Sometimes, after undergoing breast augmentation to improve the size and contour of the breasts, some women may choose to get them taken out for various reasons.
If you’re attempting to return to your original breast size, implant removal surgery along with a breast lift can produce beautiful results to restore the natural appearance and feel of your breasts. In some cases, a breast lift might be required following implant removal based on the size of the implants and how much your skin stretched. A breast lift can often help eliminate excess or sagging skin, which can remain after an implant removal. Dr. Karen Leong, in Newport Beach, CA, consults with women who wish to remove their breast implants.
Discover Dr. Leong’s plastic surgery videos to learn more about facial plastic surgery.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is the process of removing a breast implant from your body. This can be done for various reasons, such as treating complications, changing the size or shape of the breasts, or preparing for mastectomy. Lots of factors could cause you to be dissatisfied with your current breast implants. Whether they are the wrong shape, size, or texture, Dr. Karen Leong can help you to obtain the appearance you want with breast implant removal. During your consultation, Dr. Leong will talk with you regarding your options to restore the appearance and feel of your breasts.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
In recent years, Breast Implant Illness (BII) has become the reason that some women choose to remove their breast implants. Referred to as an autoimmune condition, BII may develop with any type of implant, including silicone, saline, and gummy bear implants. Some of the most common symptoms of BII that may make implant removal ideal are:
- Muscle pain
- Extreme, chronic fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hair loss
- Skin and eye dryness
- Stomach issues
These symptoms can exist any time after a breast augmentation procedure. You should contact our Newport Beach, CA facility for a consultation if you are dealing with any of these unpleasant signs of BII.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal can be employed to correct an array of issues you may have after a breast augmentation, including scar tissue (capsular contracture), implant malfunction, and unhappiness with the breast implants. In some cases, women may simply prefer their original breasts and want to return them to their natural look. Regardless of the reason, breast implant removal may function to counteract the outcomes of breast augmentation and, when coupled with a breast lift, may reestablish a natural aesthetic appearance. Before your surgery, Dr. Leong will discuss your goals with you as well as the best way to achieve them.
What Is the Breast Implant Removal Procedure Like?
During your breast implant removal procedure, the implants will be removed, and scar tissue may also need to be eliminated. Scar tissue is typical after a breast augmentation and will need to be removed if it is affecting the form of your breast or causing pain.
Capsule forms around a breast implant – this is a natural process that occurs with any foreign object in the body. However, if that capsule contracts or thickens, it can squeeze and deform the implant. Dr. Leong is skilled at performing an en bloc capsulectomy that safely removes the breast capsule in a single piece with the implant enclosed within it. Removing the capsule ‘en bloc’ prevents the implant, or the implant material, from coming into contact with normal tissues left behind. This is especially beneficial in ensuring your health after an implant rupture, a leaking implant, or BII.
After the implants have been taken out, Dr. Leong can reshape the breast via breast lift, fat transfer, or both based on what was decided upon during your appointment. Additionally, there are a number of alternatives to restore volume following an implant removal to enhance the shape of the breast.
Recovery and Results after a Breast Implant Removal
The recovery period will vary for every patient depending on the repair required after the implant removal. Dr. Leong will provide detailed post-procedure instructions and may suggest additional treatments to help eliminate scarring. For the first couple of weeks, patients may experience bruising and swelling and should limit strenuous exercise until instructed otherwise. However, patients are encouraged to get up and slowly move around since it helps with blood circulation. Optimal results can normally be observed roughly 4 – 6 months following the procedure.
The cost of your breast implant removal surgery will be discussed with Dr. Leong during a consultation. You can expect additional costs related to anesthesia and the surgical facility. You will receive an estimated cost once all these factors are considered.
According to 2020 statistics from The American Society Of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average price tag of this surgery is $3,049, but this may vary greatly with your surgeon’s location and the complexity of your case. Please don’t worry if yours exceeds these numbers because our team will help you find low-interest financing to make your treatment affordable.
Dr. Leong does not accept insurance for breast implant removal.
Your breast implants were placed on top of or under the chest muscles to help create a more natural look. As time goes by, you may feel that they are no longer serving their original purpose. For some women, this is because of changes in body weight or pregnancy; for others, it’s because the implants have ruptured and leaked silicone into the surrounding tissue causing inflammation and pain. In many Breast Implant Illness (BII) cases, surgery to remove the implants resolves the symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider implant removal. Dr. Leong will do a thorough examination before making a final recommendation on what should happen next.
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