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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 a secondary breast surgery.
Breast implant removal is performed to address aesthetic and physical concerns after an initial augmentation.
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure in which breast implants from augmentation surgery are removed. During your implant removal procedure, you can exchange implants or remove them permanently.
A good candidate for breast implant revision:
Women have their breast implants removed for several reasons, such as:
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.
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).
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 of these occur, discomfort, pain, and/or distortion of the implant can result. The implants must be removed to correct these issues.
Women with breast cancer may need to have their implants removed for the cancer to be treated. This depends on many variables, including 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.
During your breast implant removal surgery, an incision is made along the inframammary fold. Your plastic surgeon will try to use the same incision as the one used for your breast augmentation (to eliminate additional scarring); however, the incision often needs to be longer.
You will experience bruising, swelling, and soreness for the first week or two after your removal, which will dissipate over time. It is important that you allow your body plenty of time to rest. This means refraining from many of your normal activities. Strenuous activity and lifting should be avoided completely until you are cleared by your plastic surgeon. You can expect a recovery period of six weeks after your removal procedure.
Most women are able to return to work after one week.
Because implant removal surgery is performed under anesthesia, patients will not feel any pain during or immediately after the surgery. You can expect some discomfort during your recovery, especially in the first several days. Medication can be taken to relieve any pain that you feel. If pain persists or increases, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.
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.
Learn more about reducing scars after your surgery.
If you think that a Breast Reduction may be beneficial for you or wish to learn more about the Breast Reduction procedure, please contact DAVinci Plastic Surgery today. Call (202) 966-9590 or fill out our contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you!
