Breast Implant Removal
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Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates for Breast Implant Removal?
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA —Breast implant removal is a procedure that becomes necessary for various reasons, including personal preference changes, complications with existing implants, or health concerns. At Plastic Surgery Associates, we understand the complex emotions and physical considerations involved in this decision.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson, bring decades of combined experience in breast surgery, including implant removal. They are well-versed in the latest techniques to ensure safe, effective removal with optimal aesthetic results. Our team's expertise in dealing with complex cases, including capsular contracture and breast implant illness, makes us a trusted choice for this delicate procedure. We prioritize your health, comfort, and satisfaction throughout the process.
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Breast Implant Removal Before & Afters
Breast Implant Removal at a Glance
- Procedure: Removes breast implants and, if necessary, the surrounding scar tissue
- Benefits: Addresses implant-related concerns, alleviates symptoms of breast implant illness
- Downtime: Typically 1-2 weeks before returning to normal activities
- Duration: Permanent removal of implants; breast appearance may continue to change over time
- Candidacy: Women with implant complications, health concerns, or those desiring to return to their natural breast size
From Augmented to Authentic
What is breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, is a procedure that can restore the natural feel and look of a woman’s breasts. There are many reasons a woman may want to have her breast implants removed that have nothing to do with any medical complications. For one, weight gain or having children can significantly change one’s body composition and the way implants look over time.
Some women simply feel that their implants are too big or too small, and they do not fit the ideal vision they have for their bodies. Other times, women seeking explant surgery worry that their various physical symptoms are related to “breast implant illness” or capsular contracture.
About Breast Implant Removal
The surgeons of Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa have removed hundreds of implants and their respective breast tissue capsules surrounding the implant. This type of removal of the capsule and implant as a whole is a variation of the explant procedure called a capsulectomy. Aside from the implant removal aspect of the procedure, patients will have multiple options to enhance their cosmetic outcome afterward. Patients can opt for implant replacement, an implant removal with a breast lift, or an implant removal and fat transfer to the breast. While a breast lift can typically help remove sagging or excess skin that may remain as a result of stretched tissue from the implants, fat transfer can restore some of the volume that recedes when the surgeon performs explant surgery. The requirements to achieve optimal results will depend on the patient’s desires, the size of their removed implants, and the state of their natural breast tissue.
The silicone and saline implants of today are exceptionally durable and resistant to the forces of gravity, but they are not immune to unwanted change. Many surgeons approximate that implants’ lifespan tends to last, at most, about 15-20 years, but other surgeons recommend explant surgery much sooner. One study consisting of over 500 women found that nearly 50% of them required explant surgery at around the 10-year mark due to medical concerns, highlighting the need for this important procedure outside of merely aesthetic improvements.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
Capsular contracture is a condition in which too much scarring breast tissue develops around the implant, creating unwanted firmness and even pain and distortion in severe cases.
BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS
Breast implant illness (BII) is a controversial condition that attributes a variety of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and even depression and anxiety to the body’s negative reaction to breast implants. While there is no conclusive evidence that breast implants cause those symptoms, some women may choose to have the implants taken out to remove implants as a possible source of their symptoms. An in-person consultation with Dr. Furnas, Dr. Culbertson, or Dr. Canales is the best way to have your questions answered.
Explant Surgery Procedure Options
What is the breast implant removal procedure like?
After our anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, your surgeon will perform the explant surgery itself and any follow-up procedures discussed at a pre-operative visit.
FAT TRANSFER WITH IMPLANT REMOVAL
After explantation, you can choose to restore some of the lost volume without the use of new implants. For fat transfer, your surgeon will implement liposuction techniques, targeting an area of unwanted fat such as the midsection, thighs, or hips. After collecting the fat, they will prepare it for reinjection into the breasts. Though it provides more subtle results than implants, the texture and feel are more natural since it involves augmentation using your own fat tissue.
BREAST IMPLANT REPLACEMENT
If you enjoy the look of your implants, your PSA surgeon can help you find the optimal replacement implants to help you maintain the look you feel most confident with. Your surgeon will review the details of your various implant options, surgical techniques, and implant positioning. Implant material, shape, size, texture, profile, and your personal history of any implant complications are important factors your surgeon will consider when searching for the best implants suitable for your body and aesthetic needs.
IMPLANT REMOVAL
For the implant removal aspect of the procedure, your surgeon will likely make an inframammary incision following the bottom outline of each breast, ensuring that scarring is well-hidden. Depending on the size of your breasts, they may be able to access the implants through periareolar incisions that immediately surround the dark skin of the areola.
