If you’re thinking about having your breast implants removed, there are a few things to consider before you decide to go ahead with your procedure. In this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Implant Removal Without Lift, Can you remove implants without a lift, What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced, and How serious is breast implant removal?
In this guide, we review the aspects of Breast Implant Removal Without Lift, Can you remove implants without a lift, What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced, and How serious is breast implant removal?
Breast Implant Removal Without Lift
When you have a breast implant and you want it removed, it’s likely that you’ll have to go under the knife again. However, if your breasts are fairly small or if they’ve lost volume over time due to weight loss or breastfeeding, it may be possible to remove your old implants without having any additional surgery. This is called explant surgery, which involves removing your breast implants through an incision in the breast fold where they were placed during surgery.
Breast Implant Removal Without Lift
Breast implant removal without lift is a good option for women who want to improve the appearance of their breasts with implants. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in America, but not everyone has made a lifelong commitment to their new look. If you’re considering breast implant removal without lift and are wondering what to expect during recovery, read on!
There are two main methods doctors use when removing breast implants: explantation surgery or an incision around each breast (a capsulotomy). In both cases, it can take anywhere from six months up to two years before you see your final results—but if you’re looking for natural-looking breasts that don’t need any additional procedures afterward (i.e., no lift), then this method may be right for you. When it comes down to choosing between saline vs silicone fillers and which type will be best suited
Recovering from Explant Surgery
Pain management
After surgery, you will have a surgical drain placed in your breast. This is a small tube that will be used to help remove any fluids from your incision site. A nurse will remove the drain before you leave the hospital and it should come out easily. You may have some swelling or bruising in the area where the drain was put in, but this should go away within a few days.
If you’re having an expander removed, there are still some things to consider. The expander is larger than your natural breast tissue so it can take longer for your body to heal around it compared to implant removal only (breast removal). In addition, because of its size and shape, it may be more difficult for your body to heal correctly around this device than smaller implants alone would be (breast explantation only). If either of these describe you or if there are other factors that raise concerns about removing an expander safely—such as pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes—then talk with your surgeon about whether this type of procedure would work well for you at all!
What To Expect During Implant Removal Without Lift
The removal of breast implants without a lift is performed through an incision in the armpit, which is closed with stitches. You may have a drain in your armpit for a few days.
You’ll experience some swelling and bruising after the procedure. You may also experience pain, which can be managed through medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants for Revision & Removal
You may be wondering, “What are the pros and cons of saline vs. silicone implants?”
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water (saline) and can be inserted through a small incision in your breast. They have a natural feel, but have less volume than silicone implants. Saline implants are also known for their safety record when it comes to ruptures or leaks, but they’re more likely to cause capsular contracture than silicone implants. Capsular contracture is an inflammation of scar tissue inside the breast capsule that can cause pain and loss of breast shape over time.
Silicone gel-filled breast implants were first introduced in 1962 by Dow Corning Corporation as an alternative to saline filled breasts. These types of artificial breasts consist of a thin silicone shell filled with liquid silicone gel; this gel gives them their shape after implantation into your body during surgery—and if there are any issues later down the road (for example: capsular contracture), they can usually be removed without having your breast re-operated on again!
How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon for Implant Removal
When looking for a plastic surgeon to perform your breast implant removal, it is important to find one with experience in the procedure. A board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery can help you determine the best way to remove your implants.
The following are some important things to look for when choosing a breast surgeon:
- Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery or other recognized boards
- Experience performing breast implant removals and revisions
- Experience with different types of implants (gummy bear, saline, silicone) and different sizes
- Experience performing both augmentation and reduction procedures
Breast implant removal without lift is a good option if you’re looking to improve the appearance of your breasts with implants.
Breast implant removal without lift is a good option if you’re looking to improve the appearance of your breasts with implants. The procedure can be done in one surgery and is usually recommended for women who want smaller breasts, but still have some breast tissue left.
Breast implant removal without lift is also a good option for women who are having other procedures at the same time (such as liposuction). In this case, it’s easier to have both procedures done at once than to have them done separately.
Can you remove implants without a lift
Over time, women start to notice sagging and excess skin on the breasts, which can be attributed to collagen loss, weakening of the skin and connective tissues, weight fluctuation, or pregnancy. Women experiencing these problems may wish to undergo a breast lift to restore the youthful position of breasts while also improving their contour.
But since you’ve already undergone a breast augmentation, the general question that follows is, “can you have a breast lift with pre-existing implants?” Here, we’ll take a look at what a breast lift is and what can be done when you already have implants.
About Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery, also known as “mastopexy,” is the best option for patients who want to improve their breasts’ shape and position without increasing breast size. The breast lift operation may be done using several different techniques, depending on the surgeon. An incision will be made around the areola, and excess skin will then be removed, uplifting the skin below the breasts and shifting the nipple and areola to a more elevated position. The procedure can also reduce the size of overly large areolas.
Breast Lift After Breast Augmentation
Women who undergo breast augmentation with implants often don’t require a breast lift at the time of their enhancement. However, due to breast volume changes as the years go by, the breasts can start to sag and lose their shape. You may desire a breast lift to restore a more youthful and beautiful bust line. But if you’ve already had a breast augmentation, the essential question to consider is, “can a lift still be done?” Well, it all depends.
Can You Have A Breast Lift with Pre-Existing Implants?
If your implants are in good shape and are not causing any problems, your surgeon can do a breast lift without any issues. This means that there cannot be any hardening of the implants, and they still need to be mobile so that the surgeon can reposition them during the lift. However, keep in mind that your surgeon may recommend having a breast implant replacement at the time of a breast lift procedure.
It is always best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon when contemplating a breast lift or any other cosmetic surgery. The surgeon can conduct a full evaluation and determine the best suitable option for you.
Doctors will often suggest replacing implants if they are over 12 years old. Breast implants are not meant to last forever, and older implants are prone to rupture, so your doctor may recommend a replacement.
Breast Lift Surgery with Dr. Zochowski
Dr. Christopher Zochowski’s extensive education and masterful techniques have made him a trusted choice for plastic surgery in Ohio. With a specialized focus and expertise is the areas of breast augmentation and breast reconstruction, his skill set will ensure that your aesthetics goals are reached safely and effectively. For more information about a breast lift with pre-existing implants, schedule a consultation with Zochowski Plastic & Reconstructive surgery today.
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced
If you are considering undergoing either a breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery, you are probably wondering whether breast implants are lasting. You may wonder whether they can rip, decompress, or maybe even cause health complications. These are all questions that you should definitely ask your surgeon prior to surgery.
One simple answer is that it varies on a case to case basis. The sustainability of your breast implants depends largely on your lifestyle and the patient’s body. In some cases, the implant type as well as how carefully the surgery was done may also have an effect. Most women typically have the wrong idea of how long breast implants last.
One common myth is that breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years. The idea of possibly having to spend a large sum, as well as make time for recovery, again in the somewhat near future leads many women to reconsider their procedure. However, the idea that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years is false.
How long your implants last depends on your body and the type of implant. Each implant has its own life span and it is important to note that these are only estimates. It is not guaranteed to last for, for example, 20 years. However, it is not uncommon for women to choose to replace or remove their implants in order to achieve an updated look.
It is estimated that the average life span of your typical breast implant will last 10-20 years without having any complications. The FDA reports that only a mere 20% of women had complications before reaching the 10-year mark.
There are risks for all surgeries and procedures. With breast augmentation or reconstruction comes the risk of implant ruptures and leaks. However, if this does occur, surgery is not needed right away for medicinal reasons. These leaks are potentially harmless, however, you may want to have your implant replaced for cosmetic purposes.
The most common reason for the implant to rupture is time, although mammograms and trauma to the breasts have been known causes as well. With saline implants, any leaking fluids are automatically absorbed by the body, however, silicone implants have more durability. Even if the silicone implants rupture, the silicone will stay inside the implant.
If your saline implant has ruptured, you may notice an obvious change in the appearance of your breasts. With silicone implants, this may be trickier and it is recommended to undergo an MRI every few years. This will show if your silicone implants have ruptured.
Capsular contracture is another common reason for having your implants replaced. Because your implants are a foreign body, your body may form scar tissues around them. If the scar tissue becomes extremely thick, the implant may become painful.
The case of this condition depends on your body. For instance, one case of capsular contracture could have a slight effect on the implants, whereas the other could result in swollen, painful breasts.
This is treated by removing the implants and scar tissue and possibly replacing them if you still wish to have implants. Your surgeon will place the implants into a new pocket of your breasts.
The last reason for undergoing an implant replacement is age. Aging has natural effects onn the breasts. They may sag and the implant may become noticeable. This is due to hormonal changes within the body.
In addition, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also alter the appearance of the breasts. These reasons may have women undergoing the procedure in order to restore their breasts.
How serious is breast implant removal
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Yarinsky, explains that while breast implants last for many years, they should not be considered lifetime medical devices. They can rupture or leak, and saline implants may deflate. Capsular contracture may also occur, which is shrinkage of natural scar tissue that your body produces around any implanted medical device. This may result in firm or hard breasts or a deformity which you can feel or see. Since the implants are not designed to last a lifetime, they may need to be replaced after about 10 to 15 years on average. With that said, if implants are “up and running,” are intact, and not creating any problems, there is no need to replace them. We have many patients who have had their implants for over 20 years without problems.
If hard breasts or capsular contracture develops, treatment options include removal of the thick scar capsule with or without replacement of the implants. If saline implants rupture, the salt water filling in the implants is resorbed, resulting in a “flat tire” appearance. Leaving deflated saline implants in place can result in further capsular or scar tissue contracture and visible deformity of the breasts. So, it is recommended to have saline implants replaced within a month or two of deflation. If silicone gel-filled implants (also known as “gummy bears”) rupture, no change in breast shape or size may be seen, but the affected breast may feel softer. Therefore, after silicone gel implant placement, a breast ultrasound or MRI study should be done every 5 to 7 years to rule out a “silent rupture.” If the shell of a silicone gel implant breaks, loose silicone oil can escape. While there is no scientifically recognized harm to the body from loose silicone gel, the implants are designed and approved by the FDA to be used with an intact shell surrounding the gel fill material. Though there may be no change in the breast appearance, out of an abundance of precaution and with patient safety first in mind, it is recommended that broken gel implants be replaced or, if desired, removed without replacement.
As some patients consider getting their implants removed—whether due to a mechanical complication such as implant shell breakage, capsular contracture or personal choice—the question often arises of whether they should exchange their implants or return to their natural breast size.
Enlarging breasts with implants stretches the overlying breast skin envelope, increasing the amount of breast skin. If implants are removed without replacement, there is often a breast volume and skin mismatch causing breast droopiness or “ptosis.” Due to this fact, for those interested in breast implant removal without replacement, their breasts may not look the same as they did before undergoing breast augmentation. A woman’s age, implant size, and the length of time implants are present can all cause changes that may not be noticeable until the implants have been removed. For instance, the weight of a larger implant and gravity effects over the course of several years can gradually cause the skin and breast ligaments to stretch, leading to sagging tissue.
For those women who choose to remove implants without replacement, to address the loose skin breast ptosis that results, Dr. Yarinsky often recommends a breast lift to remove redundant loose skin and tighten the ligaments. This helps to produce a more youthful and shapelier breast appearance, avoiding a “deflated” look. Women who have good breast skin elasticity and smaller implants may find that after implant removal their breasts return to a similar size and shape as they had before breast augmentation.
The best way to know how your breasts will look after breast implant removal without a replacement is to schedule a personalized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Yarinsky utilizes Crisalix 3D and 4D imaging technology to help patients by simulating and previewing their projected results.
If you would like to learn more about this type of breast revision surgery with or without an implant exchange, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Yarinsky. He will help you understand what you can realistically expect after implant replacement or removal, and how to achieve results that help you to feel beautiful and confident.