Breast Implant Removal H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery
EXPERTS IN AESTHETIC BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AFTER BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
When you initially decided to pursue breast augmentation, you probably never imagined wanting to have your implants taken out someday. However, women are increasingly choosing to undergo breast implant removal, and H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery in Nashville is here to help. Women seek this procedure for various reasons, including breast implant illness, recurring capsular contracture, lifestyle adjustments, or personal preference.
Whatever your reason for considering breast implant removal and breast lift surgery, our highly skilled surgeons will work closely with you to determine the best approach for achieving a beautiful and natural look. If you’re interested in learning more about breast implant removal at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
What Is Breast Implant Removal?
Understanding what happens during breast implant removal can help you decide if it is the appropriate choice for your needs. This procedure is quite different from the original breast augmentation surgery you underwent.
Breast explantation with total en bloc capsulectomy requires general anesthesia and typically takes between one to three hours, depending on the procedures included. Some patients opt for implant removal with en bloc capsulectomy alone, while others may choose additional treatments such as a breast lift and fat grafting. A standard explant with total capsulectomy usually takes around an hour and a half. If combined with a breast lift, the procedure extends to approximately two to two and a half hours, and if you choose to include fat grafting, it may take up to three hours.
What Happens During Breast Implant Removal?
The procedure involves making incisions, typically along the previous scars in the creases under each breast. The incision is slightly longer than the original to allow for a safe and effective removal. Our surgeons carefully separate the capsule from surrounding tissues — such as the breast, chest wall, and pectoral muscle — removing it entirely. Whenever possible, we perform this as an en bloc procedure, where the implant remains inside the intact capsule during removal. If portions of the capsule are too adherent to the chest wall, we perform a total capsulectomy using advanced surgical techniques to ensure complete removal without compromising patient safety.
What Is En Bloc Capsulectomy?
A total capsulectomy and en bloc removal involve the removal of the capsule — the scar tissue that naturally forms around implants. While this scar tissue does not impact the implants’ appearance or feel in many cases, it is a crucial consideration when undergoing implant removal.
En bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and capsule as a single unit, preventing exposure to your body. Our surgeons perform this procedure when it is safe and appropriate, though it may not always be possible depending on your unique circumstances.
Your Trusted Partner For Transformation
The H/K/B Way is a collaborative effort between all of our physicians and staff. Together, we are committed to providing our patients with state-of-the-art procedures, best-in-class surgical technology, and the most advanced methods for ensuring not just optimal results, but also optimal recovery periods.
Why Choose an Expert for Breast Reconstruction?
H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery prides ourselves on a patient-first approach, combining the latest surgical technology with state-of-the-art procedures. Our Nashville team delivers outstanding results with an emphasis on safety, aesthetics, and a smooth recovery process.
Breast implant removal and reconstruction are intricate procedures that require a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. Our surgeons have performed thousands of breast surgeries, ensuring top-tier care and personalized treatment for each patient.
Reconstruction Options After Breast Implant Removal
You may need additional procedures to restore your desired breast shape and fullness after removing your implants. During your consultation, our surgeons will discuss all available reconstruction options and recommend the best approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
If your natural breast tissue appears saggy or stretched after implant removal, a breast lift can return you to a firm, youthful contour. This procedure removes excess skin, reshapes breast tissue, and repositions your nipples and areolas for a more lifted and natural appearance. In some cases, we recommend fat grafting to enhance upper pole fullness, creating a perkier breast shape.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting offers an alternative for women who desire additional volume without replacing their implants. This technique involves harvesting fat from areas such as your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, purifying it, and transferring it to your breasts. Fat grafting is an excellent solution for those seeking subtle volume enhancement while maintaining a completely natural feel. If significant sagging persists, you may want to consider a breast lift.
Breast Implant Removal & Lift Recovery
Recovery time after breast implant removal and lift varies depending on the procedure’s extent. Most patients take about a week off work to allow for initial healing. During this time, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. A supportive bra and surgical drains will aid in recovery, and you will need a friend or family member to assist you for the first few days after surgery.
Avoid strenuous exercise and upper-body movements for at least a month and sleep on your back for as long as your surgeon instructs you to. Our will provide detailed postoperative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Reimagine Your Beauty
If you’re considering breast implant removal in Nashville, H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery is here to guide you through the process. Our expert surgeons will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and aesthetic vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Breast Implant Removal And Reconstruction FAQS
Breast implant removal is a highly personalized decision, one that only the patient can make. Common reasons for explantation include:
- Appearance: Some patients who were previously happy with their implants decide they want to restore their smaller, natural breasts.
