7 Things to Know if You’re Considering Breast Implant Removal
If you’re thinking about breast implant removal, there are a few key components to consider to ensure you are well-informed and feel empowered about your decision to make a change. Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is a female plastic surgeon Richmond patients count on for honest, transparent plastic surgery information. Here, she shares 7 things you should know if you’re considering breast implant removal.
The reasons women choose breast implant removal
You may choose to have your breast implants removed after breast augmentation for several reasons or a combination of factors, including:
Your lifestyle or aesthetic preferences have changed. We can restore your natural breast size or exchange your breast implants for smaller or larger options.
You wish to address complications associated with your breast implants. Breast implant removal can help correct complications such as infection, rupture, or capsular contracture.
Regardless of the reason you’re seeking breast implant removal, understanding the procedure, recovery, and potential outcomes is vital to your satisfaction with the results of your surgery plan.
What you can expect post-removal
Most patients ask if their breasts will revert to their normal size and shape post-removal. The answer varies; factors like how long you’ve had the implants, their size, and your skin’s elasticity affect how your breast tissue will appear without implants. In many cases, there may be some sagging or shape changes. This is where the expertise of a skilled Richmond breast implant removal surgeon becomes invaluable to personalize your procedure so you are happy with your breasts.
The breast implant removal process
To perform an explantation, we can usually make the incision along the original scar lines to prevent additional scars and then carefully extract the implants. In certain cases, we may also remove the surrounding scar tissue capsule using either a partial capsulectomy or total capsulectomy; these details are important to discuss with your surgeon in-depth, as the extent of surgery required can vary widely depending on your unique case.
While many patients choose to simply have their implants out, patients interested in preserving an aesthetically pleasing breast shape may opt to combine the explant with a breast lift, implant exchange, or both.
Breast lift
A breast lift, especially if you want to exchange your implants for a smaller size or do not want to replace your implants, may be beneficial to help you achieve a lovely breast appearance during breast implant removal surgery. Over time, gravity, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process cause tissue changes in the breast, and without the support of the original breast implants, your breasts may appear saggy or “bottom heavy.” Even placing larger implants does not typically provide enough lift to prevent breast sagging—larger implants typically exaggerate a droopy breast appearance.
A breast lift removes excess skin and reshapes the breast for a more symmetrical, fuller appearance. This procedure add-on can also reposition the breast to sit naturally higher on the chest for a more youthful breast profile.
Implant exchange
We can place new breast implants during the same surgery in many cases, a procedure known as breast implant revision. Placing new implants immediately helps you experience final results quicker and prevents the cost and potential risks and complications of undergoing multiple surgeries.
The first step is choosing an expert, board-certified plastic surgeon, as they will guide you through the decision-making process.
What makes you a suitable candidate for explant
If you are healthy enough to safely undergo and recover from surgery with realistic expectations for the outcome, then you may be a good candidate, no matter the reason for choosing the procedure. That said, we may recommend delaying the procedure if:
It has not been at least 1 year since your breast augmentation, and you want to exchange your implants for purely cosmetic reasons. It takes about 12 months for the “drop and fluff” process to fully manifest, meaning you may experience changes in your breast appearance for up to a year after surgery.
Your breast implants are past their warranty date, but you have no issues. If you are happy with your breast implants, you do not have to remove or exchange them at a specific time.
What to expect in recovery
Your recovery after breast implant removal will be similar to your breast augmentation recovery. You’ll receive detailed post-operative care instructions and activity restrictions based on your surgery plan, with general recovery guidelines including gentle movements for about 2 weeks and wearing compression garments until advised otherwise.
If you are not having new implants placed, you may find explantation recovery easier, as you will not experience the weight or “heaviness” of the implants as they settle into the breast pocket.
Some breast lift techniques require additional incisions on the breast to achieve optimal reshaping and tissue removal, though these should not extend your overall recovery time.
How to choose the right surgeon
Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures is pivotal to the safety and success of your surgery. The right surgeon understands your needs and expectations and possesses the requisite skills and knowledge to achieve beautiful results. An experienced surgeon will ensure your procedure plan aligns with your goals and take steps to avoid the issues that left you unhappy with your previous breast implant surgery.
How to prepare for your consultation
Before your consultation, jot down all your concerns, goals, and questions regarding the procedure. Being prepared will help make the most of your consultation time and allow your surgeon to fully understand your expectations and present all your options to help you look and feel beautiful. It is also essential to keep an open mind—you may want one procedure but need another to create the look you envision, and you’ll need to trust your surgeon’s experience performing explant surgery.
Richmond breast implant removal
Breast implant removal is a personal decision with several factors that will impact your results to keep in mind. Richmond female plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos tailors each procedure, from careful incision placement to creating a natural breast appearance that complements your unique anatomy so you feel confident in your body. If you would like to learn more about breast implant removal and how this procedure may benefit you, please call 804-355-3410 or contact Dr. Aboutanos online to schedule a consultation.