Ask a Plastic Surgeon: Can I Get My Breast Implants Removed?
For more than half a century, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been recognized throughout the Southeast as one the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery center. Our expert plastic surgeons have published extensively on a variety of plastic surgery topics and have conducted lectures, presentations, and live surgical demonstrations around the world. In this ongoing blog feature, “Ask a Plastic Surgeon,” our APS doctors will answer some of the most common questions asked by plastic surgery patients. We hope that this information about everything from facial rejuvenation to body contouring plastic surgery will be able to give you better insight and help you decide what plastic surgery procedures might be right for you.
QUESTION: Many years ago, back when I was in my early thirties, I made the choice to undergo breast augmentation surgery. I have never regretted my decision or had any complications, and I have always been very pleased with how my breasts turned out. However, in the time since then I have had three children and my body has changed a great deal. I am sad to admit that I have gained some weight and my breasts now seem uncomfortably heavy and droopy. Is it at all possible to have my breast implants removed or perhaps replaced with some that would look more natural on my current frame?
ANSWER: Your situation is not as uncommon as you might think. Although breast augmentation has an extremely high patient satisfaction rate, there are several reasons why a woman who has undergone the procedure might want to have her breast implants removed or replaced. In rare cases, complications might arise or an implant may become damaged, necessitating replacement. More commonly, typical events like pregnancy and breast feeding, fluctuations in weight, or simply the natural aging process can cause changes in a woman’s body that may make the breast implants look less natural or less flattering than they once did. Any of these situations can be addressed using a procedure called breast revision surgery. Because every woman’s case is different, each breast revision procedure is customized to address specific, individual concerns. However, the surgeon will do everything possible to minimize scarring, even using the incisions from the original surgery if possible to ensure the best possible final results.
Breast revision can also be done in combination with other plastic surgery procedures. Women who feel as though their breasts have begun to sag and droop can combine the removal of implants with a breast lift, or mastopexy, to give the breasts a perkier and more youthful appearance. In other cases, fat taken from elsewhere in the woman’s own body can be injected around the edges of the new breast implants to “soften” the transition zone and provide more natural looking results, using a procedure called fat transfer. Finally, women who have experienced changes in their bodies as a result of pregnancy and breast feeding often opt for a complete mommy makeover, a procedure that generally combines a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction to restore the body to its pre-pregnancy appearance.
Even if you are getting a little older there is no reason you cannot continue looking your best. Patients are surprised when they find out just how much plastic surgery can accomplish. If you are interested in learning more, or would like to schedule a personal consultation to find out what plastic surgery can do for you, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta or Cumming offices. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for all the latest plastic surgery news.
