Breast augmentation with the use of saline or silicone implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Breast enhancement surgery is known to have a high satisfaction rate, but some women eventually decide to have their implants removed or replaced for a range of potential reasons. For women who want to reverse a previous breast augmentation, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Thomas Lintner, offers breast implant removal surgery.
Common reasons why our patients choose to undergo breast implant removal surgery, also known as explant surgery or explantation, include:
- A desire to change the type, shape, or size of their implants to match their new cosmetic goals.
- A desire to return to their natural pre-implant breast structure.
- A concern about potential complications such as an implant rupture, deflation, or capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant).
- A concern about potential health conditions, such as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)—a rare and highly-treatable lymphatic cancer that can develop around textured implants—or Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Women seeking explant surgery often ask, “How will my breasts look after the procedure?” The breast appearance following breast implant removal can depend on many factors, including your age, the size of your implants, and how long you had the implants. For those with smaller implants and good skin elasticity, the breast structure may return to its pre-implant shape and size after explanation; however, many women experience some sagging due to both the natural aging process and the implant stretching the skin over time.
If the patient does have a presence of lax skin after the implants are removed, Dr. Lintner may perform a breast lift simultaneously with the breast implant removal surgery to address any sagging tissue. A breast lift can help reposition and reshape the breasts for a more youthful appearance. Not every patient will need a breast lift during an explant surgery, so it is important to do thorough research and consult with a highly-qualified plastic surgeon.
If you are interested in breast implant removal surgery or have any more inquiries, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lintner.