16 year old silicone breast implants removed
I had 16 year old silicone breast implants removed. 350cc, I think. I had a lift done at the same time. Right breast has loose skin, wrinkly just below the nipple. Will skin fill in or retract? I am 53 years old with good elasticity, for my age, I'm in good health and in good shape. I'm worried it will keep that deflated look, and I thought having the lift would prevent this? How long, generally, should it take to fill in?
Dear patient. After any surgical procedure a 6 months period is necessary for the tissues to settle and take the final shape especially in cases already re-operated. In general, tissues retract a bit (less though if they have been stretched previously for long time by an implant as in your case-remember pregnancy expansion-) and fill in as well after they settle due to surgical trauma. Even if after that time you are facing the same issue and it is bothering you, then a minor scar revision can easily resolve your problem without significant worries. I hope this was helpful enough. Thank you
Congratulations on your implant removal surgery. One of the functions of breast implants is to correct the deflated appearance of the breasts. Unfortunately, a lift cannot completely correct a deflated appearance. Without photos and an examination it is difficult to make specific recommendations in your case. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
When implants are removed with simultaneous breast lift, it is not unusual to see some minor contour irregularities at first. Typically the contours improve over 6 months, rarely it can take up to 1 year. If there are still some issues at that time, a touch up may be considered to improve the outcome.
Generally after silicone breast implant removal the skin does not shrink completely, a lift should help but if it hasn't tightened within 6 months it probably won't. When the implant is removed sometimes tissue is removed also which can make the soft tissue looser.