Breast Implant Removal
About Breast Implant Removal Surgery
Breast implants are a popular form of cosmetic enhancement, giving women the ability to enhance the size and shape of their bust. While most breast augmentation patients are quite happy with the results of their procedure, some may choose to have their breast implants removed for a variety of personal reasons—a process known as explantation. Our board-certified plastic surgeon in Bergen County, Dr. Jordan P. Farkas, is a dedicated partner in each patient’s aesthetic journey. He will consult with you to learn more about your aesthetic goals and develop a personalized breast implant removal treatment plan that emphasizes safety, comfort, and aesthetics.
What Are Common Reasons for Breast Implant Removal?
Common reasons for breast implant removal include:
- Implant Complications: Issues such as implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant) may contribute to the need for explantation.
- Health Concerns: Although rare, some patients may experience adverse health impacts that are potentially linked to their implants, a condition often referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
- Personal Preference: Some patients choose to have their implants removed out of a desire to return to a natural breast size.
- Replacement or Upgrade: Another common reason for breast explantation involves wanting to replace older implants with newer ones or switch to a different implant type or size.
What Does Breast Implant Removal Involve?
The precise nature of the explantation procedure depends on each patient’s unique treatment plan. Some factors that can influence the procedure include whether the breast implant capsule needs to be removed along with the implant, whether new implants are being placed, and whether any additional procedures—such as a breast lift or reduction—are being performed at the same time.
That said, the process typically involves the following steps:
- Incision: Dr. Farkas makes incisions, often along the same lines as the original breast augmentation incisions to minimize additional scarring. Common incision sites include along the inframammary fold (under the breast) and around the areola.
- Implant Removal: Dr. Farkas carefully removes the breast implants. If the implants are silicone and have ruptured, additional steps may be taken to remove any leaked silicone from the surrounding tissues.
- Capsulectomy (if needed): If there is significant scar tissue (capsule) around the implant, Dr. Farkas may perform a capsulectomy, which involves removing part or all of this scar tissue.
- Additional Procedures (if needed): In cases where a patient is removing their breast implants and not replacing them, the breasts may appear saggy and deflated. For these patients, Dr. Farkas often recommends undergoing a breast lift or breast reduction alongside the explantation to address excess skin and restore a shapely, perky breast aesthetic.
- Closing the Incision: The incision(s) are closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied to support the breasts during healing.
“I am extremely pleased with my experience at Dr. Farkas office! Dr. Farkas has a warm and friendly approach he is a highly skilled surgeon. He is also very caring & comforting. The staff is also wonderful and easygoing, I feel extremely pleased with my results post-surgery. I Highly recommend Dr. Frakas and his team!!!!!”
What Can I Expect During My Breast Implant Removal Recovery?
Recovery from breast implant removal typically involves a few weeks of rest and limited activity. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, though most patients report that this can be well-managed with adequate rest and prescribed pain medication. Dressings and a supportive bra are usually required to support the breasts during the healing process. Most patients are able to resume light activities and sedentary jobs within a week, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until patients are given clearance by Dr. Farkas.
What Will My Breasts Look Like After Breast Implant Removal?
The appearance of the breasts after explantation varies based on several factors, including:
- The size or the original implants and how long they were in place
- Whether or not new implants are placed after explantation
- Whether or not a breast lift is performed in conjunction with explanation
- The patient’s age and skin elasticity
Patients who have smaller implants and retain good skin elasticity may be able to return to a relatively natural breast appearance after explanation without additional interventions. However, the larger the implants, the more likely it is that patients will notice significant skin laxity and sagging. In these cases, Dr. Farkas may suggest a breast lift to address excess skin and ensure a more firm, youthful-looking breast aesthetic.
Interested in learning more about explantation? Contact Farkas Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.