Breast
Implant Removal
Implant explantation, or removal, is an outpatient surgery.
Some women want their implants taken out because they believe that the implants are giving them pain, have changed in appearance, or potentially have leaked.
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.
Reason For Breast Implant Removal
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.
Treatment Information
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:
-
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL ONLY
A woman can simply have her breast implants removed and be done. Many women choose this option. This is especially popular when the implants are on the small side and the skin can recoil well. -
FAT TRANSFER TO BREASTS
Some opt to have fat injected into their breasts in an effort to restore lost volume or breast size. This can be done at the time of implant removal or at a later time. She must have some fat on her body in order to do this fat transfer to her breasts. The area that the fat is taken or “harvested” from is called the “donor site.” -
BREAST LIFT
In other women and those with large implants, the breasts are often saggy or “Ptotic” when the implants are removed. In these cases, women frequently ask for a breast lift or “mastopexy” at the time of implant removal. Some women ask for a mastopexy or lift after the implant removal. Breast lifts tighten the skin of the breast and raise the breast off from the chest and upper abdomen. The nipples are lifted, not removed. Most women preserve nipple sensation and regain a much prettier breast shape. -
BREAST LIFT + FAT TRANSFER
Finally, some women choose to do both, a fat transfer and a breast lift, at the same time when they have their implants removed. This is also an option if their breasts are saggy and smaller than they prefer.If you aren’t sure which way you want to go, you don’t have to make a decision in advance of removal surgery. Many women choose to remove their implants and “live with them for awhile” before deciding what they wish to do.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
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.
