Can My Implants be Removed?
By Leslie Howard Stevens – Follow me on Google+
There are a number of reasons why a woman might opt for breast implant removal. She may decide she wants a different breast size or shape. There may also be problems with the current implants that require their removal, such as a rupture or hardening of the implant, known as capsular contracture. No matter what your reason for choosing breast implant removal; Dr. Stevens can help.
Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure typically performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the circumstances, it may be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation . The surgery takes approximately one hour to complete and involves a single incision to carefully remove the implant from the breast. The incision may be placed around the areola or under the fold of the breast.
Saline implants may be deflated prior to removal, allowing the body to eliminate the saline solution through natural processes. If capsular contraction is the reason for the implant removal, scar tissue surrounding the implant may need to be removed as well. Silicone implants are generally inspected for leakage during the procedure.
Results and Recovery
If the patient is opting for another procedure, such as a breast lift or new implants, that may also be performed at this time. If a simple implant removal is the only request, recovery from the procedure tends to be quicker and often with less discomfort. However, some patients may have difficulty adjusting to the size and shape of the breast without implants.
Patients are usually allowed to return home the same day of the procedure. Discomfort may be managed with medication and usually subsides significantly within a couple of days. Patients generally return to work and regular activities within 2-3 days, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise is usually restricted for at least three weeks. Patients will be given a special surgical bra to wear for a number of days after the procedure to hold the breasts in place during the healing process.
Sagging or drooping of the breasts can occur after surgery as a normal part of the aging process. If the patient becomes dissatisfied with her results, an additional procedure may be performed to lift or add volume to the breasts.
Dr. Leslie Stevens performs implant removal at his surgical suite at the Lasky Clinic. To learn more about this procedure, contact Dr. Stevens and his staff today.
