Key Takeaways:
- Breast implant removal can result in a flatter appearance, with a significant reduction in cleavage and upper pole fullness.
- The degree of change depends on factors like implant size, duration, and your natural breast tissue.
- Breast tissue naturally changes over time, affecting the post-removal appearance.
Many women who consider breast implant removal are concerned about how their breasts will look afterward. This is a common question and an important aspect to discuss when planning the procedure. As a plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL, I’ve helped many patients navigate this decision and understand what to expect.
What Happens to Your Breasts After Implant Removal?
Breast implants add volume and fullness to the breasts, enhancing cleavage and the upper pole. When implants are removed, this added volume is lost. The extent to which your breasts will look flat after removal depends on several factors:
- Implant Size: Larger implants tend to stretch the breast tissue more, and their removal can result in a more noticeable change.
- Duration: The longer the implants have been in place, the more the breast tissue may have adapted or changed.
- Natural Breast Tissue: Your natural breast tissue and its ability to rebound after implant removal play a significant role. If you had small breasts before augmentation, you might experience a more pronounced flattening effect.
Factors Influencing Post-Removal Appearance
Several factors influence how your breasts will look after implant removal:
- Implant Size and Volume: Larger implants cause more stretching and thinning of the breast tissue. When removed, this can lead to a more significant reduction in volume and fullness.
- Duration of Implant Use: The longer the implants have been in place, the more likely it is that your natural breast tissue has undergone changes, such as thinning or stretching.
- Natural Breast Tissue: If you naturally had a significant amount of breast tissue, the change might be less noticeable compared to someone with less natural tissue.
- Skin Quality: Skin elasticity and quality affect how well your breasts can reshape themselves post-removal. Younger patients with better skin elasticity tend to have better outcomes.
As we age, our breast tissue changes. It becomes more fatty and less glandular and fibrous. These natural changes can influence how your breasts look after implant removal. Additionally, factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and hormonal changes can also impact the breast tissue and skin quality.
A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal highlighted that larger volume implants could reduce the actual breast tissue (parenchyma) by about 12%. This reduction is significant and can affect the post-removal appearance, making it crucial to consider implant size and duration of use.
Potential Solutions and Considerations
Mastopexy (Breast Lift) – For those concerned about a flatter appearance, a mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed simultaneously with implant removal. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens the surrounding tissue, and lifts the breasts to a more youthful position.
Fat Grafting – Another option is fat grafting, where fat from another part of your body is used to add volume to the breasts. This technique can help restore some fullness and improve the overall contour of the breasts.
Smaller Implants – If you’re not ready to remove the implants entirely but want a smaller size, replacing your current implants with smaller ones can also be an option. This approach can reduce the impact on your breast tissue while still maintaining some volume and shape.
Consultation and Personalized Approach
It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. During this consultation, we will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and overall health to determine the best approach for your breast implant removal.
Every patient is unique, and individual assessment is crucial in planning the surgery. We will consider your medical history, previous surgeries, and specific concerns to create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals.
Breast implant removal can result in a flatter appearance, but the extent varies based on individual factors. By understanding these factors and exploring options like mastopexy or fat grafting, you can achieve a satisfying outcome. As a plastic surgeon in Tampa, FL, I am committed to helping you navigate this process and achieve the best possible results.
If you’re considering breast implant removal and want to understand what to expect, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me at Politis Plastic Surgery. Together, we can develop a plan tailored to your needs and goals.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Effie Politis, please contact our office:
Call us at: (813) 542 – 2587
Visit us: 5016 West Cypress Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607
References:
- Politis Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Breast Augmentation. Retrieved from https://politisplasticsurgery.com/breast/breast-augmentation/
- Politis Plastic Surgery. (n.d.). Breast Implant Removal. Retrieved from https://politisplasticsurgery.com/breast/breast-implant-removal/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Breast Augmentation. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Breast Augmentation Procedure Steps. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/procedure
- Breastcancer.org. (n.d.). Breast Implant Removal. Retrieved from https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/breast-implant-removal
