Breast Implant Removal

A breast implant removal, or explantation, is a surgical process that removes implants from the breast pocket. The highly customized procedure can either swap the implants for new ones or remove them altogether. Reasons for getting a removal surgery differ. Some women exchange their implants due to normal wear and tear, or make corrections to a past augmentation, while others want relief from the discomfort of large implants. Whatever the reason, a breast implant removal procedure helps countless women regain the breast shape they desire. Dr. Tehrani is a highly experienced cosmetic surgeon in Southern California who can adjust your breast profile to one that is suitable for you. Schedule your consultation at our Apple Valley, Palm Springs, or San Diego offices. To get in touch, just fill out the online form, or you can reach any office by calling (949) 706-7776.

Who Should Consider Breast Implant Removal?

Breast augmentation surgery is a standard cosmetic procedure that provides women with enhanced breast projection and volume. While implants are helpful medical devices, they don’t last forever. The Federal Drug Administration recommends implants should be removed every 10-15 years. In addition, breast appearance can change because of age, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. 

The decision to have implants removed is deeply personal. But, if you’re thinking about getting this procedure, you’re not alone. Statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that over 36,000 U.S. women removed their implants in 2020. That is an 8% increase from the year before. ^[3] While your reasons may be different from those of other patients, below are a few factors that lead many women to breast implant removal.

Age of Implant

Sadly, implants do not last forever. After 10-15 years, breast implants can start to lose their resiliency as a part of normal wear and tear. The weight of the implant may lead to sagging and a change in position, the risk of rupture and leakage increases, and capsular contracture can affect the shape of the implant.

Unhappy with Implants

Perhaps you’re looking to make revisions to the size of your breasts after your initial augmentation procedure. Or, maybe you’ve become unhappy with implants altogether. Implant removal or replacement procedure will address these concerns once and for all. 

Implants Causing Discomfort

As time passes, your breasts may feel uncomfortable well after healing from your first augmentation procedure. Some patients may develop chest, neck, and back pain depending on the implant weight. An implant removal procedure can provide relief to improve your physical health and comfort.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is one one the most common reasons to get corrective surgery. ^[1] This happens when scar tissue forms around the implant while in the breast pocket. This scar tissue can surround the implant, become hardened or calcified, and distort the shape of the breast. This can lead to unbearable pain if left untreated. The only way to fix this is to remove the implant and capsule. 

Leakage and Deflation

The risk of breast implant rupture is an excellent reason to take proactive measures. Ruptures may not be easily noticed with saline implants because the body can easily absorb the saline solution from the implant shell without significant complications. On the other hand, silicone shell implants can rupture and deflate, leaving patients with an asymmetrical breast appearance. On the other hand, if a silicone implant were to break it may go unnoticed because the thicker gel inside the implant can leak into the surrounding tissue and cause no immediate symptoms. This is known as a “silent rupture.” Unlike saline, silicone’s gel-like substance is not absorbable by the body and can have consequences for a woman’s overall health if left untreated.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implants are generally safe and are FDA-approved medical devices. However, some women living with breast implants may experience physical and mental symptoms, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, rash, and hormonal and glandular concerns. ^[2] Because of the lack of research and the wide variety of symptoms that are attributed to BII, this illness is not formally diagnosed by doctors. However, women experiencing symptoms commonly cite their breast implants as the cause.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Tehrani

About Dr. Tehrani

Dr. Tehrani is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Southern California. He built his practice on providing only the best customer service and outstanding results. This dedication led him to create the Body by Tehrani concept in 2015. He remains committed to providing patients with surefire results using the latest innovations in medical technology.

Your Personal Meeting

We’ll address your concerns and reasons for an implant removal surgery during your consultation. First, we record your past surgeries, medical history, and medications as a part of the intake interview. Dr. Tehrani will then examine your breast profile, including any scars. You are encouraged to ask questions and detail your ideal aesthetic throughout the process. This will help us understand your unique situation. Dr. Tehrani will consider this information when developing a personalized treatment plan. He will then share his customized plan with you and describe how an implant removal procedure will affect your silhouette, and what can be done to ensure that your results are satisfactory. Finally, we’ll end the meeting by providing you with a personalized list of instructions to follow between now and the surgery date.