- Lifestyle Changes: Some women find that after a change in exercise routine or discovery of new hobby, breast implants no longer fit their active lifestyle.
- Complications: Recurrent capsular contracture, implant rupture or leak, breast pain or malposition may cause women to reevaluate having breast implants.
- Breast Implant Illness: BII is a condition believed to be a result of an inflammatory reaction triggered by a breast implant. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, and in serious cases, can become debilitating to a woman’s health and quality of life. Some of the symptoms include:
– Fatigue
– Chronic pain
– Rash
– Depression, anxiety, and brain fog
– Hair Loss
– Hormonal Issues
More and more patients are wanting to remove their breast implants for reasons ranging from restoring their natural appearance to restoring their health. As a practice, we are performing many more of this type of surgery with high patient satisfaction rates. We perform hundreds of these surgeries per year. Each patient is unique and requires a high level of customized care.
Some patients report concerns of breast implant illness (BII) and have ruled out other causes for their symptoms and want to undergo explant surgery to see if the their symptoms will improve. Other concerns include pain, deformity, desire to be natural, asymmetry, malposition, and simply not being happy with the way their breasts look or feel. If you’re worried about a problem with your breast implants, give your plastic surgeon a call and head into their office for a visit. Some breast implant complications will require testing or imaging to diagnose. Other issues are easy to spot externally. For example, a leaky saline implant will cause the breast to deflate and capsular contracture will cause breast hardening, and in severe cases, changes to breast shape.
Our office does not contract with any insurance companies. The procedure is a fee for service. You can elect to submit your procedure to the insurance company and be reimbursed by them directly. Most insurance companies do not cover breast implant and capsule removal but many patients have had success. If your implants are still under warranty, you may be eligible for reimbursement of some expenses from the breast implant manufacturer. Payment and financing options are available to help you pay for your procedure.
Breast implants add volume to the breasts. To accommodate this volume, the skin and breast tissues will stretch out. When an implant is removed, the skin and breast tissues are unlikely to contract to their original shape and size. The breasts may appear deflated. Breast lift after implant removal reshapes the breasts. It eliminates the sagging and deflation that is so common after breast implant removal. Generally, the larger the breast implants, the more dramatic the effects on breast shape after removal. At times fat grafting can be used to help add volume and reshape the breast. These secondary procedures such as a breast lift and fat grafting can be done immediately after explant or in a delayed fashion. This is up to the patient. Many patients want to avoid secondary procedures and prefer to have everything done at once to limit a return to the operating room.
If you’re experiencing complications with your breast implants or are no longer happy with your breast appearance, contact your plastic surgeon and ask about your options for implant removal, also called explant surgery. The best candidates for this procedure do not smoke, are in good health, and are dissatisfied with their breast implants. Our plastic surgeons will help you decide if you’re a good candidate at your plastic surgery consultation.
According to a , 41,115 breast augmentation patients chose to have their implants removed in 2023 – a 9% increase over the previous year.
Several signs may indicate an issue with your breast implants. Symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, or redness, changes in breast shape, or a sensation of tightness may suggest complications like capsular contracture or implant rupture. Immediately consult with a health provider if you notice unusual lumps or asymmetry. Regular screenings like mammograms and MRIs are essential to monitor your implants and address concerns as they arise.
Insurance coverage for breast implant removal can vary widely depending on your provider and your policy’s specific terms. Your insurer may agree to cover this procedure if it is medically necessary due to complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or health concerns like breast implant illness. Check with your insurance provider and your health care team to understand the coverage options available to you and obtain pre-authorization if necessary.
After implant removal, your breasts’ appearance will depend on several factors, including the size of the implants, the quality of your skin, and the amount of natural breast tissue you have. Generally, you may notice a decrease in volume, and your breasts may appear flatter or sagging. Some women may experience dimpled or wrinkled skin, especially if their implants were large or if their skin has lost elasticity. In some cases, the breast tissue can retract or conform to the chest wall, leading to a more natural but potentially less full appearance. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon, who can ensure you have realistic expectations and address your concerns.
Determining whether you are a good candidate for breast implant removal involves several considerations. Removal may be a viable option if you experience complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or symptoms associated with breast implant illness.
Your preference is another factor. You may be well-suited for the procedure if you desire a more natural breast appearance or want to avoid the maintenance and potential risks associated with implants. Discuss your health history, current concerns, and aesthetic goals with your surgeon. They can help you make an informed decision and outline the expected outcomes based on your unique situation.