Breast Implants | 4 minute read
Breast implants are long-lasting, but not permanent. At some point, you must decide whether you want to replace your implants or remove them and go “natural.” While the natural option may sound appealing, women often worry about what their breasts will look like after implant removal. This blog answers the question, “Can breasts look good after implant removal?” and includes tips to help women maintain their feminine contours without breast implants.
Changes After Breast Implant Removal Surgery
During breast implant removal surgery, known as an explant, Dr. Khoobehi removes the implants and the surrounding scar tissue. Once the implants are out, the breasts will naturally look smaller. You may notice less fullness in the upper breast pole, and the nipples may sit low and point downward. Over time, the tissue will settle and reposition, and the appearance of the breasts may improve naturally.
Factors Impacting the Appearance of Your Breasts After Implant Removal
Removing your implants can cause significant changes to the breasts that will affect their final appearance. The variables that impact how much the breasts change include:
Breast Implant Size and Duration
Larger implants are more likely to stretch the skin and underlying tissue, making it more difficult for the breasts to conform back to a smaller shape. Skin laxity leads to breast sagging and a deflated look to the breasts. Implants that have been in for a long time can also cause more sagging once they are removed.
Your Age and Skin Elasticity
Your skin loses elasticity as you age, which contributes to sagging after breast implant removal. Other factors can also impact your skin’s condition, such as sun exposure, smoking, and weight fluctuations. Patients with any of these factors may discover that their breasts sag and look more deflated after implant removal.
Natural Breast Tissue
Women with less breast tissue may look more flat-chested after removing implants, while women with fuller breasts may not see as much of a difference in their appearance. It may be difficult to determine the effects of the natural breast tissue immediately following implant removal, as the tissue may require time to expand and move into its new position.
Breast Enhancement Options After Breast Explant Surgery
If you are dissatisfied with your appearance after having your breast implants removed, alternative breast enhancement options are available, including:
Breast Lift
Dr. Khoobehi can perform a breast lift at the same time as implant removal to remove excess skin, reshape, and reposition the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest wall. A breast lift also allows the nipple and areola to be repositioned to create the most natural appearance.
Fat Transfer to the Breasts
Fat transfer can also be done at the same time as your explant procedure. This two-step enhancement involves extracting fat from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, via liposuction. Dr. Khoobehi purifies the extracted fat and injects it into the breast to add subtle volume to the upper pole, enhancing breast shape and cleavage.
Replacing Breast Implants
Some women may choose to replace their current breast implants with a smaller size, adjusting their breast contour without the drastic change implant removal alone produces. The new implants may be placed at the same time as the explant process or later on, once the breasts heal from the implant removal.
Embracing the “Natural” Look
Some women decide they are happy with the natural appearance of their breasts once they have healed fully after the explant procedure. The recovery process can take many months, and the breasts can continue to improve during that time. Women who choose the natural approach, also known as “going flat,” often feel satisfied and empowered by their decision.
Interested in Breast Implant Removal in New Orleans, LA
Breast implant removal may be performed for many reasons, but the ultimate goal is to create a new body contour that boosts a woman’s confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Kamran Khoobehi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who provides customized treatment plans that deliver natural, beautiful results. To find out if breast implant removal in New Orleans is right for you, call our office at (504) 779-5538, book an appointment online, or complete our online contact form today.
