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Breast Implant Removal

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What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a surgical procedure designed to remove saline or silicone breast implants, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons. While breast revision often involves implant exchange, some patients choose to undergo explant surgery without implant replacement. In addition to her experience with breast augmentation, Dr. Mary Herte, our board-certified plastic surgeon, has advanced expertise as a breast explant surgeon, working with women to restore their breasts to their natural size.

What Are Common Reasons For Breast Implant Removal?

The decision to undergo breast implant removal surgery is very personal, but there are common reasons many women choose to seek this procedure. In general, many patients relate to one or more of the following:

Who Is a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

An ideal candidate for breast implant removal is typically someone experiencing physical or emotional discomfort due to their implants. This may include pain, rupture, capsular contracture, or dissatisfaction with their implant size or shape. Potential candidates may also have changes in their personal preferences, health concerns, or complications such as BIA-ALCL or breast implant-associated illness (BII). Women who want to restore a more natural breast appearance may also consider removal.

Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about surgery outcomes, and be a non-smoker, as smoking can hinder the recovery process. A consultation with Dr. Herte can help determine if you are a candidate for breast implant removal surgery.

What Does En Bloc Capsulectomy Mean?

To perform breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Herte typically recommends removal of the scar capsule to allow the breast tissue to heal back in place without the interference of the intervening scar capsules. While there is popular belief that en bloc capsulectomy is necessary in cases of breast implant illness, extensive scientific studies have shown that type of capsulectomy, and even whether capsulectomy has been done, has no impact on symptom improvement. En bloc capsulectomy involves removal of the implant and capsule as a unit and includes a border of normal tissue which can be quite destructive. En bloc dissections are ordinarily reserved for the treatment of cancer to make sure that a border of normal tissue is removed with the tumor. Most explantation surgeries are elective and not a cancer surgery, and such destruction of normal breast tissue or muscle cannot be justified since en bloc removal can negatively impact the overall aesthetic outcome of explantation surgery. For these reasons, Dr. Herte does not recommend en bloc capsulectomy for explantation or for any reason besides cancer surgery.

En bloc capsulectomy is, however, the preferred technique for any patients showing a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.

What Is Involved in Explant Surgery?

Removal of the implant and the associated capsule is recommended for the best restoration of tissue relationships. The loss of volume that implant removal has on the breast size and shape can be quite significant and many women will be unhappy with the cosmetic appearance of the breast with simple removal of the implant. Most women will need some sort of breast lift to make the most of the breast tissue volume left after implant removal. After the capsules have been removed, Dr. Herte may perform a breast lift to tighten the surrounding tissue, as it may have stretched to accommodate the implants. Without some sort of mastopexy or breast lift, the explanted breast may be flat, long, and the nipple level may be low and much lower than before implant removal. Having an implant in place for a long time can have significant changes on the breast shape and the passage of time may change the breast tissue volume. Not all patients may need this, and others may choose to get a lift at a later time.

To complete the breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Herte will close the incisions using internal sutures and protect the incision line with DERMABOND® PRINEO® Mesh or SYLKE Mesh (strong yet lightweight mesh material that adheres to the skin). By utilizing these products, Dr. Herte has found patients experience faster healing and less noticeable scarring. Patients can typically go home the same day as their procedure to begin their recovery process.

What Can I Expect After Breast Implant Removal?

The recovery after breast implant removal may be slightly different for each individual. Most patients can resume the majority of their normal activities within the first week and generally return to work in about a week as long as their jobs are not strenuous. Dr. Herte will provide you with personalized post-operative care instructions to promote wound healing and a smooth recovery. It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising, which should gradually fade over the first few weeks. Any discomfort can typically be managed with pain medication. To minimize the chance of complications after your explant surgery, Dr. Herte typically recommends patients wait four to six weeks to resume strenuous activities, but may gradually resume cardio exercise beginning after about eight days. Final healing and shape development may take months. As with most scars, final improvement and maturation takes on average a full year.

What Will My Breast Look Like After Implant Removal?

After breast implant removal, the appearance of your breasts will likely depend on factors such as skin elasticity, the presence of excess skin, and whether additional procedures are performed. Some women may experience a softer, more natural look, especially if the implant removed was quite small. Others may have significant sagging or deflation due to the loss of implant volume. In those cases, a breast lift can be performed to improve shape and firmness. It is important to discuss your aesthetic goals during the consultation process so any concerns can be effectively addressed and results can appear more natural-looking and satisfactory. It is important to note that after implant removal, your breasts will not return to their pre-implant state. The changes inherent in weight gain and loss, hormonal changes, and the pressure of the implants on breast tissue and skin are irrevocable and unpredictable.

Will I Have Scars After Breast Implant Removal?

Much like other surgical procedures, breast implant removal typically leaves scars. All incisions heal by means of scar tissue. However, their appearance and size can be influenced or minimized by the technique used and post-operative scar management. If a breast lift is performed in conjunction with implant removal, additional scars will be needed to remove or tighten the excess skin. Further ways to manage breast surgery scars include: 

  • Properly following post-surgical instructions 
  • Supporting the breasts with a properly fitted bra to protect incisions from stress and pulling
  • Protecting against harsh UV rays by wearing sunscreen or covering incision areas with clothing 
  • Maintaining proper nutritional balance with hydration, adequate protein intake, and supplementing with helpful vitamins promote safe healing
  • Using the recommended scar management cream once strong healing of the incisions has occurred

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?

The cost of breast implant removal surgery can vary based on the unique details of each patient’s case, such as the complexity of the explant surgery. In addition, surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, and post-operative garments can all contribute to the overall price of breast implant removal surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Herte, our team will provide you with a personalized financial proposal to help you plan for your procedure. If you would like to sign up for plastic surgery financing options to divide your total cost into smaller, monthly payments, we can help you get started.

For more information about breast implant removal surgery, please contact the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Herte.