While most women who get breast implants are very satisfied with the end result, there are also women who eventually decide their implants need to go. Indeed, there are a number of reasons why women consider breast plastic surgery and breast implant removal: They may wish to upgrade to a more current form of implants; they may decide they want a more “natural” look; or, in some cases, they may have implants that have ruptured.
We are pleased to provide breast implant removal here at HKB Cosmetic Surgery, though we know that this procedure is accompanied by some key questions. What is the process really like? And, what can you expect from your breasts after implant removal? Allow us to share some details.
Breast Implant Removal: Overview
For women who wish to increase the size of their breasts, the typical approach is to insert artificial breast implants. The breast implant removal process involves a surgeon taking these implants out. Additionally, the surgeon may remove leftover silicone material that has leaked from ruptured breast implants. In some cases, the surgeon may also remove the breast capsule, which refers to the scar tissue that forms around the breast implants.
Why Seek Breast Implant Removal?
There are plenty of reasons why women seek to have their breast implants removed. Some of the most common ones include:
- Some women find that the presence of implants causes them a little bit of pain and discomfort during routine mammograms. (This is mostly an issue with older, outdated implant technology.)
- Women who make their breasts larger can also experience some neck or back pain later in life. Breast implant removal provides a way to eliminate this pain.
- Some women decide to remove older implants that no longer seem fashionable; this is especially true of women who sought a more buxom appearance, and now wish to achieve something more subtle and natural.
- Older implants do run the risk of rupturing; women who have experienced ruptured implants will likely want to seek implant removal surgery ASAP.
Experienced any of these issues? we welcome you to contact HKB Cosmetic Surgery about this surgery.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
The decision to have breast implants removed is a highly personal one; with that said, it’s important to consult with a surgeon to ensure you’re a good candidate for a safe and effective procedure. Generally speaking, you’re a qualified candidate for breast implant removal if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are in good physical health.
- You have a maintainable, steady body weight.
- You have realistic expectations about the appearance of your breasts after implant removal.
- You’re not a smoker.
- You have either experienced pain or signs of a breast implant rupture.
- You have become dissatisfied or self-conscious about your breast implants.
To find out more about your eligibility for breast implant removal, reach out to our surgeons at HKB Cosmetic Surgery at any time.
What to Expect During Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
Before having any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to meet with a surgeon to discuss the process and the recovery. During your consultation at HKB Cosmetic Surgery, your surgeon will ask you why you’re looking to lose your implants, and what your specific aesthetic goals are. You’ll also be asked about your medical history and any recent surgeries you’ve had.
Additionally, you can expect that your surgeon will wish to examine your breasts, and potentially take some images. Your surgeon will also talk with you about the kind of results
you’ll get, ensuring you have the right expectations regarding this surgery.
What to Expect from Your Breasts After Implant Removal
Speaking of which: What kind of results can you expect from the breast implant removal process?
This can depend on a couple of factors: The size of the implants you’re having removed, and the volume of breast tissue that remains once those implants are gone. Additionally, the amount of scar tissue will have an effect on this surgery.
Also note that, immediately following this surgery, you can anticipate some swelling. This means it may be a few months before you get a full sense of the surgery results.
One thing we want to emphasize is that, at HKB Cosmetic Surgery, we provide a reconstructive approach to breast implant removal. This may include a breast lift and fat grafting, achieving a more natural-looking result. We can remove loose and saggy skin, too, ensuring your final result is aesthetically pleasing.
Recovery from Breast Implant Removal
Immediately following this surgery , you can anticipate some gauze or bandaging placed around your breasts, and possibly the need for a support bra, as well.
You can anticipate some swelling for a few weeks; your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your surgical wounds, and how long you need to rest and recover. Also note that there can be a little tenderness following breast implant removal, but pain medications are available to help minimize your discomfort.
Note that, if you arrive home from breast implant removal and experience shortness of breath or pain in your chest, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. While these complications are uncommon, they should certainly be taken seriously.
The most important component of your recovery is simply following your surgeon’s instructions. Also, remember that it will be a little while before you get a full sense of the final results, as the swelling gradually goes down.
Learn More About Breast Implant Removal
Most women who get breast augmentation never really have to think about this surgery. Nevertheless, it can be good to know that the option exists. And, if you ever have specific questions about the procedure, the results, or the recovery, we welcome you to reach out to us.
To schedule a breast implant removal consultation, contact HKB Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC at any time. We look forward to talking with you further about how we can help you meet your medical and aesthetic needs.
