Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a common procedure with the goal of returning the breasts to their natural shape. Patients want implants out for a variety of reasons, commonly due implant rupture, capsular contracture, or no longer feeling they are necessary. When implants are removed often breasts will be deflated so a mastopexy or breast lift may be required.
Treatment Time
1-2 hours; removing breast implants is completed under general anesthetic and if combined with a mastopexy or fat grafting the procedure can be between 2-4 hours.
Incisions
Incisions are placed along the lower breast fold, or inframammary crease. Generally your previous breast augmentation incisions will be followed to minimize scarring.
Benefits
Patients who no longer want breast implants generally feel a sense of relief once they are removed. Often patients reach an age where implants are no longer wanted or they no longer fit their lifestyle.
Technique
An incision is made following the previous incisions and the breast implant is removed. Deep stitches are used to close the cavity where the implant used to live and a drain is placed. All sutures used are dissolving.
Recovery
Incisions are healed within a week. Drains are removed after a few days. It can take 6-8 weeks for the breasts to gain their final form as the breast tissue settles and swelling subsides.
Risks
The main risks include bleeding, infection, poor aesthetic result, need for further surgery to correct droopy or ptotic breasts, and a fluid collection called a seroma. Drains are used to minimize the risk of a collection.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are sure they no longer want breast implants, otherwise healthy, non smokers, and who are okay with their breasts appearing smaller and possibly deflated.
Adjunct Procedures
When breast implants are placed they stretch and thin the breast tissue. When implants are removed the surrounding breast is not the same as it once was and can be droopy or ptotic. A mastopexy, or breast lift, can be used at the time of surgery or later to correct droopy breasts.