Will I Need a Breast Lift if I Want My Implants Removed?
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Breast implant removal is gaining popularity as more women doubt their desire for breast implants. Every woman turns to this surgery for their own reason. While some opt for this secondary breast surgery soon after their initial breast augmentation, others wait several years for the revision.
The longer a woman has breast implants, especially large ones, the more likely they are to have breast sagging once the implants are removed. When this is the case, a breast lift may be considered.
Why Do Women Opt for Breast Implant Removal?
Women turn to breast implant removal for many reasons. These include:
- A change of lifestyle/personal choice
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Rippling
- Distortion or asymmetry
What After Effects Can Happen With Breast Implant Removal?
After the removal of a breast implant, the breasts will obviously lose volume. But there’s more to it than that. The patient can experience the following:
- Deflated-looking breasts
- Excess skin
- Sagging glandular tissues
- Lower-placed or downward-pointing areolas and nipples
- Skin rippling
These issues can mean a less pleasing appearance and may hinder self-esteem, whether wearing revealing clothing or simply looking at your body in front of a mirror.
Given the potential changes listed above, many women choose a breast lift with their implant removal to maintain a pleasing, youthful-looking breast appearance.
Let’s look at what a breast lift (mastopexy) entails.
Will a Breast Lift Make My Breasts Look Larger?
No plastic surgery procedure raises, restores perkiness, or improves the tone of the breasts like a lift does; however, the one thing that a breast lift cannot accomplish is a volume change.
A breast lift will create a more compact breast shape; it will not increase or significantly decrease its volume. However, because a breast lift repositions the tissues, areolas, and nipples, the breasts will look more youthful and tighter (even without an implant).
For women who still desire extra volume, breast implant exchange can be performed at the same time as the removal and lift.
What Does a Breast Lift Involve?
A breast lift involves removing excess skin, tightening the glandular tissues, and raising the breasts.
Breast implant removal isn’t the only reason women undergo breast lift surgery. Time, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or having very large breasts all contribute to drooping breasts and, thus, a desire for a breast lift.
A basic breast lift includes the following steps:
- The patient receives anesthesia. Breast lift surgery is nearly always performed under general (“sleeping”) anesthesia.
- An incision around the areola often extends down the lower pole of the breast and across the crease. Different types of incisions may be made, depending upon the extent of the sagging.
- Underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped for a pleasing appearance.
- The nipple and areola, which often remain attached during the procedure, are repositioned.
- Excess skin is removed.
- The incisions are closed.
You’ll be given instructions before the surgery (such as having certain lab tests done), as well as instructions, medications, and compression garments for after your surgery.
Be sure to follow all post-operative instructions, as your recovery and the success of your surgery depend on this.
Can You Get a Breast Lift as Part of a Mommy Makeover?
With lifestyle changes, including the birth of a child, some women wish to have their implants removed.
Implant removal with a lift can be a confidence-enhancing part of a Mommy Makeover. This surgery may also include the following:
- A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction contouring of the back, hips, buttocks, or any body area that has excess pockets of fat
Your plastic surgeon can discuss these and any other procedures you’d like to have to look and feel your very best.
Is Breast Lift Surgery Painful?
Any surgery will involve a recovery time that can include bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Your recovery will depend upon several key factors, including:
- Your general health before the surgery
- How many procedures you have done at the same time
- Your body’s own repair process
- How well you adhere to the post-operative instructions you are given
- Proper rest and recovery
If you’re experiencing excessive discomfort or have been feeling better and suddenly feel warm, run a temperature, or experience more pain than before, call your doctor. They can help determine what’s going on so you can heal as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line on Breast Lift After Breast Implant Removal
Whether or not you have a breast lift after removing your implants is a personal choice. Some women, especially those with smaller implants, may feel happy with their post-removal breasts. Others experience sagging that they are not happy with and opt for a breast lift.
Remember to have realistic expectations. You can discuss possible outcomes with Dr. Alexander so that you know what to expect from your breast lift after implant removal. With this combination, you can be closer than ever to a body you are happy with, whether you have breast implants or not.
Interested in a Breast Lift?
If you are struggling with drooping breasts, with or without implant removal, a breast lift may be able to help lift and reshape the breasts. Contact Dr. George Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada, to learn more about this enhancement procedure. Call us at (702) 242-6776 or fill out our online contact form.
