Do Breasts Go Back to Normal After Implant Removal Surgery?
Not always. Read on to learn more about your options regarding breast implant removal surgery.
There are many reasons why a woman may decide to have her breast implants removed. These reasons range from complications surrounding Breast Implant Illness (BII), changes in the appearance of the implants, a desire to upgrade or downgrade in size/shape of implants, damaged devices, etc. Many women will wonder how their breasts will appear after breast implant removal surgery, especially if they’re not planning to replace their implants with new ones. As with most cosmetic procedures, there is no universal blueprint for success.
Breast implant removal surgery, or explant surgery, is considered major surgery, requiring a patient to go under general anesthesia for the procedure to be performed, and involves the surgical removal of breast implants following a previous breast augmentation surgery or breast reconstruction surgery. Residual scar tissue that may have formed after the initial placement of the implants is also removed.
When is Breast Implant Removal Surgery Necessary?
Since breast implants do not come with a lifetime guarantee and should be replaced every 10-15 years on average, patients may decide to exchange or upgrade to a newer set of implants or simply remove their implants without replacing them. As patients age, the outside shell may begin to break down, causing leakage and scar tissue around the implant to harden – and even hurt. The following reasons may indicate it may be time to have implants removed:
- Autoimmune complications, such as BII
- Breast are becoming heavy and uncomfortable, causing discomfort
- Patient is beginning to feel scar tissue getting tighter and harder around the implants
- Breast implants have reached/exceeded the 10-15 years’ expiration date
- There has been a rupture or leak in one or both implants
- Patient has outgrown her implants and may be looking to upgrade or downgrade in size or shape to adjust to her changing body/needs
- Patient wants to return to their natural, pre-breast augmentation look
- Capsular contracture
- Rupture or rippling of the implant(s)
Patients may also be experiencing changes to their bustline’s appearance due to:
- Natural aging process
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy
- Weight fluctuations
Breast Implant Removal and Lift
If a patient’s bustline begins to look flat after breast implant removal, they’re certainly not alone. Many women experience a saggy, droopy, or 
deflated look to their breasts as a side effect of breast implant removal surgery. This is because the implants have caused the skin on the breasts to naturally stretch to accommodate the implants, so once the implants are removed, the remaining tissue looks arguably less firm and voluptuous and more flattened. To give the breasts an elevated, more youthful-looking appearance, patients may opt to undergo a lift, or mastopexy, with their breast implant removal surgery. Breast implant removal surgery with a lift is a very common procedure and most patients are very happy with the results. Once the implants are removed, excess skin and tissue are also removed. The residual tissue is then re-shaped and sculpted for a full, firm, perky pair. A breast lift may sometimes require the nipple and areola to be repositioned for symmetry and aesthetic appeal. The result is a natural-looking, bouncier bustline that patients are often pleased with.
How Long is Recovery After Breast Implant Removal?
To ensure a smooth, successful breast implant removal recovery, regardless of whether the patient opts for new implants, a lift, or natural fat transfer, it’s imperative to adhere to the following guidelines post-op:
- Refrain from driving, lifting, and overhead reaching for at least 1-2 weeks
- Refrain from workouts and strenuous activities for up to 4 weeks
- Expect tenderness and soreness for up to 6 weeks or longer
- Follow-up with your doctor to assess progress
Do You Think You May Be a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal? Breast Implant Removal in Los Angeles
In very rare cases, the breasts will return to their original size and shape prior to breast augmentation surgery, however, in most cases, explant surgery will leave patients’ breasts saggy and droopy due to the implants stretching the skin, as well as the natural aging process. Unless the patient is looking to replace their old implants with new ones, get a lift, or undergo fat transfer, this is the most common result. Dr. Daniel Barrett has performed countless breast implant removal surgeries and can help you make an informed decision about the look and feel of your body. He has treated women with breast implant removal surgery with a lift, new implants, and even natural fat transfer to their breasts to achieve their desired breast aesthetic. If a patient is just having implants removed, the entire process may be straightforward, as the implants are removed from the breast pockets by using the same incision locations as the original breast augmentation surgery, meaning no more scars! On the other hand, when there are additional complications at hand, such as capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, or leakage, the process can become more complicated.
Dr. Barrett’s extensive experience in breast enhancement surgery and a myriad of other cutting-edge body procedures has left hundreds of highly satisfied patients loving their final look after breast implant removal surgery. We invite you to call our Beverly Hills office to speak with any one of our high-skilled, compassionate staff members to answer any questions you may have about breast implant removal surgery and to set up a consultation with Dr. Barrett to explore your options.
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