Removing Breast Implants – Guide to the Procedure

People often change their perception of how their bodies should look. There are a lot of different factors that define our decision to change our look. Sometimes it is influenced by beauty standards or our age, culture, social life, job, or something else. 

The aesthetic trend comes and goes, and personal preferences evolve, and it is natural for people to reevaluate their choices, including those related to their breast implants.

Breast implant removal surgery becomes a choice for those unsatisfied with their decision to change their breast size and shape.

If you are contemplating breast implant removal, empower yourself with knowledge about this surgical procedure that can help you decide.

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery is the surgical procedure of removing breast implants from your body for different reasons. This procedure involves the extraction of the breast implants and, in some cases, the surrounding scar tissue that forms around the implants.

After breast implant removal surgery, you can replace the old implants with new ones or embrace a more natural appearance by not replacing them at all.

Reasons for Breast Implants Removal

The decision to remove breast implants can be from health concerns or aesthetic reasons.

In some cases, breast implants can cause certain complications that negatively impact one’s health, such as breast implant illness (BII) symptoms, implant rupture, implant leaks, or capsular contracture. Oversized breast implants have caused some women to experience back pain or discomfort in the shoulder.

Over time, women change their priorities, choices, and lifestyle, so their aesthetic preferences have shifted, and they no longer desire the look or feel of breast implants.

Pregnancy often influences women to decide to remove the breast implant and eliminate potential concerns about the impact of implants on breastfeeding or breast tissue changes during pregnancy. Or simply women embrace their natural beauty as a process of growing as a person and developing self-esteem  and confidence.

Some women experience complications or unexpected results from breast augmentation surgery, such as asymmetry or implant malposition. Breast implant removal allows them to address these issues and potentially achieve a more satisfactory result.

Implants require care, monitoring, maintenance, and replacement over time which involve a costand can be one of the reasons for implant removal.

The Procedure of Breast Implant Removal

As with any other procedure, breast implant removal also starts with a consultation with a doctor about the implant removal procedure, type of implants, implant placement, and individual needs.

At Park Plaza, we recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, and we believe that you should get a customized approach to breast implant removal to meet your specific needs.

Anesthesia is the first step in the breast implant removal procedure because it is an outpatient procedure. Anesthesia is here to eliminate discomfort and minimize potential pain during the surgery. The type of anesthesia used depends on the patient’s preferences, the surgeon’s recommendation, and the complexity of the surgery.

Incision comes after anesthesia, and the plastic surgeon decides where to place the incision based on the type of previous implant surgery. Incision sites may be around the areola (periareolar), in the 

Explanation . In this phase, the surgeon removes implants and, in some situations removes the surrounding scar tissue (capsule known as capsulectomy) that naturally forms around the implants.

An additional procedure may include a breast lift (mastopexy) to address sagging or excess skin, fat transfer to restore volume, or nipple reconstruction. This step is only for those who want additional breast reconstruction.

Closing Incisions is the final step of the implant removal procedure. The surgeon uses sutures to close the incisions, considering factors such as the incision location, patient preference, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Besides the elimination of the concern about potential such as implant rupture, capsular contracture (thickening and hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), or implant-related infections, Breast implants, especially silicone-filled implants, can partially obscure the visibility of breast tissue during a mammogram, and breast implant removal can facilitate the reading of your mammogram. 

Oversized implants often cause painful back, neck, or shoulder discomfort that increases over time. Removing the implants can relieve pain and improve physical comfort and quality of life.

Breast implant removal can increase self-acceptance, improve body image, and enhance self-esteem.

Breast implant removal can positively impact an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being, and encourage women to engage in activities such as sports and fitness.

With smaller or more natural breasts, women may find it easier to fit into different clothing styles, including bras, swimwear, and certain types of clothing that may not have been as comfortable or suitable with implants.

Undergoing breast implant removal can be a transformative journey towards embracing your natural beauty and reclaiming your sense of self. It also can be your way to ensure breast health and minimize possible future breast implant related procedures. 

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery and aftercare following breast implant removal are crucial aspects of this plastic surgery. The recovery process includes wearing dressings or bandages to protect the incision and absorb potential drainage. Besides instruction about wound care, the surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medications or recommend over-the-counter options to help manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period.

You should follow your surgeon’s guidelines regarding activity restrictions and limitations as avoiding strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or exercises that may strain the chest muscles for a specific period. Your plastic surgeon will make a follow-up appointment schedule. During these visits, the surgeon will assess the incision site, and address any concerns or questions you may have. 

Usually recovery time last between several weeks to months. Remember that each individual’s recovery experience may differ based on various factors, such as the extent of the surgery, overall health, and individual healing capacity.

Additional Breast Procedures

In addition to breast implant removal, women may undergo additional procedures to achieve their desired aesthetic outcome or address specific concerns. This procedure may include some of the following:

To achieve the desired results with any plastic surgery choose a qualified surgeon who can evaluate your specific case and provide personalized recommendations.

At Park Plaza, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Lefkovits can help you with decisions about any additional breast surgery, and evaluate previous breast augmentation surgery. 

Schedule Your Breast Implant Remove Surgery Consultation Today

If you are considering breast implant removal surgery, and have any doubts or questions make an initial consultation with Dr. George Lefkovits.

At Park Plaza, we treat each patient as an individual and recognize that the breast implant removal journey should be customized to meet your specific needs. We strongly advocate for a personalized approach, emphasizing the importance of open communication between you and your plastic surgeon.

Together, we will find the best solution for your breast removal surgery that enhances your natural beauty and boosts your self-confidence.

Schedule your removal surgery consultation by calling (212) 750-9494 or filling out the contact form.

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