Breast Implant Removal
As an experienced plastic surgeon in Houston and The Woodlands, TX, Dr. Cassie Hartline is dedicated to helping people feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. For patients who have previously had breast augmentation, but no longer feel that breast implants suit their body, their preferred aesthetic, or their lifestyle, Dr. Hartline offers breast implant removal procedures, also known as explant surgery.
- What is Explant Surgery?
- Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
- What to Expect From Your Breast Implant Removal
- Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
- Your Breast Implant Removal Procedure
- Capsulectomy and En Bloc Breast Implant Removal
- Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
- FAQs About Breast Implant Removal
What is Explant Surgery?
Explant surgery, or breast implant removal, is a procedure designed to safely and effectively remove silicone or saline breast implants, as well as the surrounding scar tissue. Patients may choose to have their breast implants removed because they have experienced medical complications, have had a lifestyle change, or simply because they no longer like the way they look with breast implants. Patients who would like their breast implants replaced may be interested in breast implant revision surgery.
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
The
Trusted Source
What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases
Zhang Z, Qi J, Zhang X, Wang J, Li Z, Xin M
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benefits
of breast implant surgery will depend on the patient’s unique needs and reasons for choosing the procedure. Potential benefits include:
- Provides a solution for breast implant complications such as capsular contracture and implant rupture or leaking
- Relieves discomfort for patients who feel their breasts are too large
- Restores a natural breast shape and feel
- Eliminates the possibility of future complications
- Enhances confidence for patients who feel that breast implants no longer fit their look or lifestyle
What to Expect From Your Breast Implant Removal
Dr. Hartline provides personalized care, meaning each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs and goals. Dr. Hartline and her team will ensure that you are well informed throughout each step of your procedure.
Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Your consultation appointment for breast implant removal is your opportunity to get answers to any questions you have about the procedure. Dr. Hartline will explain your options, review your medical history, and discuss your desired outcome before creating a treatment plan for you. She will provide detailed pre-procedure guidelines leading up to your surgery. If you smoke or use nicotine products, it is important that you stop at least two months before your procedure.
Your Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Breast implant removal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Hartline will make an incision, the placement of which will depend on the type of implant and reason for removal. The incision may be under the breast (in the inframammary fold), around the areola, or in the armpit. She will then remove the implant and surrounding scar tissue. If it is indicated by your treatment plan, Dr. Hartline may remove excess breast tissue or perform a breast lift surgery in conjunction with your implant removal.
Capsulectomy and En Bloc Breast Implant Removal
Soon after breast implants are placed during breast augmentation, the body responds by growing scar tissue around the implant. The scar tissue completely surrounds the breast implant to form a ‘capsule’. When a patient chooses to have breast implants removed, there are several options for removal of the scar tissue. Dr. Hartline offers a range of implant removal techniques and will discuss which one is best for you based on your needs.
Specialized techniques include:
- Total capsulectomy is a breast implant removal procedure in which the implant is removed via a small incision and then the entire capsule of scar tissue is removed as well.
- En bloc capsulectomy is a breast implant removal procedure in which the entire scar tissue capsule is removed intact with the implant inside. This type of procedure can be more complex but it can also be the preferred option for patients with certain medical needs.
Recovery After Breast Implant Removal
You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort and Dr. Hartline will advise you on pain management. She may also recommend a support garment to aid healing. You should plan to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
If your breast implants are no longer a match for your current look or lifestyle, Dr. Hartline can help. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.
FAQs About Breast Implant Removal
Will breast implant removal cure Breast Implant Illness?
Breast Implant Illness, or BII, is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some individuals attribute to their breast implants. While breast implants have been studied thoroughly for safety and are FDA approved, there are patients who experience physical and psychological symptoms that they believe are caused by BII. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, mood changes, and the onset of autoimmune conditions. For many patients with BII, breast implant removal relieves these symptoms.
Is breast implant removal surgery painful?
Since it is usually performed with general anesthesia (meaning the patient is “asleep”), you should not feel any pain during breast implant removal surgery. The level of discomfort or pain during recovery can vary for each individual. For patients who are concerned with post-operative pain, Dr. Hartline may administer Experel, which is a long-lasting, non-narcotic nerve block medication.
Are there any risks or complications associated with breast implant removal?
Dr. Hartline prioritizes patient safety in every surgery she performs. There is some risk of complications or side effects with any medical procedure. While breast implant removal is generally considered to be a very safe procedure, possible risks include bleeding, infection, or unfavorable
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Breast Implant Removal
Cleveland Clinic
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scarring.
What will my breasts look like after implant removal?
Many patients find that their breasts settle into a natural-looking position several weeks or months after breast implant removal.
Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?
If you have excess skin or concerns with drooping, Dr. Hartline can discuss breast lift surgery options with you.
1 Zhang Z, Qi J, Zhang X, Wang J, Li Z, Xin M. What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Oct;47(5):1743-1750. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03365-4. Epub 2023 May 18. PMID: 37204467; PMCID: PMC10196311.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Implant Removal. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21799-breast-implant-removal. Accessed April 17, 2024
Cassie Hartline M.D. has either authored or reviewed and approved this content
Page Updated: June 25, 2024