swelling, age, and weight, for example. During explant surgery, the breast tissue should not be touched or removed.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

The MRI would show how much breast tissue you have but this is also easily discernible on exam.  With explant the excess skin can become problematic and form deforming adhesions.  In most cases replacing some of the missing implant volume with a fat transfer or removing excess skin with a breast lift will yield a much better cosmetic result.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It is possible for the radiologist to actually quantitate the size of your breasts and implants. It looks like 3/4th of your breast is implant ad 1/4th is natural tissue. If you undergo explantation, your breasts will be much smaller and hang. At the time of explantation, I recommend a breast lift. The technique I recommend is explantation with 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. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breast tissue is the dark area between the skin and the implants. Most of your volume is implants. what you can pinch over the implant is what you have.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the imaging submitted it appears the majority of the breast consists of the implant with maybe 20-30% being native breast tissue.  When the implants are removed you will lose this volume.  Your surgeon will likely recommend a lift in order to establish a nice shape after explant.

How much breast tissue do I have? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Breast Implant Removal Questions

Pectoral/chest pain 2 years after explant/lift with muscle repair, any advice?

6 months post-op 550cc implant removal, 1 breast has line/adhesion that won’t relax, will it settle? (Photo)

Will a breast lift correct asymmetry after explant? (photos)

I want to get my implants removed - should I do a lift at the same time or is it best to wait and lift later? (Photo)

A to C, 305cc 2 years ago & regretted soon after - at what point do concave ribs happen? (Photo)

5'10, 180lbs, cohesive implants 6 months ago - double bubble or bottoming out? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS