If you’re thinking about having your breast implants removed and not replaced, you’re not alone. Thousands of women seek this procedure each year—some because they’re weary of dealing with complications like capsular contracture, others because the implants themselves have ruptured and the patients do not want to invite the possibility of reoccurrence. Some women just aren’t happy with their post-op bodies, whether the implants seemed too big immediately following surgery or sagging set in as the years passed by.
If you’re considering the possibility of “explantation” with a good dose of fear, you’re also not alone. It makes sense when you think about it. When you chose to have breast augmentation, you probably felt a sense of excitement about creating the figure you always wanted. As you prepare for implant removal, you’re facing the reality that your tissues may have stretched significantly and that even though they’re smaller, your breasts may droop.
To get a sense of just how your breasts might look after explantation, consider these factors:
The size of your implants: Generally, the larger the implants, the more sagging you’ll have after they’re removed.
The quality of your skin: If your skin has lost elasticity and has stretch marks, it’s likely your breasts will droop after explantation.
Pregnancy and weight gain/loss: Multiple pregnancies and/or cycles of weight gain and loss can contribute to droopy breasts.
How long you’ve had your implants: If you realize shortly after breast augmentation that implants are not for you, your skin and breast tissue may contract back in place when your implants are removed.
You may have some additional decisions to make to get the best aesthetic result possible after implant removal. For this reason, you should consult more than one board certified plastic surgeon with experience in removing implants. You will want to listen carefully to what these surgeons recommend for you and why.
First, be prepared that they may suggest you consider replacing your implants (perhaps with a smaller size) instead of simply removing them. If this happens, it’s likely because they have witnessed some patients’ disappointment in their post-removal figures. And keep in mind that if you should choose to replace your implants, you can probably remove and replace in the same surgery (rather than needing another procedure if you change your mind later).
If you feel sure you do not want to have implants, listen to the surgeons’ evaluation of your physical characteristics. If they feel you have inelastic skin and a fair amount of natural tissue that’s saggy already, they may recommend a breast lift. There are techniques for lifting the breast from the inside and/or outside—ask what would be best for you.
If you’re younger, your skin is in pretty good shape and your implants aren’t too large, you might opt to have your implants removed and observe what happens over the following months. Some women see their remaining breast tissue and skin rebound to some extent. Your doctor can help you understand what might be possible in your case.
Finally, if you have saline implants some plastic surgeons may give you the option of deflating them to assist in decision making. You might deflate them just prior to heading into the surgical suite to get an idea about what your natural breasts look like; this may help you decide whether to have a lift performed or even a different implant inserted on the spot. Occasionally a surgeon will deflate your implants for you and send you home for a few months. After your skin and breast tissues shrink, you and your surgeon can schedule removal of the implant shells and any additional contouring you may discover you need.
Removing breast implants is often a difficult decision. If you’re unhappy with your implants but not exactly sure what you want to do, take your time. Research what other women have to say about their experiences and consult several experts. Choose the course of action you think best for your physical and emotional well being, now and far into the future.