breast implants

DO I NEED A LIFT WHEN REMOVING BREAST IMPLANTS?

breast implantsRemoving breast implants is sometimes desirable under different circumstances. Most women with breast implants are happy with the result. Therefore, they usually maintain their position throughout their life. However, there are certain instances when it is desirable to have them taken out.

Long term presence of breast implants, especially if they are large, can have the same or similar effect that weight loss. Or, the effect multiple pregnancies can have on the breast. Therefore, just as with weight loss or multiple pregnancies the removal of long-standing breast implants may create a similar excess skin effect on the breast. Therefore, when I do consultations on patients who want to remove their breast implants and not replace them then we must have a conversation about whether excess skin will be present.

Just as with multiple pregnancies or large weight loss, skin elasticity of the breast can receive damage. Therefore, the possibility of perkiness after implant removal may be less than optimal. Depending upon the size of the implant that is present varying degrees of predictable sagginess may be present. This potential for sagging breasts after implant removal may require a breast lift.

Breast Lift – Is it Necessary?

The distance from the sternal notch to the nipple will help determine whether a breast lift will be beneficial following breast implant removal. I always perform these measurements during the consultation and physical examination. This occurs when I consult with a patient who desires their an implant removal. Also, the tissue diameter around the nipple or the areola must also be taken into consideration. One of the secondary benefits of creating a lift or perkier breasts is also to reduce, if necessary the diameter of the areola.

There is no guarantee that once the implants are taken out the remaining skin will shrink appropriately. Therefore a breast lift should be a matter of discussion and taken into consideration.

THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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