For a capsulectomy approach, your surgeon will remove the entirety of the scar tissue around each implant to ensure that the removal goes smoothly. If you have saline implants, your surgeon may be able to safely drain the saline from the implants utilizing a syringe. Before removing the shell of the implant, they can better determine if you could benefit from a breast lift in addition to the standard explant surgery. This method also serves to minimize scarring within the breast, helping to prevent the development of capsular contracture post-surgery.
Breast Lift with Implant Removal
A breast lift may be the best option for those with aging skin or a “deflated” appearance after implant removal. Your PSA surgeon will correct this issue with a breast lift (mastopexy) that involves skin removal and tightening to elevate the breasts higher on the chest wall, providing a more rejuvenated result. Your surgeon will utilize one of the following incisions to accomplish this:
- A periareolar incision surrounding each breast’s nipple-areola complex
- “Keyhole” incisions that include a periareolar incision alongside an added vertical incision on the bottom half of the breast mound
- “Anchor” incisions that include the “keyhole” technique but with another incision along the inframammary crease, the lower border of the breast
While surgeons perform periareolar incisions to resolve mild cases of breast sagging, the “keyhole” and “anchor” approaches are more well-suited for moderate and severe cases of breast deflation and excess skin.
Reclaiming Your Body
What conditions does breast implant removal address?
At Plastic Surgery Associates, our experienced surgeons tailor each procedure to address your specific condition, ensuring the best possible outcome for your health and aesthetic goals.
Breast implant removal can address several conditions and concerns:
Capsular Contracture
- Condition: Hardening of scar tissue around the implant
- Treatment: Removal of implant and sometimes the capsule (capsulectomy)
Implant Rupture or Leakage:
- Condition: Breakage or compromise of implant integrity
- Treatment: Removal of damaged implant and any leaked material
Breast Implant Illness (BII):
- Condition: Various systemic symptoms attributed to implants
- Treatment: Complete removal of implants and often the surrounding capsule
Changes in Breast Appearance:
- Condition: Implant displacement, rippling, or asymmetry
- Treatment: Removal with option for replacement or breast reshaping
Size Preference Changes:
- Condition: Desire for smaller breasts or return to natural size
- Treatment: Removal with potential lift or reshaping
Breast Pain
- Condition: Persistent discomfort associated with implants
- Treatment: Implant removal to alleviate pain
Implant Aging
- Condition: Older implants at risk of complications
- Treatment: Removal and possible replacement with newer implants
Breast Cancer Screening Concerns
- Condition: Implants interfering with mammograms
- Treatment: Removal to improve breast cancer detection
The Explant Plan
What are the benefits of breast implant removal?
Our expert team is committed to guiding you through the process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome both physically and emotionally.
Improved Physical Health
- Alleviation of implant-related discomfort
- Potential resolution of Breast Implant Illness symptoms
- Reduced risk of future implant-related complications
Enhanced Natural Aesthetics
- Return to a more natural breast appearance
- Opportunity for breast reshaping or lifting during removal
- Freedom from concerns about implant appearance changes over time
Psychological Well-being
- Increased peace of mind regarding breast health
- Boost in body confidence and self-image
- Relief from anxiety related to implant maintenance or potential issues
Improved Breast Cancer Screening
- Easier and more accurate mammograms
- Enhanced ability to detect breast changes or abnormalities
Lifestyle Benefits
- Greater comfort during physical activities
- Wider range of clothing options
- No need for future implant replacement surgeries
Customized Results
- Tailored approach to meet your unique goals
- Options for fat transfer or lift to maintain desired breast shape
Long-term Cost Savings
- Elimination of expenses related to implant maintenance or replacement
Freedom from Implants
Who are ideal candidates for breast implant removal?
Ideal candidates for explant surgery are women in good health who are generally unhappy with the way their augmented breasts look. Our surgeons prefer to perform on non-smoking patients, but they can make exceptions for those who are willing to quit temporarily to improve their blood circulation and healing capabilities. Patients with distortion, capsular contracture, symptoms possibly related to breast implant illness, or cosmetic irregularities may benefit from this transformative, customizable procedure. Typically, our patients tend to be between 40 and 60 years of age, a period of life when women are looking to restore tighter, more flattering contours.
To find out if you could benefit from removing your current implants or replacing them with a safer, more advanced implant design, request a consultation at Plastic Surgery Associates (PSA) in Santa Rosa, CA. The combined experience of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson takes pride in educating their patients on the intricacies of their procedures and the necessary steps towards a healthy recovery.
