Patients sometimes ask, “Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?” Such questions are common for anyone considering whether to have their implants removed.
We want all of our patients to feel healthy and confident as they navigate these highly personal decisions. We hope this guide will help you make the right decision for yourself. Keep in mind that this article isn’t a substitute for individualized medical care. Discuss these matters with a board-certified plastic surgeon as some surgical procedures are not suitable for each individual.
Most people who opt for augmentation keep their implants long-term as they love the look and feel. Since breast augmentation is such a popular procedure, the success rate is typically high.
Some patients have implants removed so they can replace them with new implants, change the type of implant or change the implant size. Your appearance and breasts change in time, so we understand that your preferences may also change.
Sometimes someone chooses to completely remove their implants. They changed their mind, their breasts changed in time, or they have a medical reason they need to remove the implants.
Whatever the reason, we are here to ensure our patients have the best experience possible. In some cases, the best results and experience may come from the combination breast implant removal and breast lift.
About Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Whether you have saline or silicone breast implants, they may be removed surgically. During the procedure, your surgeon may also remove any scar tissue. Sometimes patients opt to replace the implants, while other times, they don’t. Talk with your surgeon about your options and what you prefer.
The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia. The combined breast implant removal and breast lift procedures typically take around 3 to 4 hours. Since you have had an augmentation, you are likely familiar with what surgery entails though each procedure is different.
People choose to remove implants for a range of reasons, each as individual as the person. Some of those reasons include:
- Feeling unhappy with the size or overall look of the implants.
- Preferring to return to a “more natural” looking size and shape.
- Changes in the look of the breasts due to aging, breastfeeding, weight gain, or weight loss.
- Change in aesthetic goals or personal preference.
- Change in lifestyle that resulted in larger breasts interfering with work or physical activity.
- Capsular contracture or hardening of scar tissue may sometimes alter the shape or appearance of one or both breasts.
- Developing an asymmetrical appearance possibly due to leaking or rupture of one implant.
In some cases, implant removal may be necessary due to health or medical issues including:
- Calcium buildup near or surrounding the implant.
- The implant moved or shifted.
- A rare but serious condition known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
- Back or neck discomfort from the weight of the breasts.
- Deflated silicone implant.
If you need to remove your implants for medical reasons, you may feel uneasy about how your breasts will look after the operation. You are not alone. Many share these same concerns. You may be relieved to learn that a breast lift may resolve some of your concerns about your appearance after the implants are removed.
Whether you have your implants removed for medical or cosmetic reasons, some women find their breasts sag more than they prefer after the removal procedure. The degree of sag may vary depending on the size of the implants, skin elasticity, body type, and genetics. Ask an experienced surgeon what they anticipate in your situation.
Many women choose to counteract it with a breast lift along with removing their implants. A breast lift often restores their confidence in their appearance.
Will I Need a Breast Lift After Breast Implant Removal?
During a breast lift operation, a cosmetic surgeon repositions the breasts and removes any excess skin. As a result, the breasts appear to sit higher on the chest.
People seek breast lifts for a variety of reasons, including rapid weight loss, restoring the breast’s appearance after childbirth or aging, and after implant removal surgery.
During a breast lift operation, your surgeon will also reshape the breast tissue which improves the sensation of firmness as well as the overall contour.
Unfortunately, all breasts will start to sag over time. Cosmetic surgery including breast lift surgery can mitigate some of the natural effects of aging and gravity.
Breast lifts also may improve the appearance of stretched nipples. Afterward, many people feel their breasts look more youthful and attractive.
Some who would prefer to keep their implants but had them removed for health, are surprised and delighted that they like the uplifted appearance just as much as they liked their previous augmentation.
A breast lift may create a fuller, rounder appearance of the breasts even though it isn’t actually adding size in the same way an implant would. For some, that roundness and uplifted appearance are enough to satisfy their aesthetic goals.
Each individual is different, so please discuss your wishes, concerns, and feelings with your medical provider. Ask them about the results you may be able to realistically expect. chances are they have worked with patients with needs and similar body types.
At Charlotte Plastic Surgery we are happy to talk with patients without judgment, discuss options, and help our patients navigate these decisions.
Many are surprised when they learn what is possible with today’s plastic surgery.
Next Steps: Whether You Keep or Remove Breast Implants
The decision to keep or remove your implants is highly personal. Over time your preferences or your health may change even if you have always been happy with your augmentation. We always strive to meet you where you are and do what best meets your needs.
Since 1951, Charlotte Plastic Surgery transformed Charlotte, NC area residents’ appearance with a range of cosmetic procedures. With this accumulated experience, our physicians are here for you whether you seek breast implants, implant removal, or a breast lift.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover why Charlotte-area residents trust us with their appearance and health.
