Breast Implant Removal with Lift

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Manhattan, NY, Southampton, NY and Cedar Grove, NJ

A breast implant removal with lift is a combination surgical procedure that simultaneously removes implants while reshaping and elevating the natural breast tissue. There are numerous reasons why women choose to remove their breast implants, including changing aesthetic goals, the age of the device, health concerns, lifestyle changes, or issues like implant rupture and shifting. Following the removal of implants, particularly without replacement, a breast lift can help restore a more youthful and natural-looking breast profile.

With more than 30 years of expertise, Dr. Anthony Berlet is a double-board certified general and plastic surgeon dedicated to enhancing his patients’ inner beauty. Through a comprehensive range of breast, body, and facial rejuvenations, he focuses on delivering safety, individualized care, and enduring, natural-looking results.

To request a personal consultation with Dr. Berlet and learn more about how a breast implant removal with lift can refresh your silhouette and your confidence, submit our online contact form or call either of our offices:

Before and After Photos

Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #527
Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #527
Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #520
Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #520
Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #513
Explanation with Mastopexy Before & After Patient #513
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About Breast Implant Removal with Lift

Breast implant removal with lift, medically known as explantation with mastopexy, is a transformative procedure for women who no longer wish to have breast implants but want to maintain a youthful, aesthetically pleasing breast shape. (1)

Over time, the weight of implants and the natural aging process can cause the breast envelope to stretch, leading to sagging, or ptosis. When implants are removed without a corresponding lift, the remaining skin and tissue may appear deflated. Dr. Berlet applies his decades of surgical experience to meticulously remove the implant and any scar tissue (capsulectomy) before performing a lift. (2) The mastopexy focuses on removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple-areolar complex to a more youthful and symmetrical height, and tightening the internal breast tissue to create a rejuvenated contour that aligns with your current lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Benefits

Choosing to undergo breast implant removal with lift offers a path toward both enhanced physical comfort and emotional renewal. By addressing the changes that occur over time, this combined procedure provides a comprehensive solution for women seeking to reclaim their natural silhouette.

  • Relief from Physical Discomfort: Many women experience significant relief from chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain resulting from the weight of their implants.
  • Resolved Health Concerns: The procedure alleviates complications such as capsular contracture and concerns related to Breast Implant Illness (BII), fostering a greater sense of well-being.
  • Aesthetic Restoration and Symmetry: Beyond simple implant removal, the breast lift specifically targets ptosis. By removing excess skin, repositioning the nipple-areolar complex, and tightening underlying tissue, Dr. Berlet restores a youthful, “perky” contour and achieves better symmetry that reflects your natural anatomy.
  • Improved Lifestyle and Clothing Fit: Without the bulk of implants, patients often find that clothing fits more proportionately, and physical activities become more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Emotional Empowerment: Reclaiming one’s natural form often leads to a profound psychological boost. Patients frequently report a sense of liberation and renewed self-confidence, feeling their physical appearance become more aligned with their current lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Candidates

Potential candidates often seek removal due to the age of their devices, as implants are not lifetime products. Others may require medical intervention due to implant rupture, persistent pain, or BII symptoms. In cases of capsular contracture, removing the device and the thickened capsule is essential for comfort.

Many women simply find that their aesthetic goals have evolved. They may desire a more natural look that fits their current frame, or they may want to address significant sagging that has occurred since their initial augmentation. If you are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of natural tissue reshaping, you may be an excellent candidate for this procedure.

Personal Consultation

Your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Berlet will take place at our Manhattan or Cedar Grove office. He will take the time to learn your medical history, understand your reasons for explanation, and evaluate your unique breast anatomy. He will assess the degree of ptosis and the quality of your skin to determine the most effective lift technique. Dr. Berlet will answer all your questions, provide honest, compassionate guidance, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.

To start planning your breast implant removal with lift and request your consultation with Dr. Berlet, contact our practice online or call one of our offices:

Preparation

It is crucial that you follow all personalized instructions provided to you by Dr. Berlet to ensure an optimal procedure and recovery. Some general guidelines include:

  • Undergo all necessary bloodwork and imaging to ensure you are medically cleared for surgery.
  • Avoid use of certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Stop using nicotine at least six weeks before surgery date.
  • Schedule time off from work and other commitments.
  • Arrange personal transportation and assistance for surgery day and the first 24-48 hours of recovery.
  • Fill all necessary prescriptions and prepare a comfortable, well-stocked recovery space.

Procedure

Dr. Berlet will perform your breast implant removal with lift as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. He begins by making an incision, often utilizing the existing scars from your initial augmentation to minimize new marking. He carefully removes the implant and, if indicated, the surrounding scar tissue.

Once the implants are out, the mastopexy phase begins. Depending on the amount of lift needed, he may use a “lollipop” or “anchor” incision pattern to remove excess skin and reshape the natural tissue. He moves the nipple and areola to a higher position, and meticulously closes the incisions with sutures to promote fine scarring. The result is a firmer, elevated breast created entirely from your own tissue.

Recovery

The recovery timeline varies for each patient, but most women can return to light desk work within 7 to 10 days. During the first week, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which you can manage with prescribed medication. You will need to wear a supportive surgical bra to minimize swelling and support the new breast contours. While Dr. Berlet encourages light walking to promote circulation, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Berlet will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing smoothly.

Results

The results of a breast implant removal with lift are intended to be long-lasting. While natural aging and gravity will still affect your breasts, removing the implant weight often keeps lift results stable for many years. Patients can expect a more youthful, natural-looking breast shape that is in harmony with the rest of their body. As the swelling subsides over several months, the final contours will become fully apparent, leaving you with a silhouette that feels rejuvenated.

Cost of A Breast Implant Removal with Lift in Manhattan and Cedar Grove

The cost of this combined procedure depends on several factors, including the complexity of the implant removal, the specific lift technique required, and the facility and anesthesia fees. Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique, Dr. Berlet will provide a personalized price quote during your consultation.

To explore your potential for breast implant removal with lift and request a consultation with Dr. Berlet, submit our online contact form or reach one of our offices directly by phone:

FAQ

Will a breast implant removal with lift leave visible scars?

Any breast procedure involving a lift will result in some scarring. However, Dr. Berlet is highly skilled at placing incisions strategically to minimize their visibility. Over time, these scars will continue to fade, and they can be easily concealed by bras and swimwear.

How long will the results last?

A breast lift provides a long-term improvement to the shape and position of your breasts. While the aging process and weight fluctuations will continue to affect your body, the correction of the sagging and the removal of implant weight provide a lasting foundation for a more youthful look.

How is this procedure different from a straightforward breast lift?

A standard breast lift only addresses the skin and tissue of the natural breast. A breast implant removal with lift adds the complexity of safely removing a foreign device and any associated scar tissue. It requires a specialized approach to ensure the remaining tissue is sufficient to create a pleasing shape without the internal support of the implant.

What is the recovery process like?

Most patients find the recovery manageable. While the first few days involve soreness, many women describe a feeling of “lightness” that makes the process easier. Following Dr. Berlet’s post-operative instructions closely is the best way to ensure a fast and comfortable recovery.

References

  1. Messa CA, Messa CA. Breast Explantation With Simultaneous Mastopexy and Volume Restoration: An Analysis of Clinical Outcomes and Prospective Quality of Life. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;43(8):840-852. doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36911998/
  2. Townsend AN, Shah S, Bouz A, Nichols N, Lampert JA. Safely Shaping the Breast After Implant Removal and Total Intact Capsulectomy Using the Mammary Imbrication Lift and Fixation Technique. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. Published online April 12, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad037