Women choose to have a breast implant removal procedure for many reasons. Some have experienced a complication that’s affecting their comfort or their appearance. Others have had an increase in size as they’ve gotten older and no longer need the fullness that their implants provide. The rare patient may have a medical reason for implant removal, perhaps related to a textured implant and the suspicion of a resulting ALCL (Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma).
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
Fix capsular contracture. Some breast augmentation patients develop capsular contraction: a condition in which the tissue around their implant tightens so much that it causes pain and distorts the appearance of their breast. Dr. Sanders can resolve both problems with a breast implant removal procedure.
Return to your preferred size. As a result of aging, weight fluctuation, pregnancy, and other factors, your breasts may have grown larger since your augmentation. Now, the added volume from your breast implants may be more fullness than you need. Taking out your implants can give you the figure you originally wanted.
Removal of a textured implant associated with a breast mass or fluid around the implant that may indicate the presence of ALCL. In this case, the removal of the scar tissue would be more extensive.
Give yourself a lift. Many of our Los Angeles patients combine breast implant removal with a breast lift. This procedure removes excess tissue, reshapes the breasts, and restores them to a more youthful position.
Get the body you want. Every cosmetic surgery should be about making a positive change — even if it’s undoing a past procedure. Whatever reason you have for taking out your implants, Dr. Sanders can help.
Get a face and body that matches the ultimate vision of yourself.
Do you ever look in the mirror in disappointment, realizing that the face staring back at you does not match the image in your head? If you fall short of your own self-image, we invite you to consider aesthetic interventions, ranging from breast augmentation to facelifts to tummy tucks. Get the face and body you have always dreamed of, and step into a more youthful, more confident version of yourself. Request a virtual consultation with Dr. Sanders.
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Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You’re a candidate for the surgery if you’re healthy enough for a procedure and want to have your implants taken out for any reason.
We encourage you to visit our practice in the San Fernando Valley to learn more. A private consultation will give you the chance to talk through your goals and to get an idea of how you might look after surgery.
If you have saline implants, Dr. Sanders may be able to perform an in-office procedure that will aspirate the fluid inside the implants. This will give you a good idea of how your breasts would look without implants or with a smaller size.
During your appointment, Dr. Sanders can also talk with you about using fat grafts when he performs the breast implant removal. Fat grafts can make up for the loss in volume, giving you a natural increase in fullness. Extensive consultation with Dr. Sanders will help you understand all of your options and make the best decision for your care.
Combining Other Procedures with Breast Implant Removal
Having breast implants removed alters the shape and size of the breasts. To address these changes and maintain a more flattering figure, many women opt to combine this surgery with other procedures that can keep breasts looking fuller, rounder, and more youthful, whether implants are used or not.
Breast Lift
A breast lift can elevate the profile of the breast and reduce any sagging that may occur after implants are removed. Excess skin is eliminated for firmer breasts, and the nipples are repositioned to sit higher and create a younger and perkier appearance as well.
Breast Implant Replacement
As breasts change over time, so can the appearance of the implant. Sometimes one type of implant is removed and replaced by another that is a different size or type. A new implant can be tailored to fit your current needs and goals and help you achieve the silhouette you desire.
Fat Transfer
Once a breast implant is removed, you may still want to enhance the volume and shape of your breasts. A fat transfer is a natural alternative to an implant that can give you fuller, rounder breasts using fat cells that have been harvested from other areas of your body.
What to Expect from Implant Removal Surgery
Breast implants typically last between 10 and 15 years before women have them removed or replaced with new implants. This is a good time to review your goals and desires to decide which procedure is right for you, and how to create a contour that compliments your figure.
The Consultation
Dr. Sanders will conduct a thorough consultation to discuss your goals and how implant removal will impact the size and shape of your breasts. Together you can determine whether you should opt for implant replacement, fat grafting, or another procedure to restore and reshape your breasts.
Procedure
During surgery, you will be given anesthesia in order to minimize any pain. Dr. Sanders will then make an incision and remove the implant. The tissue capsule that has formed around the implant may be removed, or a new implant may be inserted. Drainage tubes may be placed to help with healing.
What Is the Recovery from Breast Implant Removal Like?
During the procedure, Dr. Sanders will remove the implants and the surrounding scar tissue. He will generally place his incisions in the same locations as the initial augmentation surgery scars. Depending on your goals, he may perform a breast lift at the same time.
You can expect to wear drainage tubes for 3-4 days. Most of our patients tell us that they have minimal discomfort after surgery and much less pain than with their original augmentation.
Dr. Sanders will see you in his office the day after the procedure to make sure you’re recovering as expected. It will take about a week of healing time before you get back to your normal activities and about 2-4 weeks before you’re ready for intensive exercise. Our patients are typically thrilled with the outcome: a well-contoured figure in line with their personal aesthetic goals and none of the discomfort associated with capsular contracture.
Pricing for Breast Implant Removal
The amount that you pay for your procedure will depend on the type of surgery you have:
- In a standard breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Sanders will take out both the implants and the capsule of tissue that surrounds them.
- Removing the implant will also eliminate some of the breast’s fullness. For this reason, patients may combine their surgery with fat grafting, which can return a portion of this volume.
- Many patients will pair breast implant removal with a breast lift to give their figure an attractive and youthful aesthetic.
Each additional procedure can increase the overall cost of surgery, and each can provide you with a more natural-looking, fuller appearance.
Dr. Sanders can help you understand your options with breast implant removal and what you can expect with your results. Schedule an appointment with us online or by calling (818) 981-3333 in the San Fernando Valley.
