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!

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.

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.

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.

How much breast tissue do I have? (Photo)

Answers (5)