Breast Implant Removal
in El Paso, TX
Breast Implant Removal
Breast augmentation generally yields excellent results, but that does not mean every patient wants their implants forever. When you experience complications with your breast implants or experience changes to your body that affect the breast’s appearance, you have options with breast implant removal.
Breast implant removal or explantation can help patients feel at home in their bodies after breast augmentation didn’t work out for them. This procedure aims to safely and completely remove silicone or saline breast implants while preserving the integrity of the breast tissue and skin.
Table of Contents
- What Is Breast Implant Removal?
- Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
- How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?
- How Can I Prepare for Breast Implant Removal?
- What Is Recovery From Breast Implant Removal Like?
- What Results Can I Expect After Breast Implant Removal?
- How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
- Interested in Breast Implant Removal in El Paso, TX?
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Breast implant removal is a cosmetic procedure that permanently removes the patient’s breast implants for aesthetic or functional reasons. This procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with another breast enhancement procedure, such as a breast lift. The goal is not to replace the implants, as that procedure is a breast implant revision. Rather, explantation removes the breast implants and breast capsule together in one procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
If you no longer like your breast implants, are suffering from issues with the implants, or they no longer fit your aesthetic, you may be a candidate for breast implant removal. Common reasons that women choose to remove their implants include:
- Capsular contracture
- Rupture and silent rupture
- Implant misalignment
- Implant rippling
- Changes in body type
If you’re considering breast implant removal and would like to find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, call Dr. G Plastic Surgery today (915) 600-2639 to schedule a consultation with Dr. G. He will discuss your reasons for removing your implants as well as what type of results you can expect and help you to create a plan to get you the results you want.
How is Breast Implant Removal Performed?
This seemingly simple procedure actually has some variation, as the specifics of the techniques used have a lot to do with the reasons the patient wants to remove the implants. Your breast implant removal options include:
En Bloc Capsulectomy
This is considered the baseline step of breast implant removal. “En bloc” means all together, as the goal of an en bloc capsulectomy is to remove the entire breast implant and breast capsule (protective scar tissue around the implant) as one unit.
In some cases, however, removing the implant en bloc is not possible, as the implant can become fused to the rib cage, meaning it must be removed in pieces. Additionally, a ruptured implant may similarly have damage that makes it difficult to remove as a single piece. In any case, Dr. Gonzalez will remove the entire implant and ensure that no pieces remain.
Dr. Gonzalez will follow the original incision pattern of the primary augmentation when possible to avoid additional scarring.
Breast Implant Removal with Breast Lift
An increasingly popular option is to combine your breast implant removal with a breast lift to restore a youthful perkiness and reshape the breasts for a more pleasing result. It’s not uncommon for the breasts to sag, but this process can advance more rapidly for women who have larger or heavier breast implants. In these cases, a breast lift can remedy any sagging for a more attractive lift and shape.
When combining a breast implant removal and breast lift, Dr. G will choose an incision location that best addresses the patient’s level of breast ptosis, or sagging. Breast lift incision options include:
- Periareolar (around the nipple)
- Lollipop (around the nipple, vertical line to the breast fold).
- Anchor (around the nipple, vertical line to the breast fold, horizontal line across the breast fold)
If you’re interested in Breast Implant Removal surgery and would like to see if you may be a candidate, call Dr. G. Plastic Surgery today at (915) 600-2639.
How Can I Prepare for Breast Implant Removal?
Your comprehensive breast implant removal consultation with Dr. Gonzalez will be an important step in the cosmetic surgery process. This is the opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask any questions you may have. Dr. Gonzalez will explain what you can expect from the procedure itself and possible results so that you can get a realistic idea of whether this procedure is right for you.
Once you and Dr. Gonzalez decide this is the procedure for you, he will create a custom surgical plan that incorporates the details of your surgery, including additional procedures such as a breast lift. At this point, you can start preparing for your breast implant removal; Dr. G may also provide you with some pre-operative instructions, which may include the following:
- To stop or pause certain medications, such as blood thinners, which may affect healing
- To quit smoking
- To get lab tests or additional diagnostics
It’s also a good idea to have a recovery plan in place. Depending on your natural healing process and the extent of your surgery, you may need to take some downtime. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery, and you may need them to stay with you for the first night.
What Is From Breast Implant Removal Like?
Each patient will experience a slightly different breast implant removal recovery, considering differences in surgical plans and healing processes. For example, combining your explantation with a breast lift will require a longer recovery period. However, some general guidelines include:
- You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort immediately following your procedure. You will be sent home from surgery wearing a soft surgical bra. This is meant to protect your healing breasts, reduce swelling, and help the tissues and skin settle. Be sure to wear it according to Dr. Gonzalez’s instructions. It may be beneficial to sleep with your chest slightly elevated for the first few nights, as this can help reduce swelling.
- You may have difficulty lifting your arms or bending over; take it easy for the first week or so after surgery. The recovery process for breast implant removal is more manageable than for breast augmentation, but you still need to care for your body by resting as much as possible and avoiding strenuous activities.
- Most patients are ok to return to work and regular activity within a week, sometimes sooner. Dr. Gonzalez will provide you with more specific instructions that relate to your individual surgical plan and needs.
What Results Can I Expect After Breast Implant Removal?
You’ll notice an immediate change in your breasts after implant removal: any pain associated with the implants (separate from surgical discomfort) will be alleviated. Patients with breast implant deformities or issues will have their natural, normally-shaped breasts back.
This procedure is highly customized, as each patient has different goals and reasons for undergoing it. After your implant removal, you can expect smaller, more comfortable, and natural-looking breasts.
How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost?
At Dr. G Plastic Surgery, we always strive to create custom results for our breast implant removal patients, which is why the cost of breast implant removal will vary for each individual. Once Dr. G creates your surgical plan, he will provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
Interested in Breast Implant Removal in El Paso?
Plastic surgery is about achieving a look that speaks to you and brings you confidence; Breast implant removal is another way to reach your goals and love the look of your body. Dr. Marco Gonzalez is a master of natural-looking, satisfying surgical results, and breast implant removal is no different. If you’re ready to enter the next chapter of your life by removing your breast implants, call Dr. G Plastic Surgery today at (915) 600-2639 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
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