For women removing their breast implants, the next big decision often centers around timing: Should you combine the explant procedure with a breast lift, or wait and see how your breasts settle over time? The answer depends on your anatomy, goals, and expectations.

Dr. Sean Lille, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, has performed nearly 3,500 breast augmentations and has extensive experience with explant and mastopexy procedures,  A graduate of the University of Arizona College of Medicine with fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Dr. Lille is nationally published and known for his low complication rates in cosmetic breast surgery. 

What Happens to the Breasts After Implant Removal?

Many women wonder how their breasts will look after their implants are removed. This depends on several factors, including:

• Skin elasticity: Younger skin with good elasticity often contracts more easily.
• Implant size and duration: Larger implants or longer implant wear may stretch the skin more.
• Expanded lower breast pole tissue: If there is a large distanse from the nipple to the bottom breast fold this indicates that the breast tissue has weak elasticity and the stretched skin needs to be removed with a breast lift procedure.

Signs You May Benefit from a Breast Lift Immediately

In many cases, a breast lift after implant removal can help restore a youthful shape. You may want to consider combining both procedures if:

• Your implants were large and have significantly stretched the skin.
• Your nipples point downward or sit below the breast crease.
• You have little remaining breast volume, making the chest appear deflated.
• You prefer to avoid a second surgery and recovery period later.

Combining a breast lift with explant surgery allows for reshaping and repositioning of the breast during the same procedure, which appeals to many women.

Reasons to Delay Your Breast Lift

There are also valid reasons to wait before having a breast lift. Giving your body time to adjust post-explant can help you make a more informed decision. Consider waiting if:

• You’re unsure if you want surgery again and prefer to let your skin retract naturally.
• You want to see how your body heals before committing to a lift.
• You need time to process the change in your appearance and goals.

Dr. Lille typically advises waiting about six months to assess the final breast shape before deciding on a secondary lift.

Discuss Your Breast Lift Options with Dr. Sean Lille

Considering a breast lift after implant removal? Contact Dr. Sean Lille in Scottsdale, AZ at (480) 661-6197 to learn whether a combined or staged approach best suits your goals.