Breast Implant Removal
Breast augmentation surgery has been a popular cosmetic procedure for many years and remains one of the
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2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report
ASPS
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top five
cosmetic procedures performed annually in the United States. However, for some women, breast implant removal may become necessary due to various reasons. Breast implant removal surgery is typically more complex than the initial implant surgery and requires a plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing the procedure.
Dr. Berry Fairchild understands how difficult the choice to undergo breast implant removal can be and is here to support you every step of the way. As an expert in breast implant removal and other plastic surgery procedures for the breasts, she is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and information you need to make the best decision for yourself. Dr. Fairchild’s goal is to help you achieve your desired outcome while prioritizing your emotional and physical wellbeing. With her compassionate approach and extensive experience, she is Houston’s ideal choice to guide you through the breast implant removal process.
What is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal, or explant surgery, is a procedure that involves removing silicone or saline implants and surrounding scar tissue from a patient’s chest. Common reasons for breast implant removal include:
Complications: In rare cases, breast implants can lead to complications such as implant rupture, deflation due to leaking, breast implant illness, or capsular contracture.
Desire to regain natural breast appearance: Some patients may no longer desire the appearance or feel of their breast implants and wish to have them removed to return to their natural breast size and feel.
Lifestyle changes: Patients who lead an active lifestyle may find that their breast implants interfere with their activities or cause discomfort during exercise. Additionally, changes in personal or professional circumstances may make the maintenance and upkeep of breast implants less practical or desirable.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
There are several benefits to breast implant removal, including:
- Resolves complications such as implant rupture, leaking, or capsular contracture
- Helps patients regain their natural breast shape and feel
- May improve asymmetry in the breasts
- Eliminates the need for future implant maintenance or replacement surgeries
- Reduces the risk of potential future complications related to breast implants
Preparing For Breast Implant Removal
Before undergoing breast implant removal, you will need to have a consultation with Dr. Fairchild to discuss your reasons for wanting the procedure and your expectations. You may also need to undergo some pre-operative tests to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Dr. Fairchild will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including dietary restrictions, stopping certain medications, and avoiding smoking.
Your Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Breast implant removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes one to two hours in Dr. Fairchild’s surgery center. During the procedure, Dr. Fairchild will make an incision either around the areola, under the breast in the inframammary fold, or in the armpit, depending on the type of implant and the reason for removal. Dr. Fairchild will then remove the saline or silicone implants and any scar tissue around it, which may involve an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the entire capsule that surrounds the implant. Depending on your individual situation, Dr. Fairchild may also remove excess breast tissue or perform a breast lift (mastopexy) to address any loose skin and reshape the breast. If you want new implants, Dr. Fairchild can place them during the same procedure.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
During the healing process, you may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least four to six weeks and wear a compression garment to help with healing. Dr. Fairchild will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities.
FAQs About Breast Implant Removal
Will my breasts look the same after implant removal?
Your breasts may not look the same as they did before the implants, but Dr. Fairchild can perform a breast lift or fat transfer to reshape your breasts.
Will I need to replace my implants if I remove them?
No, you do not need to replace your implants if you remove them.
Is breast implant removal covered by insurance?
Breast implant removal may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary, such as in the case of implant rupture or capsular contracture. However, if you are removing the implants for cosmetic reasons, it will not be covered.
What are the risks associated with breast implant removal?
The risks associated with breast implant removal are similar to those of breast augmentation surgery, including but not limited to infection, bleeding, and
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Breast Implant Removal
Cleveland Clinic
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scarring.
How long will it take for me to recover after breast implant removal?
The recovery time after breast implant removal can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Generally, it takes about four to six weeks to fully recover from breast implant removal. During this time, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, and you will need to avoid strenuous activity and wear a compression garment to help with healing. Dr. Fairchild will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume normal activities. It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
What are the health risks of breast implants?
Breast implants can pose certain health risks, including Breast Implant Illness (BII), implant rupture,
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What to Know About Breast Implants
FDA
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capsular contracture
, infection, changes in breast sensation, implant displacement, and the need for additional surgeries. It’s important to note that breast implants do not cause
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Safety of Silicone Breast Implants
National Academies Press (US)
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breast cancer.
Do I need to remove my implants if I’ve been diagnosed with breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL)?
BIA-ALCL is a rare
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Is there any connection between breast implants and cancer?
Mayo Clinic
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type of cancer
of the immune system that can develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding breast implants. If you have been diagnosed with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), Dr. Fairchild will likely recommend removing the affected implant and surrounding scar tissue.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Implant Removal
If you are considering breast implant removal Dr. Fairchild can help. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your goals, determine whether breast implant removal is right for you, and evaluate your options. Contact our Houston office to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards regaining your natural breast appearance and feel.
1 ASPS. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf. Accessed April 5, 2023.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Implant Removal. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21799-breast-implant-removal. Accessed April 5, 2023.
3 FDA. What to Know About Breast Implants. Available: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants. Accessed April 5, 2023.
4 National Academies Press (US). Safety of Silicone Breast Implants. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44799/. Accessed April 5, 2023.
5 Mayo Clinic. Is there any connection between breast implants and cancer? And if so, how serious is the risk? Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/expert-answers/breast-implants-and-cancer/faq-20057774. Accessed April 5, 2023.