Reasons Why Breast Implant Removal May Be Recommended

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. However, not all patients choose to keep their implants and may explore the option of breast implant removal. There are many reasons why breast implant removal is recommended. For women who already have implants, they may want to adjust the size of the implant, making it larger or smaller. In other cases, patients choose to remove their implants altogether, opting for a more natural look.

Even under the best circumstances, breast implants typically do not last forever. In the case that a patient chooses to remove or replace their breast implant, it is important to know what type of implant you have and if it is smooth or textured. For patients with textured implants, there is growing controversy centered around the potential health risks of these particular implants. No matter what type of breast augmentation procedure you are considering, it is always best to arm yourself with knowledge about the type of breast implants being used and the removal process if it needs to be addressed.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi is the Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas. He is a specialist in breast augmentation procedures and a top plastic surgeon in the Las Vegas area. His priority for patient care ensures that his patients are knowledgeable about the surgical processes involved with breast augmentation with reasonable expectations of the results. When it comes to breast implant removal, Dr. Khorsandi advises his patients on the appropriate course of action so they can make the best, most informed decisions. Here is some helpful information on breast implant removal surgery that may help you decide if this surgery is right for you.

Reasons for implant removal

There are a number of reasons that women in Las Vegas may come to a plastic surgeon requesting implant removal. Common reasons for breast implant removal include:

• Sagging breasts

• Breasts feel heavy

• Changes in weight

• Breast discomfort

• Implant deflation or rupture

• Capsular contracture

• Advice from a patient’s primary care doctor due to illness

• A patient who no longer desires to have implants

For women in the Las Vegas area that are considering breast implant removal, finding a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Khorsandi, is the first step. During your consultation with Dr. Khorsandi, he will discuss your concerns about your breast implants and determine if existing breast tissue has enough elasticity or if other factors such as implant size, duration, health concerns, and the patient’s age will alter the removal results. He will also discuss what type of implant you have, how long you have had them, and if you wish to switch your implants for a different size, shape, or material or go back to your former natural breast size.

The concern over textured implants

Textured implants have a rough surface that enables them to adhere to the surrounding breast tissue. Most often used with the tear-drop shaped breast augmentation, the surface of these implants helps to ensure the patient’s chest is not misshapen due to movement or rotation.

There has been increased concern regarding the use of textured implants. They have been shown to lead to symptoms associated with breast implant illness as well as a growing concern over certain types of cancer. Patients who are armed with that knowledge are making a proactive decision to remove textured implants and use an alternative implant material or go without implants altogether.

How are breast implants removed?

A skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Khorsandi gives patients in Las Vegas the best results with their implant removal process. The procedure, done under anesthesia, involves the careful removal of the implants through existing scar areas so no additional scarring will occur. Many patients report the removal process to be a more comfortable recovery than the original augmentation process. It is usual for scar tissue to form around a foreign object, such as a breast implant. Sometimes, the scar tissue, also called the capsule, either needs to be entirely or partially removed, which is called a capsulectomy. Dr. Khorsandi’s keen attention to detail and skill set determines each patient’s specific needs during the removal process.

What to expect after removal?

Breast removal surgery is typically an outpatient procedure where patients can recover in the comfort of their own home the same day. Some discomfort and swelling are normal. If a patient undergoes a breast lift in conjunction with the removal, then their breasts will feel tight or restricted until the natural breast settles into place. Depending on your plastic surgeon’s post-op recommendations, a surgical bra or sports bra may be recommended to wear for about a month.

Most patients who undergo breast implant removal can return to work after one week, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are not recommended until given clearance by their plastic surgeon. Breast incision scars typically heal very well, but you can discuss the use of different scar healing products to optimize your results. Dr. Khorsandi and his staff provide specific and detailed post-operative care instructions for patients in Las Vegas who undergo this procedure.

Breast appearance without implants

It is only natural to be concerned about what your breasts will look like after implants are removed. The results vary with each woman and how much breast volume will be lost. Loose skin in certain areas where the implant once resided is common. One popular option to resolve this is called a breast lift. A breast lift reshapes the breast and removes excess skin, giving breasts a great look after the implants are removed.

Breast implants do not typically last a lifetime, and in some cases, removal may be necessary. Many women are also making the decision to remove their breast implants for their own personal reasons. Whether a woman has a change in lifestyle, complications with their implants, or health concerns, breast implant removal is a viable option. Expert guidance from a top plastic surgeon in Las Vegas like Dr. Khorsandi is crucial when deciding if breast implant removal is your best option.

Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief Plastic Surgeon of VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, helps his patients transform their bodies. If you are considering breast implant removal, we invite you to call or schedule a consultation today in order to fully understand the process of breast implant removal to get the desired outcome you want.