Sometimes, less is more of what you want at a particular time. Breast implant removal, known as explantation, is a surgical procedure to remove saline or silicone breast implants. Depending on your reasons for getting your breast implants removed, Dr. Patel may also remove excess scar tissue or silicone from an implant leak during the procedure.

Why Would I Seek Breast Implant Removal?

Capsular Contracture

One of the most common reasons for breast implant removal is capsular contracture. During breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon creates a pocket to place the implant in. Once the implant is placed, scar tissue grows around it. The scar tissue is soft and fibrous and helps keep the implant in place. Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue that forms is dense and hard and contracts around the implant. Signs of capsular contracture include:

Your breast implant sits higher on your chest than it should
Your breasts may look round and feel hard or tight
Your breasts and nipples may look misshapen
You experience discomfort or pain in your breasts

The only treatment for capsular contracture is implant removal. Your surgeon will take out your implant and the surrounding scar tissue. You may then decide whether or not to replace the implant.

Breast Implant Complications

In some cases, you may need to get your breast implants removed because they have shifted or become displaced. If the tissue keeping the implant in place can’t provide enough support, your implants may move. Lateral displacement happens when the implants shift toward your armpits, and symmastia causes your implants to shift toward the center of your chest. Your implants may also ride too high on your chest or “bottom out” and fall below the breast fold. While these complications are not common, they are cause for breast implant removal.

Breast Implant Leaks or Ruptures

Whether you have a silicone or saline breast implant, a leak or a rupture requires removal. If a saline implant leaks or ruptures, it is obvious, as your breast will visibly deflate. Silicone implant leaks are much harder to detect. The silicone gel in breast implants is extremely dense, so if you experience a leak or rupture, the gel may slowly leak from the shell but typically stays within the breast capsule. This is called a silent rupture. Some women may experience discomfort or swelling or notice a change in the size or shape of their breasts. But in most cases, getting an MRI is the only way to determine if your silicone implant is compromised.

Aesthetic Reasons

Over time, your priorities and style change. And while you may have enjoyed your breast implants for several years, changes to your lifestyle or aesthetic may move you to consider breast implant removal. As they get older, many women decide to return to their natural breast size and choose to get their implants removed. If your breasts are droopier than you wish after implant removal, you may also opt to get a breast lift at the same time.

Age of the Implants

Breast implants, both saline and silicone, are made to be lasting and durable. Leaks and ruptures are rare, so you will be able to enjoy the results of your breast augmentation for many years. However, like anything, your implants eventually need to be replaced. Breast implants typically last between ten and twenty years, at which time it’s recommended that you get them replaced. Breast implant removal surgery can remove and replace the old implant so that you’re ready for another decade or two of a figure that looks WOW.

What Happens During the Breast Implant Removal Procedure?

During your breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Patel will make incisions in your breasts so that he can remove the implants. If possible, he will use the incision location from your original breast augmentation to limit scarring. The implant is removed, and if you choose, a new one is placed. If you have capsular contracture or have decided not to replace your implants, he will remove the implant as well as the scar tissue capsule around it.

Breast implant removal is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia, and generally takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete, depending on your individual situation.

What Is Recovery Like After Breast Implant Removal?

Recovery from breast implant removal is similar whether you replaced your implant or not. You’ll know what to expect, as the recovery is usually less than when you underwent your original breast augmentation.

You may need several days off work and limit your activities during your initial recovery. You may typically return to your job and other everyday activities at that time. You will wear a surgical compression bra to support your breasts and help minimize swelling, and you may also have surgical drains for a week or so to eliminate excess fluid.

Full recovery from breast implant removal typically takes about four to six weeks, at which time you’ll be able to return to all activities, including strenuous exercise.

Why Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery for Breast Implant Removal?

Dr. Prem Patel is committed to employing his skill and expertise in aesthetic surgery to give each of his patients the stunning results they envisioned. His extensive training and years spent perfecting the art of cosmetic surgery are demonstrated by the many patients who are WOW’d by their results.