Breast implants are not permanent medical devices.  In fact it is suggested to remove or remove and replace your breast implants every 10 years.  There are many reasons women want to have their implants and breast implant capsules removed:

  • Capsular Contracture
  • Deflation/Rupture
  • Illness
  • Change in body image
  • Breast ptosis (sagging)
  • Normal aging process

A breast implant will have a layer of scar tissue around the implant which is known as a capsule.  Breast implant capsule are graded on a scale which is known as the Baker scale.

Baker Grade I
the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape
Baker Grade II
the breast is a little firm, but appears normal
Baker Grade III
the breast is firm and appears abnormal
Baker Grade IV
the breast is hard, painful to the touch, and appears abnormal

  

Most patients who undergo breast implant removal/explantation will desire another procedure to optimize the appearance of their breasts.  These options include but are not limited to:

Explant Only Explant with Fat Transfer Explant with Breast Lift

 

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Patient Focus 1 (Explantation Only)

Procedures:  Bilateral implant removal/explant of breast implants with muscle repair.

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 2 (Explantation with Fat Transfer)

Procedures: Breast Implant and Capsule Removal with Fat Transfer to the Breast to Replace Volume

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 3 (Explantation with Breast Lift)

Procedures: Patient with overly large breast implants from another surgeon.  She also has a Baker Grade II capsular contractures of both breasts. She had implant removal/explant and a breast lift/mastopexy.

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 4

Procedures: Patient with Baker Grade III capsular contractures of both breasts with distortion of breasts.  She had implant removal/explant and fat transfer.

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 5

Procedures: Patient with bilateral capsular contracture.  She had implant removal/explant and volume replacement with fat transfer from abdomen, flanks, thighs.

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 6

Procedures: Patient with rupture of silicone implant on right side.  Bilateral implant removal/explant of in tact left implant and ruptured right implant.
*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Expectations

Length: 1 - 3 hour depending on procedure

Anesthesia: General or local conscious sedation

In/Outpatient: Outpatient

Side Effects: Temporary swelling, mild bruising and some pain

Risks: Pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry

Recovery: Back to work:  2 days to 1 week.  More strenuous activity:  1 - 3 weeks

Final Appearance:  2 - 3 months  for skin to retract and breasts to assume final shape

Duration of Results:  Implant removal is permanent.  Associated procedures such as breast lift or fat grafting will change over time.

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