Breast Implant Removal Can Restore Your Appearance

Addressing a Range of Concerns

While there is a range of reasons women choose to remove their breast implants, the four most common are:

Unhappy with the Implant Size

Some women feel that their breasts are too small or too large following breast augmentation. Women who feel their implants are too large can have the implant replaced with a smaller size, or simply removed, restoring the body to its natural shape. Women who want their breast size increased often undergo breast implant replacement.

Sagging Breasts

Over time, a woman’s breasts will naturally begin to sag. Women who want a lifted bustline may have their implants removed and replaced, or choose to undergo a breast lift.

Capsular Contracture

This painful condition occurs when scar tissue around the implant contracts, making the breast hard. Removing the implant is the only way to treat capsular contracture.

Implant Rupture

In rare instances, implants may leak or rupture and will need to be removed. Women may need to fully recover before receiving replacement implants, especially if the implants were silicone.

How to Prepare for Your Surgery

Dr. Smart will perform a complete examination to determine if you are a candidate for breast implant removal and revision surgery, if you desire. Most healthy women who want to remove their implants are eligible. Before undergoing surgery, you will be given a list of pre-operative instructions, which may include:

• Avoiding certain medications, vitamins, and supplements that could cause complications
• Filling prescription medications
• The type of clothes to wear on the day of surgery and during your recovery

You will also need to arrange for a loved one to take you to and from the procedure, and help you around the house for a couple of days.

The Implant Removal Procedure

To begin, you will be made comfortable with general anesthesia. After you are prepped, incisions will be made, typically at the incision site used during your first surgery to avoid further scarring. Dr. Smart will then carefully remove the implants through the incisions. If you have saline implants, they will first be deflated before being removed.

In order to minimize scarring, incisions are typically made along the same sites used to place the original implants.

When performed as a standalone procedure, implant removal generally takes one to two hours. Patients undergoing additional surgeries, such as having their implants replaced or receiving a breast lift, will have longer procedural times. Breast lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will be discharged the same day and provided with post-operative instructions and special compression garments to wear home.

After Implant Removal

The process of recovering from an implant removal procedure is similar to having the implants placed. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are most acute the first 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. During this time, patients should rest as much as possible and go for short walks around the house to encourage proper circulation. Over the course of the next week, symptoms should subside. Most patients return to work about a week or two after their operation. Activity can slowly be re-introduced into your daily routine, with full activity resumed at about the six-week mark.

Schedule Your Consultation

At Frisco Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we are committed to your health, safety, and satisfaction in your results. If you are considering removing or replacing your implants, contact our practice today to learn more. You can also call the office at (972) 334-0400.