Breast Implant Removal

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Over time, they may lead to issues affecting your breast shape, which can stem from various reasons. These could include bodily changes due to age or implant-specific problems. Additionally, your preferences may have evolved, and you might no longer desire breast implants. If any of these concerns resonate with you, Dr. Min, a board-certified breast specialist, can utilize modern surgical techniques for Breast Implant Removal and restore your natural breasts.

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal (Breast Explant Surgery) is a procedure in which silicone or saline implants are removed to restore a patient’s natural breasts. Patients may pursue this procedure for various reasons, whether medical, cosmetic, or purely personal. Refer to the section below, ‘Signs you need a breast implant removed,’ for insights into when breast implant removal might be a treatment option. Essentially, whenever patients contemplate a breast implant exchange, the option of breast implant removal also exists and can occasionally be the best course of action.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

When a patient undergoes breast implant removal, they can experience unique benefits, including:

Restoration of a more natural breast shape
Reduction of discomfort and pain from implant-related complications
Elimination any long-term health risks associated with implant problems
Removal of scar tissue that affects breast shape and texture
Restoration of self-confidence

Signs You Need a Breast Explant Surgery

Choosing to have one or both breast implants removed can pose a challenging decision. This is why we collaborate closely with each patient to comprehend their situation and guide them in selecting the optimal path forward. If you’ve encountered any of the following, contemplating breast implant removal surgery may be worthwhile:

1. Cosmetic

Implants are no longer aesthetically pleasing or have shifted in shape. The surrounding breast tissues may have become more droopy with age or pregnancy/breastfeeding.

2. Capsular Contracture

This is the thickening of the natural scars that form around the breast implants and can present itself in varying degrees. You may notice a high-sitting appearance of the implants, hard palpability around the implants or discomfort in the breast.

3. Implant Rupture

Implant rupture can be visibly seen or can get incidentally picked up through routine screening imaging studies.

4. Breast Implant Illness (BII)

This is an emerging consideration that is associated with a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disorders, pain, mood disorders, etc.

Upon noticing any of these signs, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast implant removal surgery to determine if moving forward with this procedure is ideal for you.

An Overview of the Breast Explant Surgery

The removal of the implant will typically require placing the patient under general anesthesia for comfort. A small incision will be made around the area where the breast implant is located, followed by careful removal.

Depending on the individual situation, additional steps may include removing scar tissue (known as capsules) around the implants and restoring pectoralis muscle anatomy. For those concerned about smaller breasts post-removal, fat transfer from another body part could help restore volume. Droopy breast skin may require a concurrent breast lift for aesthetic restoration.

While the Breast Explant Surgery is straightforward, combining these techniques for optimal aesthetic results can take several hours and will vary significantly based on the individual’s custom-tailored surgical plan.

After the Surgery: Recovery & Care

Recovery after breast implant removal surgery can vary among individuals, generally mirroring the pattern of the initial breast augmentation procedure. Patients may anticipate swelling and tenderness in the area for several days, alleviated with medication and aftercare. To minimize discomfort and reduce complications, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month. In some cases, patients may have drains placed during surgery, which would be removed within a week. Wearing a supportive bra during recovery aids healing and provides necessary support to the surgical sites.

Seeing Your Breast Implant Removal Results

Most patients will see a significant change after their breast implant removal. However, it can take time for the swelling and bruising to fully subside, so the final results may not be evident until several months after surgery. If fat transfer took place at the time of the removal, it will take a few weeks for the fat to take hold in the breast tissue.

Combining With Other Procedures

In certain cases, breast implant removal can be combined with other procedures concurrently. As previously mentioned, common combination procedures often involve adding fat grafting for improved breast shape and contour, or performing a breast lift for elevation. This can also serve as an opportunity for liposuction contouring, if patients desire more extensive liposuction. Patients should be prepared to discuss their personal goals with their surgeon prior to the procedure, facilitating the development of an optimized and tailored plan.

We, also, offer personalized solutions for enhancing, correcting, or replacing breast implants. If you would like a Breast Implant Revisions, we can provide that service.

Meet Dr. Elise Min

Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing In Breast And Body Procedures In Los Angeles

Dr. Elise Min, a distinguished female plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, is renowned for her unique expertise in breast and body surgery. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Min is celebrated for her personal approach to aesthetic surgery and her exceptional patient care. She places great emphasis on educating her patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their treatment.