Breast Implant Removal and Mastopexy Raleigh, NC*

This 44-year-old woman had submuscular saline breast implants 16 years before presentation for implant removal. Although she never had any problem with the implants, she had gained some weight and developed some drooping- also called ptosis of her breasts. She wanted implant removal and lifting- now desiring smaller breasts. At surgery, she was found to have 360cc saline breast implants which had no defects. Minimal capsule was noted. She had a modified vertical lift performed. Healing was uneventful although she had a darker skin type which meant scar pigmentation would take longer to fade. Silicone gel creams were used to assist with scar management. She went from a DD to a C cup. Many patients decide to remove their breast implants as they get older. Breast lift is often needed or desired. This is not always a straightforward procedure as blood supply to the nipple is altered making repositioning a bit more challenging and riskier. The tissue has been stretched out and less 'shapeable". A more conservative lift is often necessary to ensure good blood supply and survival of the nipples. Some patients choose to have liposuction with fat transfer to improve the volume of the breast after explantation. This can be very helpful but does not necessarily shape the breast as well as a breast implant might.