Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
There are many reasons that women may choose to undergo breast explant surgery to remove their implants. Sometimes they are “just over them.” Other times, they just want to have smaller breasts. Women frequently complain that their breasts are firm or even hard and experience breast pain or cold intolerance. Some women want their implants taken out because they believe that the implants are making them sick.
Implant Removal Options
The breast implant removal procedure itself is very straightforward. Once the breast implants are removed, there are at least four options a woman can choose from to enhance the breast appearance after implant removal:
Breast Implant Removal Only
A woman can simply have her breast implants removed and be done. Many women choose this option. This is especially popular when the implants are on the small side and/or the woman is less than 45-50 of age.
Fat Transfer to breasts
Some opt to have fat injected into their breasts in an effort to restore lost volume or breast size. This can be done at the time of implant removal or at a later time. She must have some fat on her body in order to do this fat transfer to her breasts. The area that the fat is taken or “harvested” from is called the “donor site.”
Breast Lift
In older women and those with large implants, the breasts are often saggy or “Ptotic” when the implants are removed. In these cases, women frequently ask for a breast lift or “mastopexy” at the time of implant removal. Some women ask for a mastopexy or lift after the implant removal. Breast lifts tighten the skin of the breast and raise the breast off from the chest and upper abdomen. The nipples are lifted, not removed. Most women preserve nipple sensation and regain a much prettier breast shape.
Breast Lift + Fat Transfer
Finally, some women choose to do both, a fat transfer and a breast lift, at the same time when they have their implants removed. This is also an option if their breasts are saggy and smaller than they prefer.
If you aren’t sure which way you want to go, you don’t have to make a decision in advance of removal surgery. Many women choose to remove their implants and “live with them for awhile” before deciding what they wish to do.
Marina Plastic Surgery's Implant Removal Videos
Implant Removal Procedure
Breast implant removal or “explantation” is done under light general anesthesia by Dr. John Hollaway, a board certified anesthesiologist. He has worked with us here at Marina Plastic Surgery for over 17 years. Patients are comfortable and Dr. Hollaway has cared for all of our staff members and family members. He is simply “The Best!”
Implant explantation, or removal, is an outpatient surgery. This means you are not required to stay overnight in a medical facility. After surgery, women spend the night in their own home or in a local hotel in the Marina. We offer discounted rates at many nearby hotels.
We like to see all of our patients the morning after an explant surgery. We like to check everything, answer their questions and change them into a new clean bra.
Recovery and Results
Most women report minimal discomfort and are back to work in a week to ten days. We almost never need to use drains and sutures or stitches that need to be removed. We use dissolvable sutures that are placed under the skin.
The majority of our breast implant removal patients are very happy with their decision to remove their implants. They like their smaller “perky” breasts and many feel better once their implants are removed.
Patients For Life®
“I’m just your basic Midwestern housewife… Well, maybe not so basic anymore.”
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“Now I can finally wear dresses without a bra, and I’m proud of how I look in a bikini.”
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Fly in from Out of Town
Many patients fly in for surgery and fly back home within five to seven days. We have seen “fly-ins” from 63 countries and all 50 states. We are set up to take care of as little or as much as you wish.
Some “fly-ins” ask us to take care of everything and we are set up to do just that. Let us know how much assistance you desire.
We are also happy to do virtual consults online or live over FaceTime. You can send us your medical history and photos of your breasts. We will review them and contact you. We can schedule your surgery and you may fly in the day before. Much of the paperwork, any labs and all financial paperwork can be completed the week before you arrive. Official consents, photos and prescriptions and everything else is completed while you are here.
Breast Implant Removal Costs
Out the door costs, including the surgeon’s fees, operating room fees, anesthesia fees and pathology charges, range from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on which option you choose and the length of your surgery.
To receive a consultation, request your appointment online and schedule your visit during one of the select times our surgeons have set aside for Web visitors.
