Breast Implant Removal

More often than not, breast augmentation is a successful procedure that leaves the patient satisfied for many years. However, that isn’t always the case, and women sometimes need or want to have their breast implants removed.

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Expert Breast Implant Removal

You may experience unexpected complications with your implants, or you may no longer be happy with the way they look. Whatever your reason, we at Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery can provide you with expert breast implant removal.

What Is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to remove breast implants after a patient has undergone breast augmentation. The surgery is often performed for medical reasons, but it can be done purely for aesthetic purposes as well. In many cases, breast implant removal is followed by the insertion of new implants, in which case the procedure is typically called breast implant revision.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

There are several specific reasons why patients commonly opt to undergo breast removal surgery:

Aesthetic Preferences - Although you may have been happy with your breast implants after first getting them, your aesthetic preferences may have changed since then.
Weight Changes - If you gain or lose a significant amount of weight after undergoing breast augmentation, it can have a major impact on the appearance of your implants.
Leaking Implant - If one or both of your breast implants have started leaking, removing them may be the best course of action.
Implant Movement - In some cases, breast implants may gradually move around within the chest, which can negatively impact their symmetry and overall appearance.
BIA-ALCL - Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare form of cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around a breast implant. This illness is most common in patients with textured implants. If you’re diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, you’ll likely need to have your breast implants removed.
Discomfort - After you’ve had your breast implants for a while, they could potentially start to cause significant discomfort. The implants themselves may cause pain, and their extra weight may also cause pain in your back, neck, and/or shoulders.
Calcium Buildup - Calcium deposits can sometimes build up around breast implants. This can cause pain and increased firmness of the breasts, and it can also create an abnormal appearance until the implants are removed.

Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal surgery can offer a variety of significant benefits, including:

Restores the original appearance of the breasts
Alleviates the symptoms of breast implant complications
Improves aesthetic appearance for those who are unhappy with their implants
Offers Permanent results
Increases self-confidence
Alleviates back, neck, and/or shoulder pain

Schedule A Consultation

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

If you think you may be a good candidate for breast implant removal, you’ll begin the process by having a consultation with Dr. Landford. During your meeting, she will ask you about why you want to have your breast implants removed. If you’ve experienced complications, she’ll want to know about the symptoms you’ve noticed.

Dr. Landford will also ask you about your specific aesthetic goals and your hopes for the procedure. You and the doctor will then work together to devise a personalized treatment plan.

Typically, breast implant removal surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. To begin, Dr. Landford will make incisions around your areolas or under the folds of your breasts. She will then carefully remove your breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue. If you’ve chosen to have new breast implants inserted, Dr. Landford will then carefully place your customized new implants. Finally, she will close the incisions with sutures and apply bandages to the treatment area. On average, breast implant removal takes between one and three hours to complete. You can head home a few hours after the surgery, but you’ll need someone else to drive you.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?

Adults who are experiencing breast implant complications or are unsatisfied with their implants could be good candidates for breast implant removal. To be an ideal candidate, you should:

Be in generally good physical and mental health
Be unhappy with the appearance of your breast implants
Be experiencing breast implant complications
Have realistic expectations
Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Be a non-smoker

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

After your breast implant removal, you’ll need to rest for one to two weeks before returning to work and your normal routine. You will also need to wear a special surgical support bra or compression garment for several weeks to reduce swelling and ensure optimal results. Additionally, it’s important to refrain from strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks.

Why Choose CCFPS for Your Breast Implant Removal?

When you select Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery for your breast implant removal procedure, you’ll be cared for by Dr. Wilmina Landford and our dedicated team. Dr. Wilmina Landford, a Johns Hopkins-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who prides herself on consistently providing patients with exceptional, natural-looking results. She knows that when it comes to cosmetic surgery, every patient requires a unique approach, and she’ll take the time to get to know you and fully understand your needs. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, simply give our office a call today.