Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal, or explantation surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to remove implants from a prior breast augmentation. Implants are not permanent, and sometimes complications arise and they need to be removed sooner than expected. Some patients choose to stay without them, while others have them replaced. 

Newer silicone implants have a double shell that makes them last longer before removal is necessary. Saline implants are slightly different because when they rupture, the breast decreases in size within a week, and this requires removal. 

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Formerly of Cleveland Clinic, and a researcher in multiple plastic surgery studies, Dr. Silvia Rotemberg employs her scientific knowledge alongside her artistic sense. At Rotemberg Plastic Surgery in South Miami, patients can expect to feel more confident in their bodies. No matter if you choose to go with or without implants, Dr. Rotemberg will guide you through the process of achieving the best results possible. To get in touch, call us at (305) 274-5170 or schedule a consultation online. 

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Although modern breast implants are incredibly sturdy and resilient, they cannot last a lifetime. Some surgeons estimate a 20-year lifespan for some implants, while others recommend explantation surgery sooner. ⁽¹⁾  Their longevity can depend on the woman’s unique situation or the implant’s size or texture. In one study, nearly half of the 500+ women surveyed had to have their breast implants removed after 10 years due to medical reasons. ⁽²⁾

Cosmetic reasons for explant surgery include asymmetry and wrinkling, or rippling on the breasts. While implants can look and feel very natural, their appearance may change with age. Other times, patients just change their mind about having implants, and explant surgery lets them restore the appearance of their natural breasts. 

Medical reasons for implant removal can range from mild to more serious complications:

Capsular Contracture 

In a healthy breast with implants, there is some scar tissue buildup that forms a capsule around the implant as the body reacts to the foreign object. While the capsule can help maintain the position of the implant in the breast, if too much scar tissue develops, the capsule can become tougher and tighter, leading to discomfort and distortion. This is called capsular contracture, and it can occur due to bacterial contamination, silicone gel leaking, implant shell rupture, and hematoma. Women with smooth implants that are placed above the pectoral muscle have a higher chance of developing capsular contracture. ⁽³⁾ 

Dynamic Distortion 

When implants are placed under the pectoral muscle in the chest, there is a risk of them looking and moving unnaturally when the muscle flexes- this is known as dynamic distortion. The implants’ movement may interfere with exercise. 

Implant Rupture 

If a saline implant ruptures, it will have to be removed, but the body can absorb the saline with no major problems. If a gel silicone implant ruptures, the gel can pose a risk to the surrounding lymph nodes, structures that are a vital part of the immune system. ⁽⁴⁾

Breast Implant Illness (BII) 

BII is a collection of symptoms that some women attribute to their breast implants. These symptoms can include joint pain, depression, digestive problems, headaches, and many more symptoms. If a woman with implants experiences multiple symptoms with no known cause, it may be BII. Although the condition isn’t very well understood, explant surgery is the only effective option for treatment. In one study, 96% of the women with BII symptoms reported relief after breast implant removal. ⁽⁵⁾ 

Pain 

Pain should never be ignored. It can be caused by infection, excessive scar tissue, or poor placement of the implant. Explant surgery may be needed if an infection won’t clear up with medication. 

Ancillary Procedure Options 

Explant surgery doesn’t have to just be about the removal of your implants, it can be an opportunity to get the breasts that you truly want. Dr. Rotemberg can provide simple breast implant removal procedures for women who don’t necessarily want or need extra fullness or lift. However, she also ensures that all of her patients understand that they have options for enhancing their breasts: 

Breast Implant Replacement 

Women who are pleased with the look and feel of their implants can get updated replacements. If you had a medical complication with your previous implants, Dr. Rotemberg can inform you of the various types of implants that are less likely to cause problems like leakage, capsular contracture, and dynamic distortion. 

