Breast Implant Removal

Women who have had breast augmentation surgery may decide, for various reasons, to have the implants removed. Some women choose to have their implants removed simply to make room for new, larger or smaller implants. Other women choose to have them removed due to complications such as:

• Deflation or rupture
• Shifting or sagging
• Excess scar tissue surrounding the implant (capsular contracture)
• Formation of calcium deposits
• Asymmetry in breast size or shape
• Implant wrinkling
• Diagnosis of breast cancer

The procedure for breast implant removal depends on what your individual circumstances are. If the surgery is for replacing existing implants with ones of a different size, the process is not complicated. Your surgeon will reopen the implant pocket, remove the old one and replace it with a new one.

If implant removal surgery is due to problems with the implants, the procedure can be a little more complicated. For example, capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant and contracts, squeezing the implant into a spherical entity. It can make the breast look like a baseball and can be very painful as well. Capsular contracture can be treated without removing the implant, but sometimes patients choose to remove the implant as well.

If the procedure is to replace a broken or leaking implant, the steps will differ depending on the type of implant. Usually a saline implant is partially or fully drained and is easily extracted. In the case of a leaky silicone implant, the procedure can take much longer. The surgeon must extract the silicone gel that has gotten loose around the implant, and may have hardened; that may become a challenging and tedious process.

As with any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and complications associated with breast implant removal. Dr. Stokes will review all of the potential complications with you so you are fully aware of what to expect. Possible risks include, but are not limited to the following:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Poorly healed incisions
• Unattractive scarring
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
• Loss of nipple sensation
• Loose skin

Dr. Stokes will take an individualized approach, depending on your desired goals. She will discuss, in detail, your expectations and will customize a strategy to give you the best results. For example, if you are having your implants removed and not replaced, Dr. Stokes will discuss getting a breast lift at the same time to restore shape after the implants are removed.

Recovery from breast implant removal surgery is typically pretty quick. Although full recovery can take a few months, most patients are able to return to everyday activity within a week and full activity within two to three weeks following the procedure. Patients may experience minor discomfort, swelling and bruising for a few weeks following the procedure.

Whether you are considering having breast implant removal surgery because you would like to change the size or shape of your breasts, or because you are experiencing complications, please contact Dr. Stokes today to schedule a private consultation. Dr. Stokes will openly discuss your cosmetic options and will work with you to develop an individualized plan to ensure the best results.