Explantation with Breast Lift Achieves Breast Reduction-Although More Difficult!*

Many women choose to remove their breast implants- typically after 15 or 20 years. In many cases, weight gain and aging have resulted in larger breasts than they desire as well as some degree of droopiness. Removal of the implants alone will certainly achieve a smaller breast but there will be significant breast ptosis in most cases. For this reason explantation with mastopexy is frequently indicated. This 50-year-old woman had her breast implants placed with a periareolar mastopexy Over 14 years ago. She gained about 18 more pounds over the years and despite being relatively pleased with her results at an earlier age had decided she no longer wanted the breast implants and wanted to be smaller. Essentially, explantation would achieve breast reduction but she would need breast lifting to reshape the breasts and elevate the nipple. Her implants were 3 50 cc. Explantation with breast lifting is a more challenging procedure then standard mastopexy or reduction because the blood supply to the nipple potentially has been disturbed with the previous surgery and the space occupied by the implant now is a hollowed out cavity which has to be replaced by the remaining breast tissue. This is technically much more difficult than a standard breast reduction and requires the experience of a seasoned plastic surgeon. The removal of the breast implant with associated capsule will result in more bleeding and often requires the use of a postoperative drainage tube .