The satisfaction rate for women who undergo breast augmentation is very high, but over time, pregnancy, weight gain, and other changes to the body can affect how their breasts look and feel, and having implants may not be right for them after several years. Also, breast implants may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, so it’s not uncommon for women to choose to simply have them removed rather than replaced with new implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz provides breast implant removal surgery in Raleigh to help women feel comfortable and make the right choice regarding their health, confidence, and well-being.
Why Choose an Explant Procedure?
There are several reasons women choose to have their implants removed (also called explant surgery). As we mentioned, many women experience body changes over time that may change the appearance of their breasts or they feel their implants don’t “fit” those changes.
Other reasons may include:
- Experiencing pain or discomfort caused by scar tissue
- An autoimmune reaction
- Pain in the shoulders, neck, and back due to too much weight
- Implant rupture, which requires immediate removal
On the other hand, many women may simply prefer to remove them when the original implants are due to be replaced. Regardless of your reason for choosing to remove your implants, Dr. Ortiz will work with you to help you achieve your goals for your body so you can feel comfortable and confident.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal Surgery
This procedure removes the silicone or saline implant from the breast pocket. It’s typically a straightforward procedure though if there is excess scar tissue or the implant has ruptured, the procedure may be more complicated. However, it is still generally very safe, particularly if the patient is in good health.
Breast implant removal surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic. Dr. Ortiz will place an incision via the inframammary fold, which is the lower fold under your breast, or around or below the areola. Often, he can use the original incision of your breast augmentation surgery to minimize additional scarring. Then, he will remove the breast capsules and implants completely, prior to closing the incisions.
During your consultation, Dr. Ortiz will determine the right incision, what you can expect from your results, and your recovery experience. Explant surgery can be performed alone, or in conjunction with a breast lift to reduce or minimize any sagging or drooping from removing the implants. If you would simply like to change the size or shape of your implants, he may recommend a breast implant revision instead.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation Today
If you’re considering breast implant removal, learn more about it in our Breast Implant Removal Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to our Raleigh plastic surgery center today. Dr. Ortiz is a renowned plastic surgeon with the knowledge and experience to get excellent results, and our staff provides a safe, welcoming environment for your procedure. To schedule your personalized consultation at our plastic surgery center today, give us a call at 919-532-2270 or complete our easy-to-use online contact form below.
70 year old female who was interested in bilateral implant removal. Her implants were placed in 2001, replaced in 2006 due to rupture; both surgeries performed elsewhere. The patient’s 2006 surgery involved breast implant exchange (saline to silicone) with mastopexy. She also felt her right breast was drooping more than her left.
Procedures performed: Breast Implant Removal and Mastopexy (breast lift)
BMI: 25
41 year old female who was interested in breast implant removal. She had silicone breast implants placed at another practice approximately 1.5 years ago.
Procedures Performed: Breast Implant Removal with Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
42-year-old female who desired removal of bilateral implants. The patient felt that her implants had sagged (bottomed out) and was not interested in having them anymore. She had saline implants placed in 2007 by a different plastic surgeon.
BMI: 22.9
Procedures performed:
Implant Removal with Capsulectomy
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)