Breast Implant Removal in Buffalo, NY
Women may choose to remove their breast implants after breast augmentation surgery for a variety of reasons that include implant rupture, breast illness, or general unhappiness with the appearance of their implants. Women may choose to replace their implants with a different size or shape or resort back to their natural breast size.
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Breast Implant Removal
Benefits of Breast Implant Removal
- Correct bothersome complications caused by breast augmentation
- Remove or replace your implants to achieve your desired breast appearance
- Eliminate the possibility of certain suspected health risks caused by breast implants such as breast implant illness
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Capsular Contracture
Women may be forced to remove their breast implants because of complications such as capsular contracture, which occurs when the natural scar tissue capsule thickens and constricts around the implants. This condition can not only be painful, but it can also make the appearance of your breasts unflattering.
Bottoming Out
Another bothersome complication that may arise after a breast augmentation surgery is when one or both breast implants slip below the inframammary crease (the fold line where the bottom of your breasts meet your chest). This condition is called bottoming out and happens when the implant has lost internal support from the tissue.
Correct Implant Appearance
Some women may be unhappy with their breast implant size or shape and want to have an implant exchange. It is also common for women to enjoy the results of their breast augmentation procedure for an extended time and then want to go back to their original breast size in the future.
Breast Implant Removal Techniques
En Bloc Capsulectomy
En Bloc, a French phrase meaning “as a whole,” is the most preferred and safest technique to use during a breast implant removal. This technique removes the breast implant and scar tissue in one piece, which eliminates the possibility of implant silicone particles being retained in your body.
En Bloc Capsulectomy Procedure
- Incisions are made along the lower fold of the breast crease or around the areola
- Breast implant and surrounding scar tissue are carefully removed as a whole if possible
- Removing both pieces all together eliminates the possible causes of breast implant illness
- Surgical dressings will be applied to the incision area to minimize swelling
- Small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to limit fluid accumulation
Capsulectomy and Other Options
Capsulectomy removes the breast implants and the scar tissue that has formed around the implants. This will make the breasts feel soft again. Depending on your goals, some may choose to combine the en bloc technique with a breast lift or fat transfer to enhance the remaining breast tissue and reposition it. On occasion, a breast lift may be too risky to perform at the same time.
What to Expect During Breast Implant Removal Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is breast implant removal surgery painful?
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is administered during your surgery to diminish any pain you may feel. Temporary swelling and bruising may arise after the surgery but will fade with time.
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How much does it cost to have your breast implants removed?
The average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $2,566, according to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This price may vary depending on surgical fees, type of anesthesia, techniques used, and combined procedures.
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Will my procedure result in visible scarring?
Yes. The incision will be made along the lower fold of your breast or around or below the areola. This will result in scarring that should fade a few months after your surgery. The scars can be easily concealed by clothing.
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Will my breasts go back to normal after breast implant removal?
Yes. As the swelling and bruising subside, you will begin to notice your natural breast size before you had breast augmentation surgery. There may be changes to the breasts related to aging.
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How should I prepare before my breast implant removal surgery?
To prepare for your breast implant removal surgery, you should immediately stop smoking, adjust your current medications as directed by your physician, and plan for plenty of down and recovery time after the surgery. Most women are able to return to work in 10 to 14 days.
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How do I know I need a breast implant removal?
If you experience health risks such as breast implant illness, are unhappy with the breast size and shape, or want to exchange your breast implants for a different type or size, you might be the right candidate for breast implant removal.
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Do you need drains after breast implant removal?
Your plastic surgeon will decide if drains are necessary after your surgery. Typically, small drainage tubes may be attached to collect any fluids that accumulate while you heal.
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Can I combine my breast implant removal with other surgeries?
Yes. Some women may combine their breast implant removal with one of the following:
- Breast lift
- Implant exchange
- Mommy Makeover
- Liposuction
- Fat Transfer
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What are the risks of breast implant removal?
With any plastic surgery procedure, complications are always a possibility. Dr. Koch will do his best to ensure your procedure and recovery process run smoothly.
Some possible risks you may experience are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor healing of incisions
- Hematoma
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How long does it take to heal after breast implant removal?
It typically takes around three months to fully heal from the surgery, but the scarring will continue to fade with time.