To get in contact with our practice today, call (707) 537-2111 or request a free consultation with our contact form, and we will help you schedule an appointment to learn more about our approaches to explant surgery.
Back to Basics
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
The recovery period will vary for every individual, depending on the repair required after the procedure. After the surgery, Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will provide post-procedure directions and might suggest additional treatments to help eliminate scarring as you heal. For the first few weeks, you may experience swelling and bruising, so you must restrict strenuous exercise until otherwise permitted.
However, you should stand and participate in light activity to help with overall blood circulation. Your surgeon will provide you with the right medications to ease the recovery process and advise you on which over-the-counter medications are safe to take. Within just a few days, you will be able to return to a sedentary job. The final results, however, will take a total of 4 to 6 months to fully settle in.
Reversing Course
Breast Implant Removal Results
While initial swelling and bruising are normal in the first couple of weeks, these will gradually subside, revealing more of your new contour. As you progress through your recovery, you'll see your results evolve. Around 4-6 weeks post-surgery, your breast shape will begin to settle, giving you a clearer picture of your outcome. By 3-6 months, any residual swelling will have resolved, unveiling your final breast shape and position.
The results of your implant removal are permanent - once removed, the implants are gone for good unless you choose to have new ones placed in the future. However, it's important to remember that your breasts will continue to change naturally with age, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts, just like they did before implants.
You can expect a return to a more natural breast appearance, potentially similar to your pre-implant size, though there may be some changes due to skin stretching. Many patients appreciate the more proportionate, natural look this provides. Additionally, you'll likely experience improved breast health, with resolution of any implant-related complications and easier breast cancer screening.
Personal Consultation
A meeting with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will offer you more clarity as to whether or not a breast implant removal procedure is right for you. During this free consultation, your surgeon will speak with you about your desired goals for surgery and review any complaints you may have about your current breast implants. After listening intently to your concerns and answering any questions you may have, they will outline what you need to know to properly prepare for their recommended approach. They will discuss your procedural options for restoring your breasts to a more attractive positioning and shape, providing the necessary details concerning aftercare instructions. Our surgeons strive to be as informative and helpful as possible to ensure you make the right decision concerning your health and aesthetics.
To take the next step toward improving your body confidence today, call our Santa Rosa practice at (707) 537-2111 or get in touch using our online form. To find out more about our other surgical and medspa services, visit our blog.
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
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Restore your natural look
Numerous factors could cause you to be dissatisfied with your current breast implants. Whether they’re the wrong texture, shape, or size, Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa can help you to achieve the look you desire with breast implant removal. At a consult, Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will speak with you regarding your choices to renew the appearance and feel of your breasts. To get more information, schedule a consultation with Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa at your earliest convenience.
Testimonials
Breast Implant Removal
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures like a breast lift are performed simultaneously.
In most cases, we can use the same incision sites from your original implant surgery, minimizing new scarring.
Many women can breastfeed after implant removal, but it depends on the original implant placement and individual anatomy. We'll discuss this during your consultation.
We typically use general anesthesia for breast implant removal to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Light activities can usually be resumed after 2 weeks, with full exercise often possible after 4-6 weeks, following your surgeon's specific instructions.
Implant removal doesn't inherently affect breast cancer risk, but it can make breast cancer screening easier and more accurate.
Depending on your situation, we may remove just the implant (en bloc capsulectomy) or the implant and surrounding capsule. We'll determine the best approach based on your individual case.
In some cases, yes. However, if you're experiencing complications, we may recommend waiting to allow your body to heal before considering new implants.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and any additional treatments. We'll provide a detailed estimate during your consultation.
While your breasts will return to a more natural state, they may not look exactly as they did pre-implants due to factors like skin stretching, aging, and weight changes. We can discuss options for enhancing your results if needed
The cost of your breast implant removal will depend on the surgical techniques applied, follow-up appointments, prescription medications, anesthesia fees, and other surgical factors unique to your situation. During your free consultation at PSA, your surgeon will take these factors into consideration and provide you with a personalized cost estimate. If interested, you can discuss the details of applying for one of our available financing options with CareCredit, PatientFi, or Cherry Financing to make your procedure more affordable. To get started exploring your breast implant removal options today, call our Santa Rosa office at (707) 537-2111 or reach out online, and we will be happy to introduce you to our experienced, attentive team at PSA.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20complications%20is
- Zhang, Z., Qi, J., Zhang, X. et al. What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases. Aesth Plast Surg (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03365-4
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