Recovery And Results
Most women report minimal discomfort and are back to work in a week to ten days. We use dissolvable sutures that are placed under the skin. Scars tend to fade away a few months later.
There are many reasons that women may choose to undergo breast explant surgery to remove their implants. Sometimes they are “just over them.” Other times, they just want to have smaller breasts. Women frequently complain that their breasts are firm or even hard and experience breast pain. Some women may have complaints of the breast implants causing cold intolerance. Some women want their implants taken out because they believe that the implants are making them sick. All of these can be a reason for removal of implants. Some women simply want them out for personal reasons. Whatever the cause, we are happy to assist with this process.
Implant Removal Options
The breast implant removal procedure itself is very straightforward. Once the breast implants are removed, there are at least four options a woman can choose from to enhance the breast appearance after implant removal:
The final option is to replace the implants at the time of the removal or in the future. We can discuss all these options during a consultation.
The procedure itself usually takes one to two hours, depending on if there was leaking, a rupture, or excess scar tissue. Occasionally the procedure can take longer if there is a tight or hard capsule which benefits from removal..Following the procedure, you’ll have a few hours of recovery time as the anesthesia wears off.
The incisions are placed in inconspicuous areas to prevent visible scarring, and often, Dr. Priti Patel can use the same incision from the breast augmentation procedure to prevent having to add an additional scar. If a new incision is placed, it will either be under the breast along the inframammary fold to make the scar less noticeable. This allows the best access to the implant and surrounding capsule as well as any leaked contents.
Because the surgery requires general anesthesia, we recommend having someone stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure. You will be in recovery at the facility for a few hours after the surgery. Our office will prescribe a short supply of pain medications if needed. Most of our patients will take Tylenol or Motrin after the procedure. You will be able to drive once you have stopped taking narcotics and most patients are able to return to work in two or three days. We will provide you with compression garments to wear for six weeks, and during this time, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity and exercise. During recovery, it is important to to avoid sleeping on your chest/abdomen. We recommend a reclined position for comfort.
Removing breast implants is a very safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. The most common complications include infection, pain, hematoma, and fluid collections. Dr. Priti Patel will discuss potential complications and address any concerns at your consultation. If the implants are removed without replacement or breast lift, a surgical drain is often used to help prevent these complications.
You Deserve to Look Stunning
At Aesthetiq, its simply our pleasure to help patients uncover their true beauty. We encourage you to join our mailing list by signing up below. From scheduling to monthly events and promotions, you will be the first to know how we can assist in enhancing your appearance and embracing your self-esteem.