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

 

After implant and capsule removel there is generally an excess of skin and some degree of breast ptosis or sagging of the breast tissue.

Breast ptosis is graded on a scale as follows:

Unlike traditional breast lift procedures where only skin is removed, explants are different because a significant amount of breast volume is removed.  For this reason, the procedure needs to both lift and remove excess skin.  Breast lift can be done in a variety of ways:  periareolar, vertical/lollipop, or Wise patter/anchor incisions.
With Explant and breast lift the anchor or full scar lift is most effective.  An incision is made around the nipple to elevate the nipple/areola, a vertical incision removes excess skin the the vertical orientation, and the transverse breast crease incision is used to remove the implant and capsule and elevate the breast.


Patient Focus 1

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 2

Procedures: Breast Implant Removal/Explant with Breast Lift and Fat Transfer to Correct Asymmetry, Sagging (ptosis), and to Replace Volume

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 3

Procedures: Patient with Baker Grade IV bilateral capsular contracture and ruptured silicone implants with asymmetry.  She had Implant Removal/Explantation and immediate removal of excess skin with breast lift to restore breast shape and contour with Fat Transfer to add volume.

*All patients are unique and results may vary 

 

Expectations

Length: 2 - 3 hour depending on procedure

Anesthesia: General 

In/Outpatient: Outpatient

Side Effects: Temporary swelling, mild bruising and some pain

Risks: Pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry

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

Final Appearance:  6 months

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



View all patient photos