Over the years, a woman’s expectations and priorities may change. Breast augmentation that once perfectly matched her wishes may eventually no longer be what she wants. Some women then choose to have their breast implants removed, a procedure also known as breast implant removal or explantation.
After implant removal, one question often comes up: What will my breasts look like without implants? In some cases, implant removal alone may be sufficient. However, when the skin has been stretched or the breasts have significant sagging, a mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, may be considered to reposition the breasts and nipples.
Why Remove Breast Implants?
The decision to have breast implants removed is a personal one and may be motivated by various reasons. Some patients simply wish to return to their natural silhouette, while others notice changes over time, particularly after pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, or menopause.
Implant removal may also be considered in cases of discomfort, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or complications related to previous surgery. It may also be an option for patients experiencing symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII). In other cases, a patient may simply no longer wish to have implants.
It is important to understand that breast implant removal does not necessarily mean that a breast lift will be required. Every breast responds differently after implant removal, and the outcome depends on several factors, including the amount of existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, implant volume, and the original positioning of the implants.
What Happens After Breast Implant Removal?
Once the implants are removed, the skin and breast tissues must gradually adapt to their new volume. As a result, the breasts may temporarily appear smaller, less full, or more sagging.
In some women, the breasts gradually regain a satisfactory shape without further surgery. In others, particularly when the skin has been significantly stretched, a breast lift after implant removal may help achieve a more balanced shape.
Mastopexy primarily aims to correct breast ptosis, which refers to breast sagging. The procedure removes excess skin, repositions the nipple and areola, and restores a firmer, more aesthetically pleasing breast contour.
Breast Implant Removal and Mastopexy: A Personalized Approach
Combining breast implant removal with a mastopexy requires careful evaluation. The surgical technique depends on several factors specific to each patient.
During the consultation, Dr. Mario F. Bernier assesses the quality and quantity of breast tissue, skin elasticity, degree of breast ptosis, implant position, and whether the implants are located above or below the pectoral muscle.
The type of incision required for the breast lift also varies according to the amount of skin to be removed and the desired breast shape. Depending on the situation, incisions may be periareolar, vertical, or horizontal. The technique known as the anchor-shaped incision is used when correcting breast sagging requires more extensive skin removal.
The goal is not simply to remove the implants, but also, whenever possible, to create breasts that remain proportionate to the patient’s body shape.
Who Is a Candidate for This Surgery?
For this approach, certain criteria are particularly important.
Breast implant removal with mastopexy may be suitable for patients who:
- Are non-smokers.
- Preferably have never undergone a previous mastopexy (breast lift).
- Preferably have never undergone breast reduction surgery.
- Wish to have their implants removed and achieve a more natural breast appearance.
- Understand that the outcome depends on their anatomy, skin quality, and the amount of available breast tissue.
Smoking, including vaping and marijuana use, can impair wound healing and increase certain surgical risks. For mastopexy, Dr. Bernier recommends that patients remain non-smokers for a sufficiently long period before surgery to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications, particularly skin necrosis. This means avoiding smoking for at least six months to one year before surgery.
A medical evaluation is essential to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for each patient.
Why Might a Breast Lift Be Necessary After Implant Removal?
An implant adds volume to the breast and places tension on the skin. After several years, particularly when the implant was relatively large, the skin may remain stretched after the implant is removed.
Removing the implant alone therefore does not always correct breast sagging.
A mastopexy can help reshape the skin envelope and reposition the breast structures. The nipple and areola can be lifted to achieve a more balanced position.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the final result is not immediately visible. The breasts continue to change over the months following surgery, and the scars also continue to improve over time.
A Personalized Consultation Before Making a Decision
Breast implant removal is an important decision. It is therefore essential to understand the available options before choosing between implant removal alone and implant removal combined with a mastopexy.
In some cases, the implants can be removed without a breast lift. In other situations, a mastopexy may be recommended to correct breast ptosis and improve breast shape.
Dr. Mario F. Bernier takes a personalized approach to determine the surgical technique best suited to each patient and her anatomy. His assessment considers factors such as the amount of breast tissue, available skin, breast position, and desired outcome.
Restoring a Natural, Balanced Breast Shape
For a woman who wishes to move on from breast augmentation, breast implant removal with mastopexy may offer a way to achieve a more natural breast appearance while addressing the sagging that can occur after implant removal.
Because every situation is unique, only a consultation with a plastic surgeon can determine whether this procedure is appropriate and which technique is most likely to achieve the best possible result.
A medical evaluation with Dr. Mario F. Bernier is necessary to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this surgery. Contact our clinic.