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:
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.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular Contracture 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. This is more common in some types of implants than in others.
Implant Rupture
Implant rupture can be visibly seen or can get incidentally picked up through routine screening imaging studies. Saline implant rupture can be detected more easily. However, silicone implant rupture tends to have fewer symptoms and you may need an MRI or ultrasound for confirmation.
Implant Malposition
Implants can be prone to shifting into a position that can look and feel wrong. Weight fluctuation and pregnancy can increase the chances of this, but it may happen gradually as well. Implants can shift up, down, left, and right, and rarely do so symmetrically. Removing the implants can restore balance and symmetry to the breasts.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness is an emerging consideration that is associated with a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disorders, pain, mood disorders, etc.
Implant Rippling
This tends to happen more in patients with a leaner body type. Visible rippling appears when the skin is too thin to properly cover the implants. When choosing implants for plastic surgery, it is important to work with a surgeon who can match implant size and type to your individual body structure.
Implant Recall
Certain textured implants have been recalled due to an associated risk for anaplastic large cell lymphoma. If you have certain types of textured implants, it may be beneficial to remove them before symptoms appear. Symptoms can include breast swelling, pain, and shape changes, along with fatigue.
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. Dr. Min schedules each breast implant removal on days when she has no procedures before or after. This allows her to focus entirely on your procedure elements and take the time needed for the procedure.
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. Dr. Min’s refined technique tends to minimize these side effects. They then gradually improve with each passing day.
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month to minimize discomfort and reduce complications. 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. Dr. Min sees all patients for follow-up visits to check on their recovery. She may provide additional instructions as needed.
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. All these options can be covered during your consultation with Dr. Min.
We also offer personalized solutions for enhancing, correcting, or replacing breast implants. If you would like a Breast Implant Revision, we can provide that service. This allows you to enact changes such as:
- Change implant types
- Adjust implant position
- Change implant sizes
- Replace old, worn, or damaged implants
Meet Dr. Elise Min
Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing In Breast And Body Procedures In Los Angeles
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.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost
in Beverly Hills?
The cost of breast explant surgery depends on the varied complexity of each case. When you have this procedure with Dr. Min, you are receiving a comprehensive service provided by a leading plastic surgeon and skilled team. We work only with board-certified anesthesiologists for heightened patient safety. Additionally, Dr. Min’s medical assistants and staff are curated for their skill and passion. Dr. Min will provide an implant removal cost estimate during your consultation. She is fully transparent with each element of the final cost.
Book Your Consultation
If you are considering a Breast Explant Surgery, booking a consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is the first vital step. Dr. Min is a breast specialist who is highly trained in performing this type of procedure safely and effectively. During your consultation, she will listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan for breast implant removal in Beverly Hills. Call our office or use our online form to get in touch and take that first step today.
