The Best Breast Implant Removal Candidates
• Have realistic ideas and expectations of what can be accomplished with surgery• May have experienced implant rupture or capsular contracture• May experience health problems related to their implants• Wish for a different aesthetic appearance to their breast• Are healthy and at a stable weight• Are not taking blood thinner medications or using nicotine products
Breast Implant Removal Terms to Know
Capsule – whenever an implant is placed, a thin filmy layer develops around the implant, this is called the capsule. This capsule can become thickened or calcified in a condition known as capsular contracture. This may occur anytime over the lifetime of the implant.
En bloc removal – this complex procedure involves removing the implant and the capsule as one unit.
Capsulectomy – removal of the capsule surrounding the implant. This is usually done at the same time as implant removal if needed.
Breast lift – Otherwise known as mastopexy, breast lift surgery can optimize breast shape after breast implant.
Breast Implant Removal Options
The surgery that best balances implant removal while achieving a natural appearance will differ from person to person. Some women have enough residual breast tissue that simply removing the implants is all that is needed. Other women may have some natural drooping of the breast skin and tissue that occurs over time. The surgery, in this case, may involve a breast lift in addition to implant removal. Volume restoration can be achieved in some cases with fat grafting. Your Restore SD surgeon will discuss with you the safest way to achieve your desired look. Most of the time removal can be combined with breast enhancement, while other circumstances may dictate that the safest approach requires two separate surgeries spaced by 4-6 months.
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Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Breast implant removal surgery is performed in the outpatient setting in an accredited ambulatory surgery center. There are many complex variables surrounding breast implant removal surgery. If possible, we will use your previous breast surgery incisions. The surgery can take from 1 -3 hours and may include a breast lift or fat grafting. Your Restore SD surgeon will tailor the approach to your individual circumstances and goals. Once your surgery is over you will be placed in a post-operative compression bra. You will wear this bra or a similar one for the next few weeks.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
After your breast implant removal surgery is completed you will be able to go home with a responsible adult. Ideally, this loved-one or friend will be able to stay with you during the first few days of recovery. Some postoperative surgical discomfort is to be expected and you will be prescribed pain medication to help ensure a comfortable recovery. Initially the area around the nipple and most of the breast skin is numb but sensation returns over the next few months. Most women can return to work after 2 weeks. Normal daily activities like showering, eating and light activity such as walking can be resumed within 24 hours after surgery. Some postoperative swelling is normal and generally resolves within the first 4 weeks after surgery. You should refrain from intense physical activity for 4 weeks. During the recovery period, you will have follow-up with your Restore SD surgeon and will be guided back to your usual activities. Most complications occur from getting too active too early, so select a surgical date that allows an appropriate amount of time to heal and gradually return to your more vigorous activities.
The Combined Procedures
Breast implant removal surgery can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or can be combined with abdominoplasty, liposuction, or certain facial rejuvenation procedures. Your Restore SD surgeon will partner with you to develop an effective plan designed to optimize your results, recovery, and safety.
