Breast Implants- a time and a place
Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures that I do as a plastic surgeon. It is a beautiful operation. It is quick, effective and relatively safe. It brings proportion to the body and sensuality to ones life. So many women who undergo this operation state that they wish they had done it sooner. They love it. Husbands love it too. But then what…
Unfortunately, we all age. Breasts age and they lose their shape. Hormonal changes set in, and often times breast get larger. Heaviness sets in with poor posture and a general matronly look. The excitement of reinvigorating the silhouette of a female body is no longer so exciting. In these situations, often, I hear, “can you just take them out”. And, that is exactly what I do.
One of the most common procedures that I do for women above the age of 50 who have a history of breast implants is the removal of the device, clean up of the years of scarring and an adequate lift with or without a reduction component. This has become a relatively common operation. I really enjoy doing it and women who seek it LOVE IT. It has become one of the most gratifying operations that I do. The relentless commitment to upkeep of a prosthetic device is forever gone. When women get implants I always tell them that the number one issue and risk of this operation is commitment to a prosthetic device. This operation once and for all gets rid of that commitment. The breasts are smaller and a feeling of “lightness” sets in. So many women feel that they are thinner and they can dress better. The matronly look is gone. Exercise becomes a joy, and a renewed desire sets in to get in shape and to lose some weight.
Here is an example of a lovely 65 year old lady with old ruptured implants who underwent removal and a standard breast lift
Our practice, Egrari Plastic Surgery Center, has been one of the busiest breast augmentation centers in the country. On a given year we do over 200 implants, and our numbers are reaching the 4000 mark. So in no form am I downplaying the effectiveness of implants. It is our “bread and butter”. I am simply stating that like every thing in life there is a time and a place. Older women with large implants who have lost the shape of their breast, and who are sustaining the ravages of large breasts should have their implants removed and breasts lifted. It is an effective and simple proposition.