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At Eberbach Plastic Surgery (a division of IB Healthcare Institute), we frequently see women who have decided to have their breast implants removed. Just as you have chosen to get your implants in, you decide to take them out. The most common reasons we see include capsular contracture, implant rupture, or over time desiring a smaller or more natural-looking breast.

Why Remove Breast Implants?

There is no expiration date on implants as long as you are happy with the shape and size. Some patients keep their implants in for over 25 years.

If you develop a Capsular Contracture. The formation of a “capsule” of scar tissue around any kind of implant (medical or cosmetic) is a normal part of the healing process. In a few patients, however, this capsule of scar tissue becomes unusually hard and starts to contract around the implant. This can lead to both aesthetic problems and, in extreme cases, pain in the breast.

A hardened scar tissue can have one or more of the following effects:

• One implant being much higher or misshapen.
• Reduced feeling of softness, which is what makes the implants look and feel natural.
• Discomfort and pain.

Having a ruptured implant is another reason why some may decide to undergo breast implant removal. With a ruptured saline implant,t the implant would deflate and your breast size would go down. With a ruptured gel implant an MRI would be needed to determine if a rupture had occurred.

You may also choose to have your breast implants removed simply because your cosmetic goals have changed. If, down the line, you feel your breasts are too large and wish to have smaller breasts, a breast implant removal can be used to address the issue.

Breast Implant Revision

Breast implants last for a long time and have a lifetime warranty. However, after around 10 years, the implants typically need replacement. Breast implant revision is performed to remove old breast implants and replace them with new ones to improve the breasts’ appearance and feel.

The procedure can also be performed if the patient simply wants a change in size, shape, or type of breast implant. Innovations in plastic surgery may introduce new implant options that patients might be interested in. The procedure performed to remove or revise breast implants is only covered within 10 years. Before considering breast implant revision, schedule a consultation to assess your eligibility for the procedure.

Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation

We have removed thousands of implants in his 30-year career. There can be sagging to the breast when doing just an implant removal; it is very common to do a breast lift at the same time to give the breast a more youthful shape. It is also very common for women to choose to get new implants or fat grafting to the breast along with the implant removal.

How to Prepare for Breast Implant Removal

As with any surgical procedure, you must prepare properly before a breast implant removal. Avoid smoking for at least 4 to 6 weeks before the procedure. Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours beforehand. A week before a breast implant removal procedure, avoid taking blood-thinning medication. Stop taking herbal supplements as well. These medications and supplements can lead to complications during and after the procedure. It is important to request time off from work in advance. After the initial recovery period, you will be able to resume light desk work.

The Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The breast implant removal procedure starts with the administration of general anesthesia to help you feel comfortable during the surgical process. Next, cleaners or antibacterial soap are applied over the breasts to prepare the surgical site for incision and also for the prevention of infection. After the anesthetic has taken effect, our surgeons will begin to make the necessary incisions at the crease of the breast. Through these incisions, he will remove the implants and the surrounding capsule. He will often work to recontour the breasts by performing a breast lift.

A breast lift addresses any skin laxity and droopiness caused by the removal of the implants by removing extra skin and moving the nipple to a perkier position. After the necessary corrections have been made, he will close the incisions. Typically, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures with a surgical adhesive placed over them.

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Our surgeons will provide detailed instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery stage. You must follow your surgeon’s instructions for rapid recovery without developing complications. During the recovery phase, you may also experience the following minor side effects:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Redness.
• Bruising.

You can expect these side effects to go away on their own in a matter of days/weeks. Medication can also be provided to help you feel more comfortable during the recovery process. Most patients return to work a few days after having the procedure performed. Strenuous activity, such as the gym, can be resumed 3 weeks after the procedure.

Contact Our Office

To learn more about breast implant removal, contact Eberbach Plastic Surgery (a division of IB Healthcare). Call us at (727) 868-4490 or schedule your consultation. Our surgeons will gladly address any questions you may have and guide you through the entire process.