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Breast Implant Removal – lift or no lift?

Breast Implant Removal - lift or no lift?

Breast implant removal is a procedure that involves removing the breast implants from the body. There are various reasons why someone may choose to have their breast implants removed, including personal preference, medical concerns, or complications from the implants. 

One question that often arises during these procedures is whether or not a breast lift should be included as part of the removal process. While some patients may opt for a breast lift to help restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts after implant removal, others may decide that it is not necessary. 

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of getting a breast lift after breast implant removal to help you make an informed decision about your own procedure.

Why Women Get Breast Implant Removal

There are many reasons why a woman may choose to have her breast implants removed. Some common reasons include:

  1. Personal preference: A woman may simply decide that she no longer wants breast implants for personal reasons.
  2. Complications from implants: Some women may experience complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or infection, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
  3. Medical concerns: In rare cases, breast implants may be linked to certain health issues, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
  4. Lifestyle changes: A woman’s lifestyle or priorities may change, and she may no longer wish to have breast implants.

Whatever the reason, breast implant removal is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that reshapes the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to improve the breast contour and elevate the nipple position. The procedure can help lift sagging breasts, improve breast symmetry, and restore a more youthful appearance to the breasts.

During a breast lift, the surgeon will make incisions around the areola and may also make additional incisions on the breast. The excess skin is then removed, and the breast tissue is lifted and reshaped. The nipple and areola are also repositioned to a higher location on the breast. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and the patient will be given instructions on how to care for the incision sites during the recovery period.

Should You Get a Breast Lift with Implant Removal?

Whether or not you should get a breast lift with implant removal depends on your individual goals and expectations for the procedure. Here are some factors to consider:

Pros of getting a breast lift with implant removal:

  • Restores a more youthful appearance to the breasts: A breast lift can improve breast shape, elevate the nipple position, and give the breasts a more youthful look.
  • Corrects sagging or asymmetry: If your breasts have sagged or become asymmetrical after the removal of implants, a breast lift can help correct these issues.
  • Boosts self-confidence: Sagging or misshapen breasts can make some women feel self-conscious about their appearance. A breast lift can restore confidence and help women feel more comfortable in their own bodies.

Cons of getting a breast lift with implant removal:

  1. Additional scarring: A breast lift requires incisions on the breasts, which can result in additional scarring.
  2. Additional cost: Getting a breast lift will increase the cost of the implant removal procedure.
  3. Longer recovery time: Recovering from a breast lift may take longer than recovering from implant removal alone.

Ultimately, the decision to get a breast lift with implant removal is a personal one that should be made after consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Should You Get Implant Removal without a Lift?

Some women may choose to have their implants removed without getting a breast lift. Here are some factors to consider:

Pros of getting implant removal without a lift:

  1. No additional scarring: Removing the implant alone does not require additional incisions, so there will be no additional scarring beyond that from the initial implant surgery.
  2. Lower cost: Removing the implants alone will be less expensive than getting a breast lift at the same time.
  3. Shorter recovery time: Recovering from implant removal alone typically takes less time than recovering from a breast lift.

Cons of getting implant removal without a lift:

  1. Can lead to sagging or asymmetry: Without a breast lift, the breasts may sag or become misshapen after the implants are removed.
  2. May not achieve desired results: Implant removal alone may not give you the look you are hoping to achieve.
  3. May require additional surgery in the future: If the breasts sag or become misshapen after implant removal, you may need to have additional surgery in the future to correct these issues.

Ultimately, the decision to get implant removal without a lift should be based on your individual goals and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Recovery from Breast Implant Removal with or without a Lift

Recovery from breast implant removal with or without a lift may vary depending on the individual patient and the extent of the procedure. Here are some general guidelines for recovery:

  1. Expect some discomfort: Patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising for the first few days after surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
  2. Wear a compression garment: Patients may be required to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the breasts during the recovery period.
  3. Restrictions on activities: Patients may need to limit physical activity and avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks after surgery. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on when and how to resume normal activities.
  4. Follow-up appointments: Patients will need to attend follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor the healing process and remove any stitches as necessary.
  5. Healing time: Healing time from breast implant removal with or without a lift can vary depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients should plan on taking at least a week off work and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks to allow for proper healing.

It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications associated with breast implant removal with or without a lift. These may include:

  1. Infection: There is a risk of infection after any surgical procedure. Patients will be given antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is rare, but it can occur after breast implant removal with or without a lift. If excessive bleeding occurs, another surgery may be necessary to correct the issue.
  3. Scarring: Scarring is common after any surgical procedure, but a breast lift involves additional incisions, which can result in more scarring.
  4. Changes in breast shape or size: Removing the implants may lead to changes in breast shape or size. Getting a breast lift at the same time may help reduce these changes.
  5. Numbness or altered sensation: Some patients may experience numbness or altered sensation in the breasts or nipples after surgery.
  6. Breastfeeding difficulties: Breast implant removal with or without a lift may affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed in the future.

It is important to discuss the risks and potential complications with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure that you are fully informed about what to expect.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial when considering breast implant removal with or without a lift. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a surgeon:

  1. Board certification: Ensure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or a similar organization in your country.
  2. Experience: Look for a surgeon who has experience performing breast implant removal and breast lift procedures.
  3. Reputation: Read reviews from previous patients and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had similar procedures.
  4. Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. The surgeon should be able to answer all of your questions and provide information about the procedure and recovery.
  5. Facility: Ensure that the surgery will be performed in an accredited surgical facility with trained medical staff.
  6. Cost: Consider the cost of the procedure and any additional fees associated with the surgery, such as anesthesia and facility fees.

By choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, you can feel confident that you will receive safe and effective treatment.

Final Thoughts

Breast implant removal with or without a lift is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. While getting a breast lift with implant removal may provide a more youthful appearance and boost self-confidence, it does come with additional costs and recovery time. Ultimately, the decision to get a breast lift with implant removal or just the implants removed should be based on your individual goals and expectations.

Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and follow all post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications. By doing so, you can feel confident that you will achieve the best possible results from your breast implant removal procedure.

Additional Resources

If you are considering breast implant removal with or without a lift, here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: This organization provides information about breast implant removal procedures and can help you find a qualified plastic surgeon in your area.
  2. RealSelf: This online community provides reviews, before-and-after photos, and information about various cosmetic procedures, including breast implant removal and breast lift.
  3. Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole: This website provides information about breast implant illness and resources for women who are considering implant removal.
  4. Breastcancer.org: This website provides information about breast surgery options, including implant removal after breast cancer surgery.

By utilizing these resources and doing your own research, you can make an informed decision about breast implant removal with or without a lift and feel confident in your choice.

This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. Consult your physician before undertaking any surgical procedures.

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