My Implants Are Out-Now What?

Many of our patients ask about removing their breast implants but it is very important to have a discussion about what we will do after your implants are removed. Let’s go thru some of the options.

1. Do nothing. This is the simplest option. Some patients are perfectly happy with this option. You will be flat or indented and may have some loose skin or sagging. If there is a large amount of skin, you may want to have some of the skin removed.

2. Breast lift (mastopexy). The breast tissue that is left can be rearranged to improve the shape of the breast and remove excess skin. This is a good option if you don’t mind smaller breasts and have adequate tissue to rearrange. There will be additional scars with a lift.

3. Replace implants. We would not replace implants if the patient has improvement in their breast implant illness symptoms. However, in the rare case that there is no improvement in symptoms, you could consider implant replacement. This is very uncommon.

4. Autologous reconstruction. Tissue can be taken from another part of your body (e.g. abdomen, back or buttock) to replace the volume lost after implant removal. This is usually done in breast reconstruction and there can be problems with the area the tissue is taken from. We do not offer this but could refer you to another plastic surgeon that specializes in breast reconstruction.

5. Autologous fat. Fat can be taken from other parts of the body and placed into the breast. This can be a good option in patients who need a small volume replacement, have contour deformities or don’t want implants replaced.