Breast Implant Removal With Lift: What Results Can You Expect?Many women considering implant removal want to know what their breasts will look like afterward. When implants are removed, the breast tissue may appear deflated, loose, or saggy depending on skin elasticity, age, and implant size. For many patients, combining implant removal with a breast lift provides a beautiful, youthful contour without implants. At Richards Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Richards frequently performs this combination procedure to reshape the breast and deliver natural, lifted results.

Why Combine Implant Removal With a Lift?

Removing implants alone may not restore the breast shape you want. When implants are taken out, excess skin that stretched around the implant may remain. A breast lift tightens this skin, repositions the nipple, and reshapes the breast mound for a firmer and more proportional appearance.

Combining both procedures in one surgery:
• Restores a youthful breast shape
• Eliminates sagging or drooping
• Repositions the nipple to a natural height
• Creates rounder, more elevated contours
• Offers a more predictable cosmetic outcome

What Affects Your Final Results?

Several factors influence how the breasts will look after implant removal with lift.

Skin Elasticity

Younger patients or those with good skin quality often see tight, perky results. Patients with stretched or thin skin may require additional internal support.

Implant Size and Duration

Larger implants or implants that have been in place for many years tend to stretch the skin more, requiring more lifting and reshaping.

Natural Breast Tissue

The amount of natural tissue you have determines postoperative fullness. Patients with minimal tissue may have a more athletic or modest breast shape.

Nipple Position

The lift repositions the nipple and areola, restoring them to a more youthful, centered location.

How the Procedure Works

Implant removal is performed through the existing incision when possible. Dr. Richards removes the implant and, if necessary, the surrounding capsule. A breast lift is then performed to tighten loose skin and reshape the breast. Excess skin is trimmed, the breast mound is reshaped, and the nipple is elevated for a natural look.

Incision patterns may vary depending on your anatomy, including periareolar, vertical, or full anchor incisions. Dr. Richards recommends the least invasive pattern that can still achieve an excellent result.

What Results You Can Expect

Most patients notice:
• Firmer, lifted breasts
• A natural, implant-free shape
• Symmetry improvements
• Better nipple projection and position
• A more youthful contour overall

The breasts may appear slightly smaller than before but typically have a much more flattering and natural shape. Full healing and final results continue to improve over several months as swelling decreases and tissues settle.

Is Implant Removal With Lift Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if you:
• No longer want implants
• Prefer a natural breast appearance
• Notice sagging or drooping after implant removal
• Have capsular contracture or implant issues
• Want to correct changes from aging or pregnancy

During your consultation, Dr. Richards evaluates your goals, tissue quality, and implant history to determine the best approach.

Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

Why Breast Implants Shift Over Time (& How Revision Fixes It)Breast implants are long lasting, but they are not designed to stay in the exact same position forever. Over time, natural aging, changes in skin elasticity, capsular changes, and gravity can cause implants to shift, drop, or sit differently on the chest. When this happens, the breasts may appear asymmetrical, uneven, or distorted. Breast implant revision surgery can correct these concerns and restore a balanced, natural appearance. At Richards Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Richards specializes in complex breast revisions and uses advanced techniques to reposition implants and refine breast contour.

Why Do Breast Implants Shift?

Breast implants can shift for several reasons, and understanding these factors helps determine the appropriate revision technique.

Loosening of the Implant Pocket

The implant sits inside a surgically created pocket. Over time, this pocket can stretch due to aging, weight fluctuations, genetics, or large implant sizes. A stretched pocket may allow implants to drift outward, downward, or toward the armpit.

Skin and Tissue Changes

Skin naturally loses elasticity with age. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss can also thin breast tissue and loosen support structures. When tissue weakens, the implant may no longer sit firmly in place.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens or hardens. This can distort implant position, cause a breast to look higher than the other, and create discomfort.

Implant Bottoming Out

Bottoming out happens when the lower breast tissue stretches and the implant drops too low on the chest, causing the nipple to appear too high. This is often related to weak or thin lower pole tissue.

Symmastia

Symmastia, sometimes called “uniboob,” occurs when implants shift toward the center of the chest due to over-dissection or weakened tissue between the breasts. Revision surgery can correct this separation.

Natural Aging and Gravity

Even without complications, gravity gradually changes breast shape. Over time, the implant may settle lower, even with perfectly executed original surgery.

Signs Your Implants Have Shifted

You may notice:
• One breast sitting higher or lower than the other
• Implants drifting outward or toward the armpits
• Cleavage that looks unnatural or too wide
• Nipples pointing downward or outward
• Breasts looking deflated or bottomed out
• Rippling or visibility of implant edges

If any of these changes occur, a revision consultation can help determine the cause and best treatment approach.

How Breast Revision Surgery Fixes Implant Shifting

Revision surgery is highly customized. Dr. Richards evaluates the breast tissue, pocket integrity, implant type, and overall anatomy to determine the optimal solution.

Pocket Repair or Reconstruction

The most common correction involves tightening or reshaping the implant pocket. This may include internal sutures or reinforcement materials to hold the implant in the correct position.

Changing Implant Type or Size

Switching to a more cohesive silicone gel implant or adjusting the size can improve stability and reduce future movement. Smaller or anatomically appropriate implants may reduce downward pressure on weakened tissues.

Using Supporting Mesh or Acellular Dermal Matrix

For patients with weaker tissue, Dr. Richards may use internal support materials to strengthen the pocket and prevent future shifting.

Correcting Capsular Contracture

If capsular contracture is the cause, removing or releasing the capsule is necessary to restore proper implant position.

Addressing Bottoming Out or Symmastia

Specific techniques rebuild internal support and reposition the implants for balanced, natural symmetry.

What Results Can You Expect After Revision?

Revision typically restores symmetry, improves breast shape, corrects implant placement, and enhances overall appearance. Patients often feel more comfortable and confident once the implants are properly positioned. Dr. Richards focuses on achieving natural, long-lasting results with improved support to prevent future shifting.

Contact Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richards to Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.