Breast implant removal may be a daunting decision to make, especially if you have had implants for a long time. Questions like “Will my breasts look normal if I remove my implants?” and “Do I need a capsulectomy?” may be on your mind.
As an esteemed breast surgery expert, Dr. Kiya Movassaghi is here to address your most pressing concerns and answer frequently asked questions about breast explant. We’ll explore the reasons behind breast implant removal, the surgical techniques involved, and what you can expect regarding recovery and results.
- Do I need to replace breast implants after the warranty expires?
- Will my breasts return to their pre-implant size and shape after removal?
- Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?
- Can I replace my breast implants during the removal procedure?
- What happens during breast implant removal?
- How long does the breast implant removal procedure take?
- What is the recovery time for breast implant removal?
- What are the potential complications of breast implant removal?
- Is breast implant removal covered by insurance?
- Can breast implant removal affect mammogram results?
- How do I choose the right plastic surgeon for breast implant removal?
Do I need to replace breast implants after the warranty expires?
No, you do not need to remove or replace breast implants just because they exceed the manufacturer’s warranty, if you haven’t experienced any complications and are still happy with their look and feel.
Breast implants are not designed as lifetime devices, and most implant manufacturers place a 10-20 year warranty on their breast implants. However, many patients enjoy their implants for years beyond the warranty time frame.
Will my breasts return to their pre-implant size and shape after removal?
They may, but weight fluctuations, the size of your implants, and the effects of the natural aging process will influence how much fat and breast tissue now make up your natural volume and shape. If you had modestly-sized implants placed in recent years, then your breasts may closely resemble their pre-implant appearance after removal.
On the other hand, if you had moderate to large implants placed 10 years ago or more, your post-implant appearance will likely differ from your pre-implant breast size and shape. That said, an expert Eugene plastic surgeon can artfully customize the removal procedure to create a new breast appearance that balances your proportions and appears very natural.
Will I need a breast lift after implant removal?
Deciding if the addition of a breast lift will provide more complete results depends on your skin elasticity, natural breast size, and post-implant aesthetic goals. Breast implants help support your natural breast tissue, so removing that structure may cause sagging or make the breasts appear deflated.
A breast lift or fat transfer to the breast is often an ideal accompaniment to breast implant removal surgery to achieve a pleasing look and feel. These procedures, on their own or in combination, help sculpt the surrounding tissue and restore volume after implant removal.
A plastic surgeon who specializes in breast procedures will consider these factors and determine the procedures needed to achieve the result you are looking for during your consultation.
Can I replace my breast implants during the removal procedure?
Yes, most patients can safely replace their breast implants during the removal procedure if they wish—this procedure is called breast implant revision. Some patients opt for a revision if they want to change the size, shape, or type of implant they have.
If your implants are replaced with a smaller option, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift with implant revision to achieve an ideal result. A smaller implant may not support your breasts to the same degree and cause your breasts to appear saggy or take on a “bottom-heavy” or tubular shape.
Having an open and frank conversation about your goals will help your surgeon understand your expectations to ensure you are happy with your new breast shape and size.
What happens during breast implant removal?
The technique you and your surgeon decide on may only require local anesthetic with IV sedation, or you may need general anesthesia to be more comfortable. If your surgery plan includes additional procedures, we will likely recommend general anesthesia.
During a simple implant removal procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions around your breasts, depending on the implant type and their placement (under or over the muscle), before delicately removing them from the breast cavity. Other techniques require a more nuanced approach:
- Implant removal with total or partial capsulectomy also removes the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
Once the implants are removed, your surgeon will perform additional procedures (i.e. breast lift, fat injection, and breast tissue support with internal bra materials) if needed. Visit our breast implant removal page for more information about each surgical technique.
How long does the breast implant removal procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours. It may take longer depending on the complexity of your case, whether a capsulectomy is performed, and if you have any additional procedures performed at the time of removal.
What is the recovery time for breast implant removal?
Generally, most patients can return to work and light daily activities within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery takes 4-6 weeks, after which you will typically be cleared to resume strenuous exercise or return to a physically demanding job.
Eugene breast implant removal recovery time is unique to each patient based on their procedure plan, though you may find that implant removal recovery is easier than your recovery after breast augmentation since there is no “heaviness” or tension placed on the chest muscles.
What are the potential complications of breast implant removal?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with breast implant removal, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Poor scar appearance
- Changes in breast sensation
Trusting your procedure to an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon will help to further minimize these risks and ensure you experience optimal results. Learn about Dr. Movassaghi’s credentials and experience here.
Is breast implant removal covered by insurance?
Breast augmentation is considered elective and, therefore, not covered by insurance, so the same is typically true for implant removal. However, there may be some instances where the removal is deemed medically necessary (e.g., due to complications such as rupture, infection, or BIA-ALCL), and some insurance policies may cover the procedure. If you are considering an explant, check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Can breast implant removal affect mammogram results?
After breast implant removal, mammogram results may require fewer images and be easier to interpret, as there will be less interference from the implants. Breast implants can sometimes obscure breast tissue in the images, so technicians take additional photos (“implant displacement views”) to gain a complete view of your breast tissue.
Whether you replace your implants after removal or not, simply update your mammography technician about whether or not you have implants to ensure they use the appropriate techniques for accurate imaging.
How do I choose the right plastic surgeon for breast implant removal?
Consider factors such as the surgeon’s expertise in breast surgery, experience with explantation procedures, and patient satisfaction rates. A reputable surgeon will also have an abundance of before-and-after photos that speak to their surgical skill and eye for aesthetics. Ideally, you should find a surgeon with photos of patients with results you like on a similar body type. This will indicate that the surgeon will likely be able to achieve similar pleasing results for you.
The right surgeon will also take time to thoroughly discuss why you want to remove your implants and ensure they address every aspect, from medical concerns to your final appearance goals. Diligent research takes time, but you and your body are worth taking the necessary steps to help you achieve a harmonious outcome.
Trust your transformation to a Eugene plastic surgery expertDr. Kiya Movassaghi is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Eugene and a nationally recognized authority in breast surgery. Throughout his career, he has authored several peer-reviewed scientific articles about breast surgical technique and is the editor of Shaping the Breast: A Comprehensive Approach in Augmentation, Revision, and Reconstruction, which provides plastic surgeons around the world a detailed resource for achieving optimal results using the most advanced breast surgery techniques.
Dr. Movassaghi is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and has over 20 years of experience performing a range of breast surgeries to help women love how they look and feel. We invite you to schedule your consultation online or call Movassaghi Plastic Surgery at (541) 686-8700 to review your breast implant removal options with Dr. Movassaghi today.
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