“The only thing constant is change,” say the sages.
While your breast implants may have given you years of increased confidence and swagger, attitudes and trends change. The up to 20 years they last have surely seen shifts in your fashion choices, habits, and opinions on your best figure. You have every right to go through the next phase of your life with a sleek, new profile.
Modern implant removal and breast reconstruction techniques make now better than ever to remove your implants. While many women choose the breast lift or fat transfer to the breast, leaving the implants to their past, you also have the option of changing up your volume with new implants.
Maybe you decided it’s time for a change simply due to personal preference, or a lifestyle change like increased or new exercise that makes larger breasts problematic. In rare cases, implant removal can also address several medical concerns such as rupture or capsular contracture. Whatever the case, we’re here to help and offer a variety of procedures and techniques to provide gorgeous results post-implant removal.
Here are four of our (and our patient’s) favorite options.
1. Breast Lift and/or Breast Reduction
One of the most common complaints that lead to our patients removing their implants is back pain. Large breasts can cause excess pressure on the spine, especially during exercise–by removing your implants, either by itself or coupled with a breast lift, you’ll see an immediate and considerable reduction in breast volume (and back pain).
Because of the skin stretching due to your breast augmentation, once Dr. Parkins removes your implants, some women’s breasts may appear deflated or saggy. Both breast reduction and breast lifts are performed using somewhat similar techniques. In both, Dr. Parkins will remove some of the excess skin and breast tissue after removing your implants. She then carefully creates a new breast contour and younger, natural-looking overall shape.
Either procedure does a fantastic job of addressing any aesthetic issues after implant removal. What’s more, Dr. Parkins can also carefully change or reposition your nipple/areola to compliment your new breasts as sometimes nipples were perfect for larger breasts can look unproportional if left unaddressed after downsizing.
If you’re wondering whether or not you should expect to need a breast lift, we tend to advise patients that the more significant your size reduction is, the more likely you’ll need a breast lift. Though both of these procedures do cause some additional scarring (the incision pattern varies from patient to patient), across the board, women say their beautiful breasts are worth it. When taken care of, scars tend to fade to thin, white lines after about a year.
2. Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called a fat graft or lipo-augmentation provides patients with natural-looking fullness following implant removal. This method can create a volume and feeling that many doctors and patients actually prefer to implants themselves.
This technique uses your body’s natural tissue, so you don’t have to worry about any implant upkeep or replacement down the line. Plus, because Dr. Parkins takes the necessary fat from other areas of the body, patients get to see the fabulous sculpting results of liposuction in their problem areas (like the thighs, butt, waist, and love handles) along with a breast enhancement.
Though the increase in size can’t provide as dramatic a look as some larger implants, most of our patients love the subtle final results. If you are hoping to see a more holistic sculpted look, we can combine your lipoaugmentation with a breast lift as well.
3. Implant Replacement
For women who love their implants, but are ready to make an aesthetic or volume change, implant replacement could be right for you. Using the same incision site (causing no additional scarring) Dr. Parkins can remove your current implants and insert new ones to provide the silhouette and contour you want. One more benefit of implant replacement: since the implant “pocket” is already created, recovery tends to be much quicker and less uncomfortable than initial augmentations.
4. DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
During a DIEP Flap breast reconstruction procedure, Dr. Parkins uses your body’s natural tissue (often taken from the hips, thighs, or back) and restores symmetry and fullness to the breasts after implant removal or mastectomy. Results from this technique feel and look natural, making it an ideal fit for those who want to make the switch to smaller breasts.
Schedule a Consultation
On the fence about getting rid of your implants? Worried your breasts won’t look fabulous without them? Dr. Parkins will work with you to ensure your breasts look and feel absolutely amazing, whether you’re in the boardroom, at the gym, or out to dinner. Our all-female surgical team provides a safe, warm, and efficient environment. When you come to Dr. Parkins, you know you’re receiving the highest level of care from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
If you think breast implant removal could be right for you, the best way to make the decision is to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Dr. Parkins will discuss all your options and figure out a treatment plan that’s right for you. To schedule, give our Milwaukee, WI office a call at (262) 269-1050, or contact us online today.
