Breast Implant Removal
Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that may be necessary for patients who have undergone a prior breast augmentation. Women may choose to have their implants removed for a variety of reasons, including changes in personal preferences or medical concerns.
At Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa in Baltimore, Dr. Alyson Wells is a board-certified plastic surgeon that offers breast implant removal procedures for women seeking to remove their implants safely and effectively. The surgery involves removing the implants and any surrounding scar tissue, leaving behind a natural-looking breast shape. Dr. Wells will work closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals, ensuring that you receive personalized care throughout the entire process.
If you are considering breast implant removal, contact Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa at (410) 628-8200 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wells. During your consultation, she will discuss your options and answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision about your breast health.
Contents
Before and After Photos
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is a procedure that removes previously placed breast implants. What’s more, it may be more popular than many people know. In fact, research has found that search engine input for “explant surgery” increased by 527% from 2006 to 2019. (1) There are many reasons why a patient may choose to have their breast implants removed, including cosmetic dissatisfaction, surgical complications, and concerns about breast health.
Silicone and saline implants are the most common types of breast implants used in cosmetic surgery. And over time, these implants can develop complications. Capsular contracture, a condition that causes the outer scar tissue surrounding the implant to calcify (harden), is present in roughly 10% of cases. (2) Additionally, implant rupture or leak, and implant displacement may require explant surgery.
In some cases, patients may also experience breast pain, changes in breast shape, or breast mass, which may be indicative of more serious conditions such as breast cancer. To diagnose these concerns, breast MRI, ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy may be necessary.
Breast implant illness (BII) is another reason why some patients may choose to have their implants removed. BII is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some women with breast implants experience. These may include autoimmune issues, chronic fatigue, chest pain, chills, hair loss, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms. (3) Although the connection between breast implants and BII is still under investigation, some patients may choose to have their implants removed to alleviate their symptoms.
Dr. Alyson Wells specializes in breast implant removal and has helped many patients achieve their desired results. Depending on the individual case, the removal of breast implants may require additional procedures such as mastopexy or breast reduction to address any changes in breast tissue or shape.
Benefits of Implant Removal
Here are some benefits you can expect from Dr. Wells’ approach:
- Improved comfort: The removal of breast implants can alleviate discomfort caused by implant-related issues such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
- More natural-looking breasts: Breast implant removal can restore the natural appearance of your breasts, without the added volume and projection provided by implants.
- Reduced risk of complications: By removing the implants and their capsules, you can reduce the risk of future complications associated with breast implants, such as ruptures, leaks, or infections.
- Customized approach: Dr. Wells understands that every patient is unique, so she tailors her approach to meet your specific concerns and goals, whether it be complete removal or replacement with smaller implants.
- Safe and comfortable procedure: Dr. Wells performs breast implant removal under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the entire process.
- Minimal scarring: Dr. Wells carefully places incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as the breast fold or around the areola, to minimize visible scarring.
It’s important to note that breast implant removal is a personal decision, and patients should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before undergoing any aesthetic or reconstructive surgery. To book your personal consultation to discuss your surgery further, call (410) 628-8200.
Candidates
Candidates for breast implant removal include women who:
- Are experiencing complications related to their implants, such as infection, rupture, or capsular contracture
- Have experienced a change in personal preferences and no longer want their implants
- Are concerned about the long-term health effects of breast implants
- Have experienced significant weight loss or gain, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, which has affected the appearance of their breasts
Personal Consultation
During your consultation with Dr. Wells, she will evaluate your overall health, medical history, and current condition to determine if breast implant removal is right for you. She will discuss your options and expectations for the procedure’s outcome and answer any questions or concerns you may have. She will listen to your concerns and goals for the procedure. She will also perform a physical examination of your breasts to assess the condition of your implants and surrounding tissue.
If it is determined that breast implant removal is the best course of action, Dr. Wells will discuss the different techniques available and recommend the one that is best suited for your individual needs.
Preparation
If you’ve decided to have your breast implants removed, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for the procedure. Dr. Wells and her team will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to ensure that your surgery goes smoothly and that you achieve the best results possible.
- Stop taking any blood thinners, supplements, and medications as directed by Dr. Wells.
- If you’re a smoker, stop smoking several weeks before the procedure and avoid nicotine use during recovery.
- Make sure you fill prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics ahead of time.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
- Plan for time off work and social commitments to allow for adequate rest and recovery.
Procedure
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that involves the complete extraction of silicone or saline breast implants from the breasts. However, each individual treatment plan is unique. During the breast implant removal procedure, Dr. Wells will make an incision along the same area where the original incision was made during the initial breast augmentation surgery. She will then carefully remove the implant and any surrounding scar tissue. If necessary, she may perform a breast lift or other procedures to enhance the appearance of the breasts.
Recovery & Results
After breast implant removal, patients can expect some discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Wells. It is important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. You will be advised to wear a supportive bra for several weeks after the procedure to help reduce swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks. Patients can usually return to work within a week or two depending on their individual recovery process.
The results of breast implant removal vary from patient to patient, but many women experience relief from discomfort caused by implants and enjoy the natural look and feel of their breasts once again. Dr. Wells will work with you to achieve your desired outcome and provide guidance on any further procedures that may be necessary to achieve your goals.
Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Baltimore, MD
At Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi-Spa, we strive to make the process of breast implant removal as comfortable and affordable as possible. The cost of the procedure will vary depending on several factors, including the type of implant, the extent of surgery, and any additional procedures needed.
During your consultation, Dr. Wells will evaluate your unique situation and provide a personalized treatment plan along with an accurate estimate of the cost. It is important to note that breast implant removal may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary.
Contact us today at (410) 628-8200 or fill out a form on our website to book your personal consultation with us.
Interested in surgical and non-surgical procedures in Baltimore? Read the Valley Plastic Surgery and Medi-Spa blog.
FAQ
Do I need to replace my breast implants after they are removed?
No, breast implants do not need to be replaced after they are removed. However, some patients may choose to have new implants inserted during the same procedure or at a later time.
What is capsular contracture, and can it be fixed with implant removal?
Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur when scar tissue forms around an implant, causing it to harden and potentially distort the shape of the breast. In some cases, removing the implant can help alleviate symptoms of capsular contracture. However, in severe cases, additional treatment may be necessary.
Will I have scars after breast implant removal surgery?
Scarring is a natural part of any surgery, including breast implant removal. However, the extent of scarring will depend on the type of incision used during the procedure. Dr. Wells will discuss the incision options with you and help you decide which method is best for your individual case.
Will my breasts look different after implant removal surgery?
Yes, your breasts may look different after implant removal surgery. They may appear smaller, less full, or saggy. However, this can be corrected with a breast lift or other cosmetic procedures if desired. Dr. Wells will discuss all options with you during your consultation.
References
- Tian WM, Rames JD, Blau JA, Mahsa Taskindoust, Hollenbeck ST. Contextualizing Breast Implant Removal Patterns with Google Trends: Big Data Applications in Surgical Demand. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2022;10(1):e4005-e4005. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004005
- Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(5):532. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532
- Kaplan J, Rohrich R. Breast implant illness: a topic in review. Gland Surgery. 2021;10(1):430-443. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/gs-20-231
