Why Combine a Breast Lift With Breast Implant Removal?

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When considering a breast implant removal procedure, keep in mind that when you initially increased the size of your breasts, the skin had to go through the drop and fluff phase. 

This process involves the skin and muscle tissue stretching to accommodate the breast implant and allowing a natural positioning.

If you remove the implants without a breast lift, you may be left with smaller breasts that sag (particularly if your implants were large and you had them for years). If needed, a plastic surgeon will recommend this additional technique if you want to remove your breast implants without replacement. 

Even if you are planning on replacing them at any time, your plastic surgeon will advise you about the need for a lift based on your unique case.

5 Reasons You Might Consider Breast Implant Removal

All women are unique, and so are their circumstances. There are a number of reasons that you may want to have your breast implants removed.

1. Your Ideal Shape Has Changed

Many women desire larger breasts at some point in their life, but as they say, it’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind. 

As you mature, your ideas about your ideal body shape don’t always stay the same. Additionally, it is not uncommon for women to get implants early in adulthood, only to experience natural weight gain (or a size increase due to pregnancy) later, making their breasts larger than they would then like.

While weight gain and pregnancy will not impact the implants themselves, these changes will impact the skin and tissues around the implants, potentially changing the way the implants sit and feel in the chest.

2. You Don’t Want Additional Surgeries in the Future

Breast implants are not life time devices and will need to be replaced in the future. Often women will decide to remove their implants now so as not to have additional surgeries when they are in their 60’s, 70’s, or 80’s.

3. You Have Capsular Contracture

Scar tissue will develop around an implant (just like it would around any foreign object placed in the body). In some cases, this scar tissue hardens and squeezes the implant, causing pain and a distorted appearance. 

This condition — known as capsular contracture — requires breast implant removal and capsulectomy to remove the implant and scar tissue.

4. You Experience an Implant Rupture

Implants are not foolproof, and rupture can occur when the implant shell weakens and develops a tear, allowing the contents to escape. 

If sudden asymmetry between the breasts occurs, this may be a sign of rupture, and the implants should be removed.

While saline implant ruptures are noticeable to the naked eye within a day or so, silicone ruptures are much more challenging to diagnose since the cohesive silicone often stays within the shell (silent rupture). It is for this reason that women with silicone implants are required to undergo MRIs periodically to check on the health and integrity of the implant.

5. You Have a Fear of Breast Implant Illness

While not yet scientifically proven, breast implant illness has some women worried that their implants might contribute to various symptoms like weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain.

Whatever your reason is to want your breast implants removed, the last thing you desire is for your breasts to sag. Be sure to discuss having a lift along with your implant removal surgery.

How Does the Breast Implant Removal Process Work?

If you are a non-smoker who is relatively healthy, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. If you smoke, you will need to quit weeks before your surgery and up to one year if you choose a breast lift procedure.

You will be instructed to avoid medications and supplements that increase bleeding risks and undergo preoperative testing to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.

Breast implant removal is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will need to arrange for a ride home. 

Before, During, and After Your Surgery

• Before your surgery, you will be administered general anesthesia. 
• An appropriate incision is made, and the implants are removed. The lift portion of your surgery involves the sculpting of the tissue and the removal of excess skin. This re-contouring of the breasts will leave them perkier and more youthful.
• You will be given instructions for post-operative care and will most likely be asked to wear a compression garment or support bra to help reduce swelling. 

Without a lift, many women are left with breasts that sag or are misshapen. A breast lift can tighten the breast tissues and lift your breasts back into a natural position to reduce these concerns. 

Interested in Breast Implant Removal? Learn More Today

At Dr. Alexander and Co., Dr. Alexander is a well-respected board-certified plastic surgeon serving Las Vegas. He offers top-quality breast surgeries, including breast augmentation, lift, removal, and more.

Call us today at (702) 625-4233 to learn more, or scroll down to schedule a consultation.