If you need a replacement due to capsular contracture, Dr. Rotemberg can complete a capsulectomy to breakdown the unwanted scar tissue before placing new implants. At Rotemberg Plastic Surgery we offer saline and silicone implants of various sizes, shapes, textures and projections– we are determined to help patients get the results that they will love for years to come.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation 

In this procedure, fat from another part of the body is removed with liposuction and reinjected into the breasts. In a liposuction procedure, tumescent fluid made up of lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into an area of excess fat, such as the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. The lidocaine provides a numbing effect, while the epinephrine makes the fat cells easier to extract from the other tissue. Then, tiny incisions are made so that an instrument called a cannula, which is less than ⅛ inch in diameter, is inserted to harvest the fat. 

Once an adequate amount is suctioned out of the donor area, it is placed in a centrifuge for purification. Dr. Rotemberg will then reinject this fat into the breasts to provide symmetry and fullness. Liposuction incisions do not require sutures, so you won’t have significant scarring to worry about. Many women appreciate that it’s a 100% biocompatible approach to breast augmentation, and it provides a subtle, natural-looking result. 

Breast lift

While you are under general anesthesia, Dr. Rotemberg will make an incision around the nipple and a vertical incision to the underside of each breast. A breast lift doesn’t provide more volume like fat transfer or implants, but it will correct sagging and improve the shape of the breast. You can expect to see more shapely and uplifted breasts after this procedure.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with implant removal specialist Dr. Rotemberg, she will perform a thorough examination to determine whether it is time to remove your implants or if you can wait longer. If she believes it best to remove them due to implant age or medical or cosmetic necessity, she will review your surgical options based on your condition. Once you and she decide together on the best method for you, she will explain the process from start to finish so you are fully aware of all aspects of the procedure. To get started with a consultation, call Rotemberg Plastic Surgery in Miami, Florida at 305-274-5170 or request one online.

Preparation 

To prepare for your explant procedure and/or another ancillary procedure, Dr. Rotemberg will order blood tests to get a comprehensive idea of your health. She will then review your medications and require that you stop taking blood thinning supplements and medications. These can cause unwanted bruising and excess bleeding during the procedure. 

If you smoke or consume any nicotine products, you will have to quit 4 to 6 weeks before your surgery date. Nicotine products have chemicals that interfere with the healing process and normal circulation. 

You will also not be able to drive yourself, so please arrange for a friend or family member to take you home from surgery. You should make sure that you pick up your prescription medications beforehand. Additional personalized preparation instructions may be given; please complete them all to ensure optimal results.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

For the first few days, you will have limited arm movement and will need to focus on rest. Normal activities can be resumed in about 3-5 days, and you will be able to return to work within one week. 

You’ll need to wear a special surgical bra for 2 to 3 weeks, but depending on the surgery, you may need a drainage tube for up to 10 days. Drains are critical to allow your body to expel fluid and reduce swelling.  In about 2 weeks, most of the swelling will have subsided. Exercise and physically demanding jobs should only be resumed after about a month. Any scarring typically begins to fade after 6 months.

How Much is Breast Implant Removal in Miami?

During your personal consultation, the price of your explant procedure and any ancillary procedures will be determined. Every situation is unique and requires different surgical methods, so Dr. Rotemberg will provide you with a thorough evaluation before giving you an accurate estimate. 

For more information about breast inplant removal, and to booka personal consultation with Dr. Rotemberg, call (305) 274-5170 or use our online form to send us a message.

If you want to find out more about breast procedures, feel free to read the Rotemberg Plastic Surgery blog.

FAQ

References 

1.  Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/#:~:text=The%20risk%20of%20complications%20is 
2. Zhang, Z., Qi, J., Zhang, X. et al. What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases. Aesth Plast Surg (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03365-4 
3. Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(5):532. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532 
4. Swezey E, Shikhman R, Moufarrege R. Breast Implant Rupture. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459308/#:~:text=A%20ruptured%20silicone%20implant%2C%20whether 
5. Katsnelson JY, Spaniol JR, Buinewicz JC, Ramsey FV, Buinewicz BR. Outcomes of Implant Removal and Capsulectomy for Breast Implant Illness in 248 Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2021;9(9):e3813. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003813