Breast Implant Removal may be performed for a variety of reasons, such as simple preference to remove implants and downsize, implant rupture or leak, capsular contracture, visible rippling, concern for breast implant related illness, or simply feeling “over them.” Removal is a relatively simple procedure that generally requires less recovery time than augmentation. If scar tissue has hardened around the breast implant, aka capsular contracture has developed, part or all of this capsule will also be removed during the procedure.
Breast implant removal typically involves removing the breast implant through the same incision via which they were placed, and may also involve partial or total capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue) depending on the circumstances.
General anesthesia will be administered for this surgery and we recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to and from the surgery appointment.
Please Note: These are general estimates that may or may not apply to you individually.
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During your consultation, Dr. Anita will take time to learn more about your motivations and goals, understand your concerns, and discuss the treatment in detail. She will go through your medical history and perform a physical exam in order to determine the best plan to reach your goals, and make sure you are a good candidate for surgery.
The day of surgery, Dr. Anita will meet with you in the preoperative area, review the planned procedure, and mark the surgical site. This is also a time for you to go over any additional questions you may have prior to surgery.
After surgery, you will be provided with postoperative care instructions, and instructions for follow-up. Dr. Anita will see you for the first postoperative visit 1-2 days after surgery, and place you into a post-surgical bra, with an additional visit the week after for drain removal if appropriate. Additional postoperative visits are typically spaced at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.
If your breast implant hurts this may be a sign of capsular contracture. Rupture is also possible, though this typically does not have associated pain.
Ruptured silicone implants are often called “silent ruptures” because of the tendency for the breast and implant to feel normal. This is because the silicone tends to stay in the breast capsule. If the silicone were able to leak out of the capsule, it may cause an inflammatory reaction by the body, where the body “walls off” the silicone by creating scar tissue around it.
Yes, breast implants can be removed. The breasts may or may not appear similar to their preoperative appearance following removal.
Explant surgery refers to breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) has been a controversial topic, with some convinced it does not exist and others convinced it does. There have been enough women with similar complaints that it requires further study and analysis. BII is characterized by a constellation of vague symptoms, and often the symptoms are attributed to other factors. However, if any patient wants her implants out, that is her choice to make, just as augmentation was her choice to make. There is no guarantee implant removal will relieve the symptoms, but it is reasonable to remove the implants if no other explanation has been found for the symptoms, and/or the patient simply wants them out.
The most common reason implants are removed are patient preference, rupture or leak, or capsular contracture. Less common reasons to remove them are if there is a concern for breast implant illness or BIA-ALCL.
Insurance may or may not cover breast implant removal. It varies based on the insurance provider and the specific plan. Some insurance companies will provide coverage in select circumstances like ruptured silicone implant, or Stage 3 or 4 capsular contracture.
The cost for breast implant removal surgery will depend on a number of factors, including whether or not there is ruptured implant material, need for capsulectomy, and if you require additional procedures such as breast lift. To provide you with accurate pricing information, we invite you to book a complimentary Pre-Consult Phone Call with our Patient Care Coordinator by calling 310-205-0212. During that phone call, important information will be discussed and ballpark pricing will be provided.