Schedule a time to meet with Dr. Tehrani at our warm and inviting offices in Apple Valley, Palm Springs, or San Diego. Simply call (949) 706-7776to get a hold of any one of our offices or make an appointment online. 

Need help deciding which procedures would benefit you? Read through our blog posts on various breast augmentation procedures. We offer advice, answer questions, and provide further information. Also, feel free to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see other patients’ results. 

Preparation

Each patient will receive their own set of personalized instructions to prepare for surgery. Please remember to follow them carefully in the weeks of your surgery to ensure a streamlined process, successful recovery, and optimized results.

• Provide our office with a current list of your medications. Certain blood-thinners and NSAIDs may need to be discontinued. 
• Temporarily pause smoking because it constricts blood flow and inhibits recovery. 
• Ask someone you trust to drive you home because the effects of anesthesia will need time to wear off.
• Arrange 1-2 weeks off from work so you can concentrate on healing properly.
• Fast as directed, starting at midnight before your surgery.
• Go to the pharmacy and pick up the medication prescribed by Dr. Tehrani. 

Implant Removal Procedure

Your breast implant removal surgery will begin with Dr. Tehrani making surgical markings to guide him throughout the procedure. Then, general anesthesia will be administered to keep you comfortable throughout the process. From here, Dr. Tehrani may use the same incisions of your breast augmentation to avoid additional scarring. For capsular contracture patients, incisions may also utilize the same incision marks. During an open capsulotomy, Dr. Tehrani may remove a portion or all of the capsule of scar tissue which includes the implant. If you’re having en bloc capsulectomy, the incisions made around the breast profile may be longer than the original incision for your breast augmentation. Both the surrounding scar tissue and implants are removed.

If you’re receiving new implants, Dr. Tehrani will securely place new ones in the breast pockets. Once the implants are removed, the incisions are carefully sutured closed. 

Recovery

Patients say recovering from an implant removal surgery is similar to the recovery from a breast augmentation. During your recovery, you may feel swelling, tenderness, and bruising. To manage discomfort, take the prescribed medication as directed by Dr. Tehrani. These symptoms will dissipate after the first few weeks. You can resume desk work and minimal physical activity after 1-2 weeks. After six weeks, you can resume strenuous activities such as workouts. Dr. Tehrani will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and progress after your surgery. 

Results of Breast Implant Removal

After surgery, there will be a noticeable difference in your breast contours. Patients exchanging their implant will be able to keep their well-contoured look. Those opting for implant removal will see a restored look of natural contours. To see how successful Dr. Tehrani’s results are, have a look at our patients’ rave reviews. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Patients considering a breast implant removal procedure can choose to have a breast lift (mastopexy) performed simultaneously. The surgical process removes lax skin due to pregnancy, nursing, or aging. Implant removal patients will benefit from this procedure because a removal alone will not solve aesthetic issues. A breast lift can offer a rounder, plumper aesthetic. Combining implant removal and breast lift can provide a comprehensive makeover for the breast profile. 

Cost of a Breast Implant Removal in Southern California

Every surgical procedure requires special attention to the patient’s desires and unique anatomy. This is why each surgery has its own cost. Items to consider when calculating the price include your aesthetic intentions and any additional procedures. Tehrani Plastic Surgery gladly partners with two lending companies to make funding easier.

FAQ

References

1. Headon, H., Kasem, A., & Mokbel, K. (2015). Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 42(5), 532. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532
2. November 2017 – Volume 140 – Issue 5 : Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (n.d.). Journals.lww.com. Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Fulltext/2017/11000/Breast_Implant_Illness__Symptoms,_Patient.61.aspx
3. PLASTIC SURGERY STATISTICS REPORT 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2022, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf