A breast augmentation is still the most popular cosmetic procedure in the US today. Many women find that a breast augmentation gives them increased confidence, a newfound sense of femininity and the ability to add more dimension to their wardrobe while making their existing clothes more flattering. Breast augmentation has some of the highest rates of patient satisfaction in the industry. The vast majority of women who undergo a breast augmentation procedure find that it lives up to or exceeds their expectations.
That said, however, breast implants are not necessarily for everyone. There are a number of reasons why a woman may decide that she wants to have her breast implants removed. We understand that his can be a difficult and emotional decision to make. That’s why at Itzhak Nir Plastic Surgery we are committed to delivering the very best patient-led service so that you are informed, guided cared for and valued every step of the way from initial consultation to post-operative recovery and beyond.
Why Would You Need To Have Your Breast Implants Removed?
The decision to undergo a breast augmentation is not something that any woman makes lightly. When she commits to the procedure she has done so as a result of extensive research on her own part and having been fully informed of all aspects of the procedure by the attending surgeon.
Nonetheless, there are a number of reasons why, following an augmentation she may want or need to have her breast implants removed. Some reasons include;
- The patient does not like the look and feel of the implants and wants to go back to the way she was before the procedure.
- The breast implant has leaked or ruptured and the implant needs to be removed for her safety.
- To prevent or mitigate capsular contracture (this is where the scar tissue around the breast tightens and can lead to pain and distortion of the breast shape).
- The patient wants to adjust the implant size with breast revision surgery
If you have lost confidence in the attending surgeon because your implants have leaked or you do not feel that you are getting the results that you were promised, the idea of going back to the same surgeon will likely be less than ideal.
Fortunately, we deal with a great many women in just the same situation, helping them to achieve the results they wish they’d gotten the first time around while safeguarding their health.
The Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Having already undergone and recovered from a breast augmentation procedure, you will likely want to know more about what goes into a breast implant removal. The good news is that this kind of surgery is usually very straightforward.
The procedure is usually carried out using local anaesthesia although in some cases it may be more appropriate to use twilight anaesthesia. This is where a very mild dose of general anesthetic is administered to induce a state of anxiolysis (anxiety relief). The patient is sedated but still conscious.
The surgeon begins by reopening the original incision that was made when the breast was first augmented. Usually this will be in the inframammary fold (beneath the breast) or around the edge of the areola (periareolar).
The implant is then carefully removed. If the implant removal has been necessitated by leakage, the surgeon will also remove all vestiges of silicone material from the implant leaks and the breast capsule; the scar tissue that is formed after the placement of a breast implant.
Usually the scar tissue that is left after a breast augmentation is soft and does not need to be removed. In some cases, however, it can harden and result in pain or discomfort. The surgeon will make an informed decision as to whether or not the scar tissue needs to be removed as well. If it is not necessary to remove scar tissue the surgeon will simply leave it and it will deflate and collapse as your body recovers.
After the desired results are achieved, the incisions will be sutured and covered with a surgical dressing. Drains will then be placed to each pocket. These will usually remain for around 2-3 days after your surgery. You will also be asked to wrap your chest wall for a week or so to ensure that the tissue is properly compressed. This is understandably inconvenient but extremely important. Keeping the affected tissues compressed will help your new body shape to heal properly, in a smooth and even manner.
Recovering From Breast Implant Removal
Following a breast implant removal procedure it’s a good idea to take it as easy as possible for a couple of days. Your surgeon may prescribe some pain medication to help mitigate any potential discomfort you may experience. You will also be given specific aftercare instructions, and it’s important that you follow these exactly. Your surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion while they are healing.
Most patients can expect to resume their normal active lifestyle after a few days although it is still recommended that you avoid strenuous activities. After you go home following your procedure, if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately.
These complications are extremely rare but if they should occur, you may require hospitalization or additional treatment.
What Kind Of Results Can You Expect
Now that you know what goes into a breast implant removal procedure and how best to recover from it, you probably want to know what kind of results you can expect.
The final results of breast implant removal surgery will depend on a number of factors. They will depend chiefly on the size of the implants that are being being removed and the quantity and quality of the breast tissue that remains. The scar tissue that surrounds your implants also will play an important part in the overall outcome. You may experience temporary swelling and other postoperative changes which will also need time to heal and dissipate prior to the final results being achieved. While you may resume your normal life in just a few days, the healing process can take anything up to one year before you get to see the final results.
Every woman and every breast is different. As such, while a surgeon may be able to give you an idea of what you can expect, individual results will always vary. In some cases the breast tissue may be thin as a result of having implants for an extended period of time. Thus, your breasts may not look the same as they did before the procedure. The results may also be affected if the implant was removed due to leakage.
In some cases, it may not be possible to achieve the most cosmetically optimal results with a single procedure and an additional surgery may be necessary.
In most cases, however, a successful surgery and a satisfactory result is achieved so long as the surgeon’s instructions are followed.
Why You Can Trust Doctor Nir
If you have decided that you are ready to undergo a breast implant removal procedure, we understand that choosing a surgeon is an enormous leap of faith. This is especially true if you have decided to have your implants removed because you are not satisfied with the work of the surgeon who put them there.
However, you can place your trust in Doctor Nir and his support team, knowing that you will have access to the very finest combination of surgical talent and cutting-edge technology. In a time when cosmetic surgeons are abundant, Doctor Nir understand the importance of the personal touch. He strives to make himself available to his patients whenever they need him and he is supported by a dedicated, compassionate and empathetic team who will always ensure that you get the very best standard of care and are always in the driving seat.
Doctor Nir does not just have the right attitude when it comes to patient care, he also has the credentials to give you peace of mind. After all, why entrust anything as important as a breast implant removal to anyone but the best? Born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Dr. Nir moved to the United States at the age of 5, settling initially in New York before relocating to South Florida where he completed his training at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, the largest teaching hospital in the state.
He received extensive training in a wide variety of Cosmetic and Reconstructive surgical procedures and entered into private practice in 2001. Since then he has worked tirelessly to refine his practice and serve the South Florida community with expertise and integrity.
Doctor Nir MD FACS is a Board Certified Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon with almost 20 years of experience in Aesthetic Surgery of the Face, Body, and Breasts. His meticulous approach, passion for perfection and genuine care for all of his patients have built a thriving medical practice. Nonetheless, Doctor Nir still holds himself to the very highest standards.
If you’re ready to talk to us about a breast implant removal procedure, click here to get in touch.