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Breast Implant Removal

The placement of breast implants during breast augmentation can be one of the most effective ways to accentuate your natural curves. Many patients enjoy their breast enhancement results for decades, but we understand there are a number of reasons why an individual may want to have their breast implants removed at some point in time. You may want to exchange your breast implants for a different size or type during breast revision, or you may decide to remove your implants altogether. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Craig Rowin, MD’s primary concern is, and always has been, the overall health and well-being of his patients. This is as true for a patient whose reasons for surgery are purely cosmetic as it is for a breast cancer survivor, or for a patient undergoing breast reconstruction for any other possible reason.

For those who have had their breast implants for many years and either feel they no longer want their implants or they have experienced certain issues, Dr. Rowin is sensitive to these concerns. He specializes in breast implant removal surgery and is committed to restoring both healthy and aesthetic breasts following the removal of implants.

Please contact Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas for a confidential and thorough evaluation if you have considered breast implant removal for any reason.

What are My Options For Breast Implant Removal?

Your breast implants can be removed with or without the associated capsule of scar tissue, which refers to a fibrous “shield” that forms around an implant. This scar tissue is the body’s natural reaction to a foreign object being placed in the body and generally only warrants removal if the capsule is hard, tight, or painful. Breast “explantation,” which is the most common removal technique and refers to the extraction of the implant as well as the implant capsule, typically takes one to three hours and utilizes general anesthesia.

Breast Implant Removal With Replacement
Patients commonly opt to remove their older devices and replace them with newer implants. Dr. Rowin can exchange your saline implants with natural-looking silicone gel-filled implants, or vice versa. Upgrading your implants will involve much of the same process as breast augmentation with regard to your consultation and choosing the right implants for your needs. In most cases, the same incisions made in your initial surgery can be reused for your secondary procedure.
Breast Implant Removal Without Replacement
You can also choose to remove your breast implants altogether while forgoing a replacement. The exact explantation technique will depend on your unique situation, but a procedure known as an “en bloc capsulectomy” is a common approach for those who wish to remove both their implant and the surrounding scar capsule. During surgery, the entire capsule (including the implant) is removed at one time or “as a whole” to help ensure the implant remains intact within the scar tissue. This approach can lower the risk of foreign substances leaking into other parts of the body, even in the case of implant rupture.
Breast Implant Removal and Lift/Reduction
A breast implant removal plus lift/reduction procedure is designed to extract your implants while addressing the tissue changes caused by years of implant use, ultimately restoring or enhancing your original breast shape. Over the years, implants can stretch the skin and cause additional laxity, especially considering factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuation. Unfortunately, the skin does not always “snap back” to its original elasticity and shape after your implants are removed. Breast lift or breast reduction surgery can be performed to enhance or restore your contours, allowing you to remove your implants without sacrificing the appearance of youthful, aesthetic breasts.
Breast Implant Removal With Fat Grafting
Another innovative technique to improve the breast shape after your implants are removed is through fat grafting, which harvests excess fatty tissue from another part of the body and repurposes it to enhance the volume, shape, and contour of the breasts. Sometimes known as a “natural breast augmentation,” this approach uses your own tissue as a natural filler to achieve a more aesthetic breast appearance. Since fat grafting employs your natural tissue, the result can be very long-lasting and there is generally no risk of an allergic reaction.

What is the Breast Implant Removal Recovery Process Like?

Recovery after breast implant removal will vary from patient to patient depending on which technique was utilized and whether scar tissue was extracted. In general, discomfort during the healing process may be relatively higher if scar tissue was removed in conjunction with your implants. In any case, non-opioid oral pain medication can manage any bruising, swelling, or tenderness that arise after surgery. These reactions are to be expected, but they usually subside as your recovery progresses.

Most women are able to return to their normal routines—that is, office work, school, errands, etc.—one week after their procedure. More strenuous types of work may have to be avoided for a slightly longer period of time. We advise you to refrain from any sort of heavy lifting (including grocery bags), aerobic exercise, or strenuous activity for at least four weeks, or until instructed otherwise. A significant amount of downtime after breast implant removal is usually very rare.

At Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, your health, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities. If you would like to discuss your concerns in person, or if you would like to schedule a consultation for the removal of your breast implants, please contact our practice today.

Had a consult with Dr. Rowin last week that truly exceeded my expectations. Everyone was so welcoming and thorough. Dr. Rowin is such a consummate professional who truly cares about his patients. I appreciate the time and thoroughness he spent with me. Would highly recommend.

- S.K.

Breast Implant Removal

Explore Topics On This Page:

What are My Options For Breast Implant Removal?

Breast Implant Removal With Replacement

Breast Implant Removal Without Replacement

Breast Implant Removal and Lift/Reduction

Breast Implant Removal With Fat Grafting

What is the Breast Implant Removal Recovery Process Like?