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Breast Implant Removal in Washington, D.C.

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Though breast augmentation reigns as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures today, not every woman remains pleased with her augmented breasts.

Changes in aesthetic preference or implant-related complications can lead some patients back to their plastic surgeon for secondary breast surgery. If you are unsatisfied with the results of your initial breast augmentation, Dr. Steven P. Davison or Dr. Ximena Pinell can perform breast revision surgery to deliver your desired results.

At DAVinci Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are double and triple certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Surgery, and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that corrects aesthetic and physical concerns after an initial augmentation. It involves the careful removal of the breast implants placed during the initial augmentation surgery. During this procedure, you have the option to exchange the implants for new ones or to have them removed permanently.

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Who Can Benefit From Breast Implant Removal?

Anyone who is unhappy or has experienced problems with their implants can benefit from having them removed. The best candidates for breast implant removal or replacement are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure and share one or more of the following concerns:

  • Their implants have reached the end of their lifespan or warranty.
  • They are experiencing pain or complications.
  • They are unhappy with their breast augmentation results.
  • Their breast appearance preferences have changed.

It’s crucial that candidates for breast implant removal or exchange have realistic expectations and are committed to following the doctor’s post-op instructions. This commitment is a key factor in achieving the best possible results.

To schedule a consultation with one of our top plastic surgeons, call 202.966.9590. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and find a convenient time for you to meet with Dr. Davison or Dr. Pinell to discuss your concerns and goals. They will determine the best approach to meet your needs.

Why Is Breast Implant Removal Done?

Women decide to have their breast implants removed for several reasons, such as:


Age of Implants

Most breast implants are estimated to last 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced (though this can be shorter or longer). You can choose to have new implants placed after your old implants are removed, or you can choose to remove your implants and return to your natural breast size.

Aesthetic Purposes

While many women achieve the results they desire with breast augmentation, some women are not happy with their results initially or down the line. It is very common to be happy with your implants in your 20s only to feel differently in your 40s after one or more children. To correct this aesthetic frustration, breast revision surgery can be performed (with or without replacement implants).

Implant-Related Complications

Breast augmentation with breast implants is safe; however, there are risks associated with this cosmetic procedure. Capsular contracture and implant rupture are two of the most common complications that can occur with breast implants. When either occurs, discomfort, pain, and distortion of the implant can result. The implants must be removed to correct these issues.

Medical Necessity

Women with breast cancer may need to have their implants removed before certain treatments begin, depending on the severity of the cancer, your oncologist, and your personal preference. For women with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which is a cancer that develops in scar tissue surrounding breast implants, the breast implants must be removed.


Call Davinci Plastic Surgery to learn how our Washington, D.C., breast augmentation techniques can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

(202) 966-9590

What Are My Breast Implant Removal Options?

When choosing to have your implants removed, there are several options available to ensure that you are happy with the final results.

Implant Exchange

For women who desire continued augmentation to increase the size and enhance the shape of their natural breasts, an implant exchange can be performed. Here, new implants will be placed after the old ones are removed. These new implants can be the same size and shape as the removed implants, or you can change the size and shape of the implants. You can also choose a different implant material and switch from saline to silicone or vice-versa.

Permanent Removal

Women choose permanent removal for several reasons, including aesthetic preferences and pain caused by implants (such as neck and back pain from the larger breasts).

Removal and Breast Lift

Whether you choose to exchange implants or remove them permanently, you can undergo mastopexy (breast lift surgery) to lift your breasts to a perkier, more youthful, and natural position.

Breast implant removal or exchange is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. During the surgery, an incision is made along the inframammary fold. Your plastic surgeon will try to use the same incisions as the ones used for your breast augmentation (to eliminate additional scarring); however, the incision often needs to be a bit longer.

What Happens After Breast Implant Removal?

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Implant Removal?

After your breast implant removal, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness, which is a normal part of the recovery process. These discomforts will gradually dissipate over time. It’s important to allow your body plenty of time to rest and refrain from many of your normal activities. Strenuous activity and lifting must be avoided until you are cleared by your plastic surgeon. With proper care and follow-up, you can expect a full recovery within six weeks.

Most women are able to return to work after one week.

Learn more about reducing scars after your surgery.

Breast Implant Revision, Removal, and Replacement in Washington, DC

Our highly respected double and triple-board-certified plastic surgeons provide unrivaled results and offer breast augmentation, implant removal, breast revision surgery, and implant replacement in Washington, DC. We serve all surrounding areas, including Virginia and Maryland, while catering to out-of-town patients who choose to travel to DC for plastic surgery.

The team at DAVinci Plastic Surgery is knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. You can rely on Dr. Davison and Dr. Pinell to customize your treatment plan and surgical approach to meet your unique needs. Schedule your consultation and learn more about your DC breast implant replacement, removal, and revision options by calling 202.966.9590 today.

Your Washington, D.C., Breast Implant Removal Experts

If you are looking for top-level care and a wide variety of breast implant removal options in Washington, D.C., check out our before and after photos gallery, and then call (202) 966-9590 to reach the helpful and knowledgeable team at Davinci Plastic Surgery.

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Breast Implant Removal FAQs

Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?

Because implant removal surgery is performed under anesthesia, patients will not feel any pain during or immediately after the surgery. However, you can expect some discomfort during your recovery, especially in the first several days. Medication can be taken to relieve any pain. If pain persists or increases, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.

Will There Be Scars After Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal requires incisions that will result in scars. Dr. Davison or Dr. Pinell will try to make these incisions in the same location as those used for your augmentation surgery, which means that new scars should not result.

How much is breast implant removal in Washington, DC?

The cost of breast implant removal in Washington, DC, varies from patient to patient and depends on different factors, including whether you are exchanging breast implants or combining your implant removal with a mastopexy. Additional cost factors include anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon fees. You will be given an accurate price estimate after your breast implant removal consultation at DAVinci Plastic Surgery.

Does insurance cover breast implant removal?

Some insurance companies may cover breast implant removal if they are being removed due to a medical condition. However, each insurance company is different, and some do not cover removal surgery. You will want to check with your specific insurance company before your procedure.

How long will my breast implant removal surgery take?

Most breast implant removal procedures take anywhere between one and three hours. The exact time is dependent on the procedure specifics.

If I am having my breast implants removed, will I need a breast lift?

If you have had small implants for a short time, you may not need a lift, but removing large implants, especially when they have been in place for over a year, usually requires a breast lift to avoid a visible loss of firmness or sagging.

How long will my results last?

If you are only having your breast implants removed, then you will have permanent results. However, your natural breasts may lose some degree of firmness, and further sagging will occur as you age. If you are exchanging your implants for new implants, then your results will last as long as the implants do.

How often should I have my breast implants checked?

You should have an MRI scan to check for possible leaks in silicone implants five years after receiving them and every two to three years after that. However, if you experience any discomfort or signs of complications, then you should have your implants checked immediately by your plastic surgeon.

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(202) 966-9590

3050 K. St. NW, Ste. 170,
Washington, DC 20007


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Date: Thursday, October 31st

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