Breast Implant Removal (implant explantation)

After a breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, there comes a point when a patient needs to decide what to do about their breast implants.

This type of procedure might be right for you if you've ever said:

Gravity caused your implants to shift.

You chose too small of an implant and you want to be bigger.

You went way too big and you feel like something more petite would suit you.

Dr. Elston has spoken with patients that loved their implants when they were younger but got tired of having the extra weight as well as the ongoing surveillance and maintenance, and they just want them out. The common factor with all these scenarios is that something has to be done and you have to choose if the implant is going out or staying in.

Why remove implants?

With increasing awareness about breast implant illness (BII) that may cause vague symptoms of illness in patients with implants some patients desire the removal of their breast implants and choose to NOT replace them. This is called “explantation” as the implant is removed from the body. Patients seeking explantation may do so to appear more natural or to reduce symptoms related to their breast implants.

Over time, breast implants can cause breast tissue to shrink and they can also stretch the skin. Some patients may be unhappy with the appearance of their breasts after removal since they can be “saggy” or “deflated.” In these patients, breast lift with or without fat grafting may be recommended to get the best result.

Alternative options

Dr. Elston is very passionate about natural and lasting results and as a result, doesn’t offer breast augmentations with implants. For patients with preexisting implants, we are happy to offer an evaluation to determine if removing their implants is a good option.

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*20% deposit required for procedures over $2000, estimated low monthly payment assuming 60 months financing at 6.99% of the remaining balance. Subject to credit terms. For specific details, please contact our office to speak with a Patient Care Coordinator.

Common Questions

Do you remove the entire capsule when you remove implants?+

The capsule is the name for the scar tissue that forms around any implant in a body. From a knee replacement to a breast implant, all medical devices that are foreign bodies produce a capsule around them. The concern regarding a breast implant capsule is whether or not it has any role in the development of symptoms in breast implant illness. If you believe the capsule is problematic, then you might want it removed in its entirety along with the implant. The challenge is that removing the entire capsule might not be necessary and DEFINITELY increased the complexity and risks of the surgery. What do we mean by more complex and dangerous?...it usually lies directly on top of your ribs and almost certainly generates more bleeding during the surgery. So to answer the question, sometimes, but not often. The foreign body is the implant and this can be the source of bacterial biofilms that are being investigated for their possible roles in BII and BIA-ALCL. If the capsule doesn’t appear diseased, we may only remove portions or none of it. While we are able to remove the capsule, this is not usually our recommendation.

How long after removal of my implants until I start to feel better?+

Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee any improvement in symptoms since breast implant illness is still poorly understood. While many patients do experience improvement, our preference is to under-promise and overperform. If your concern is related to the appearance or size of your breasts, then you’ll probably be happy as soon as the surgery is done! Most patients that have implant removal with a lift or fat grafting get a good sense of how things are going to look right after surgery and are happy to have one less thing to worry about.

Do breast implants cause cancer?+

There are some types of lymphoma that are associated with breast implants (BIA-ALCL) and newer reports are showing squamous cell carcinomas that can be associated with diseased implant capsules. Patients with symptoms or increasing swelling should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon regarding their devices and whether or not testing and/or removal is warranted.

Can you deflate or remove my implants in clinic?+

Saline breast implants can be easily deflated in clinic with a small amount of numbing medicine. After a few weeks of allowing the skin to retract, the implant can be removed and you can proceed with breast lifting or fat grafting to enhance the shape and volume of the breast.

Silicone implants can not be deflated in clinic since the gel filling them is more viscous and won't pass through a needle easily. However, these can still be removed in clinic and it's worth considering if you're a good candidate for awake breast implant removal and natural breast augmentation with fat grafting.

Breast Implant Removal

implant explantation · Not currently accepting new patients

Why remove implants?

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Common Questions