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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. After breast augmentation, you might wonder how long silicone or saline implants will last. If you desire a change in your breast shape or size, experience complications, or have cosmetic reasons for changing your appearance, breast implant removal at K Plastic Surgery may help support your goals and health.
What Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to remove breast implants placed during a previous augmentation. Patients may have their breast implants removed approximately 10–15 years after augmentation because implants are not considered lifetime devices. Others choose removing implants sooner because of discomfort, changing preferences, a ruptured implant, or severe capsular contracture.
The procedure may involve more than simply having the implants removed. Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon may remove part or all of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around an implant. In some cases, removing the entire capsule may be appropriate, while other patients may only require treatment of a portion of the surrounding capsule. The recommended technique depends on the implant’s condition, the thickness of the scar capsule, its position relative to the chest muscle, and the patient’s overall health.
Why Are Breast Implants Removed?
Patients may pursue implant removal because of changes in implant position, discomfort, asymmetry, dissatisfaction with size, or concerns involving breast implant illness. Removal may also be considered for patients with textured breast implants who have questions about breast implant associated complications. Although these concerns do not affect every patient, an individualized evaluation can help determine whether removal or revision surgery is appropriate.
Implant problems can differ based on whether the implants filled with silicone gel or saline have leaked or ruptured. A detailed examination and review of your medical history will help your surgeon recommend an approach for safe removal and discuss whether diagnostic imaging is needed.
What Happens During Explant Surgery?
Breast implant removal is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient surgery. During the outpatient procedure, the surgeon generally uses existing incision locations whenever possible to limit additional scarring. Once the implant and any necessary capsule tissue are removed, the incisions are carefully closed.
Some patients choose to have each implant replaced, while others prefer returning to their natural breast tissue without new implants. Depending on skin elasticity and tissue changes, a breast lift may be recommended to restore shape and address loose skin. Combining procedures may improve contour, but patients should understand that additional surgeries can involve added recovery time and risks.
Changes in fullness, symmetry, and nipple sensation may occur following removal. Your surgeon will explain what results may be possible based on your anatomy, implant placement, and the amount of remaining breast tissue.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Insurance policies vary and may cover explant surgery when removal is considered medically necessary, such as in certain cases involving rupture, infection, or painful capsular contracture. Removal performed solely for aesthetic preferences may not be covered. Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm eligibility, documentation requirements, and out-of-pocket costs.
Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Removal
Breast implants often last for years without any complications. Dr. Kayastha is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing safe breast augmentation, but implant complications are a possibility with any surgery. Breast implant removal can easily and safely resolve the following complications:
Leaking Breast Implants
Leaking breast implants alter the shape of the breasts, creating a deflated or lumpy look to the breasts. When saline implants rupture, the saline can be safely absorbed into the body. Silicone breast implant ruptures can be riskier, making breast implant removal a necessary procedure.
Shifted Implants
Over time, implants can shift in the breast pocket and move downward. This can create a disproportionate or sagging look. The existing breast implants can be removed and, if desired, a breast implant replacement can be restored to restore the appearance of full, rounded breasts.
Implant-Related Pain
Some women may experience discomfort or pain from their breast implants. This can happen immediately after a breast augmentation or years later.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a hardening of scar tissue around the breast implants. Hardened scar tissue can distort the appearance of the breasts and cause pain. Luckily, this is a rare complication.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
After breast implant removal, Dr. Kayastha will give you specific instructions to follow for a smooth recovery. Most pain and swelling will improve within one week, but it will take about 6-8 weeks for a full recovery. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from your breast implant removal recovery:
- Week 1: Limit movement, take prescription pain medication as needed, gently clean the incisions, and always wear your surgical bra, except when showering.
- Week 2: Patients can return to work and resume most normal activities, except strenuous exercise. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken as needed.
- Weeks 3-5: Swelling will have improved significantly but continue to wear your surgical bra and avoid strenuous exercise. Patients should have minimal or no discomfort.
- Week 6: More strenuous activities can be resumed, and your surgical bra can be removed, under the guidance of Dr. Kayastha.
Everyone’s body heals differently so it is important to attend your post-op appointments and stay in contact with Dr. Kayastha if you have any concerns.
Schedule a Consultation
Are in interested in breast implant removal in Latham, NY? Have you started to notice changes to your breasts after an augmentation? Schedule a consultation at K Plastic Surgery by completing our online contact form to meet with board-certified plastic surgeon located in Albany, NY, Dr. Kayastha. He will examine your breasts and discuss your concerns with you to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to explore your options and get an accurate price estimate is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kayastha. Fill our the form or give us a call at (518) 674-9060 to start your journey.
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