Women undergo breast implant removal surgery for a variety of reasons. Some simply desire to return to a more natural-looking aesthetic, while others have experienced complications such as capsular contracture and BII that have made implant removal a medical necessity. Regardless of the reason for explantation, most women are concerned about how their breasts will look after implant removal. After all, they’ve enjoyed an enhanced and ultra-feminine aesthetic for years, and the idea of going back to sagging or deflated breasts can be daunting.
Fortunately, there are many options for reshaping the chest after breast implant removal surgery. The remaining breast tissue can be manipulated to provide rounded, attractive breast mounds that fit perfectly with all your favorite wardrobe options.
Accepting change
After breast implant removal, it’s important that women understand that their breasts may not go back to looking exactly the same as they did prior to their augmentation procedure. Factors that can affect the breast appearance over time include:
- Genetics
- Skin quality and elasticity
- The way the breasts changed after augmentation
- The weight of the implants you chose
- Whether the implants were placed in a sub-muscular or sub-glandular position
- How often you wear a bra
- How long the implants have been in place
- Lifestyle factors
- Weight fluctuations
- Age
- Number of pregnancies
- How long you breastfed
- Hormonal shifts
All of these factors can make it a complex endeavor to deliver natural-looking, elegant results after breast implant removal. This is why it’s so important to choose a plastic surgeon with proven results and positive testimonials.
Undergoing a breast lift after breast implant removal
Because the breasts have likely stretched out over time with implants, it is unlikely that they will contract back to their pre-augmentation shape and size. A breast lift can help maximize your explantation outcome by trimming excess skin, elevating the breast mounds, and repositioning the nipples in a more youthful location.
You can benefit from a breast lift if:
- You chose implants that were larger than your natural breasts
- You had implants for many years
- You were experiencing breast ptosis even before your augmentation procedure
- You were previously pregnant or nursing
- Your nipples are facing downward or droop below the breast crease
- You’ve undergone significant weight fluctuations
- Your breasts are not sitting in an ideal location on the chest wall
- You have stretch marks that you feel self-conscious about
Mastopexy can be performed at the same time as breast implant removal or as a stand-alone procedure. If the two treatments are performed simultaneously, it can reduce your recovery time and ensure a great deal of precision and control for the plastic surgeon.
Undergoing fat transfer after breast implant removal
During fat transfer, fat cells are extracted from donor regions, such as the thighs, belly, or hips. These fat cells are then carefully sterilized and purified, readying them for transfer to areas that require more volume. Fat transfer after breast implant removal is an excellent way to boost your cup size with subtle, nuanced results. The procedure can help to give the breasts more feminine, rounded contours and balance any breast asymmetry. Many women are turning to fat transfer breast augmentation today to avoid the potential complications of implants and obtain an outcome that will last a lifetime.
What is the takeaway?
While you may feel anxious worrying about how your breasts will look after implant removal, the reality is that today’s advanced techniques allow for a seamless transition to a more organic-looking aesthetic. Your plastic surgeon can utilize mastopexy and fat transfer to reshape the chest, elevating sagging breast mounds, and ensuring a youthful and inviting final result. If you are putting off explantation due to cosmetic concerns about going implant-free, schedule a confidential consultation with your provider today and discover your options for a more natural upper body look.
