Breast implant removal is an increasingly common procedure in the United States. With over 30,000 women opting for the operation in 2019, there was a 6% rise in the number of treatments since 2018.

Lifestyle changes, medical complications, and personal preferences are the main reasons driving this trend.

Implant removal surgery is a simple procedure in which your surgeon looks to extract your implant through the existing incision. Generally taking between 30 minutes to an hour, this procedure is usually straightforward, unless there are other complications. Although many patients opt for this surgery, you should know that it does not necessarily resolve all issues. We regularly recommend that patients consider fat transfer with liposuction or breast lift surgery after their implant removal, which we will explain below in more detail.

Despite the increase in breast implant removal surgeries, many women considering the operation rightfully ask what their breasts will look like after they have their implants taken out. Here, Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg discusses the factors compelling breast implant removal, what breasts will look like after the procedure, and what you can do to restore breasts that you can be proud of.

Why Are More Women Choosing Breast Implant Removal?

In our experience, we have found that the most common personal reasons for breast implant removal are:  

• Enjoying a more active lifestyle, which can be hampered by implants.
• A shift in aesthetic ideals, with women pursuing a trimmer, more athletic physique.

For other women, the aesthetics of the original implants can encourage them to consider implant removal:

• One problem with implants is that if they are done poorly, do not heal correctly, or if there is an incident, the implant can become dislodged. This can lead to an irregular, unbalanced look between the two breasts.
• If the patient gains or loses significant amounts of weight, the appearance of the breasts with the implants relative to the body shape will change drastically.

For some, medical complications with the initial procedure can lead to essential modification of the implants:

• Concerns with pain or illness, sometimes referred to as breast implant illness, have not been proven but can potentially be associated with the implants.
• Capsular contracture, the hardening and thickening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant, is often painful.

What Do Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

No breasts look identical after implant removal, as there are many influencing factors. 

Depending on the size of the original implants, bodily changes, and how long the implants have been in, breasts can appear to lack volume once implants have been taken out.

Of course, this is to be expected. Implants add extra weight to the skin connecting the breasts to the chest, and as such, stretch the skin. They also fill out the area with more volume, so once they are removed, the absence of material can lead to a deflated look.

Luckily, there are increasingly effective cosmetic procedures that aim to reverse these issues. If you do have a reason for implant removal surgery, be it medical or aesthetic, we can assist with implant removal. Furthermore, our skilled plastic surgeons provide great options to restore a more supple, youthful, and well-positioned appearance to post-implant removal breasts. 

What Procedures Can Improve the Appearance of Breasts After Implant Removal?

As discussed, breasts may appear deflated after implant removal. For this reason, we offer cosmetic techniques that aim to reverse these effects. These methods seek to restore a more natural look by clearing out excess skin from the breast, repositioning the nipple higher on the chest, and reviving volume and shape without increasing the size of the breast.

The breast lift is one of the most common surgeries performed in conjunction with breast implant removal. The surgeon removes skin from predetermined areas of the breast, which tightens the breasts and positions them in a higher location on the chest. Breast lift surgery can provide your breasts with a tighter, more youthful appearance.

Another option that we highly recommend is fat transfer. In this technique, we will use liposuction to take fat from another part of your body and insert it into your breasts. While this option may not look as full as before, it can add volume and shape to your post-implant breasts.

Breast Implant Removal in Fredericksburg, VA

Depending on your reasons for considering breast implant removal surgery, and how your body has changed, your breasts will appear less full and stretched after the procedure. With corrective surgeries, such as breast lift and fat transfer, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg wants to reassure you that even after removal, there are options that can help restore a younger and more natural appearance. Contact us at 540-371-7730 or fill out our online form to discuss your surgery with us today.