Breast implant removal, also known as explant surgery, is available to women who are looking to remove uncomfortable, ruptured, or unwanted breast implants. It is a relatively standard breast procedure in the United States. Over 29,000 breast augmentation patients had their implants removed last year.
Dr. Andrea Doyle is a board-certified plastic surgeon committed to achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. She will listen to your concerns and develop a plan to accomplish the outcome you desire.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal, call 401.336.3770 today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Doyle. The Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery serves patients in East Greenwich, Providence, and nearby areas of Rhode Island.
What are the reasons someone would consider Breast Implant Removal?
While breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, they are not lifetime medical devices. Most women will likely need to remove their breast implants at some point.
There are several reasons to consider removing your implants, including:
- Rupture: Despite the durability of saline and silicone implants, their shells can rupture. You may pursue breast implant removal to correct a ruptured implant, or because you are concerned about the potential for future ruptures.
- Discomfort: Breast discomfort can be a sign of a rare complication known as capsular contracture. It can also indicate the presence of an infection. In most cases, implant removal can help relieve the painful breast sensations you are experiencing. Implant removal methods such as en bloc or capsulectomy may be appropriate for dealing with capsular contracture.
- Aesthetic issues: Some women develop aesthetic problems with their implants after placement, such as visible wrinkling, displacement, and asymmetry. Implant removal is often an excellent way to correct these concerns.
- Change in preference: Many women cite a change in preference as the reason for having their implants removed. You may find that your implants no longer align with your current taste or personality. If you are interested in regaining your natural breast appearance, implant removal may be beneficial.
As long as you are happy with the way your breasts look and feel, and there are no signs of complications, you should be able to enjoy your implants for years to come. However, breast implant removal is something that all breast augmentation patients should be prepared to consider.
Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift
It is important to think about how your breasts will look after breast implant removal. When you had your initial augmentation performed, your breast skin had to stretch to accommodate the added volume. As a result, your breasts may have a droopy or saggy appearance once the implants are no longer present. For some patients, this effect is mild, but for others, it can be very pronounced.
A breast lift is often a great way to counteract the undesirable cosmetic impact of implant removal. This procedure removes excess breast skin and restores a more youthful contour. When performed alongside breast implant removal, a breast lift can help you optimize your results.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
Some women may want to remove their current breast implants without going implant-free. If that sounds like your situation, you may choose to have implant removal and replacement surgery.
Also known as breast augmentation revision, this procedure involves taking out your old breast implants and swapping them for newer ones. Breast implant removal and replacement can address most medical or aesthetic breast issues you are experiencing, while still maintaining the enhanced breast appearance that you desire.
What is the Breast Implant Removal Procedure Like?
Breast implant removal can be more complex than an initial augmentation procedure. There are several reasons for this, including the potential presence of scar tissue, tissue capsules, ruptured silicone gel, and other factors. Fortunately, Dr. Doyle knows how to handle the unique challenges of implant removal to achieve the best possible results for her patients.
Your procedure will require general anesthesia. Breast implant removal is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. Dr. Doyle will begin by making incisions and removing the existing breast implants. From there, the procedural steps will vary depending on the type of surgery and the issues you wish to correct.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Doyle is very polite, has great bedside manners. Dr. Doyle examples what is going to be done in the office and once again before surgery while your in the hospital she also answers any question you may have. Dr. Doyle will always take your calls doesn’t matter what day or time. Never had an issue getting an appointment to see Dr. Doyle. The staff at Dr Doyle office are polite and courtesy."
Recovering from Breast Implant Removal
Every woman experiences a slightly different recovery period based on individual factors. The type of procedure that was performed — and whether or not it included a breast lift or the placement of new implants — will influence your recovery time.
You will likely need to take at least a week off work to heal from your surgery. During this time, it is important to follow Dr. Doyle’s instructions to avoid complications and maximize your results.
What Is En Bloc Capsulectomy, and Is It Necessary During Implant Removal?
En bloc capsulectomy involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule as one unit. It is used specifically in cases of malignancy in which a tumor needs to be removed along with other uninvolved tissues.
The term should not be confused with a capsulectomy performed in the absence of malignancy. Unlike en bloc capsulectomy, capsulectomy generally involves making an incision in the capsule before taking out the implant separately from the scar tissue. The scar tissue capsule is removed after the implant in this method.
In her practice, Dr. Doyle follows the latest scientific research, which shows that en bloc capsulectomy is not necessary unless a malignancy is present.
Will Removing My Implants Leave Noticeable Scars?
Like any surgical procedure, breast implant removal can result in some scarring. However, Dr. Doyle aims to reduce scarring as much as possible.
Scar size and location vary based on the type of incision used during the original implant surgery and the technique needed for removal. In many cases, Dr. Doyle can use the same incision sites as the original implant placement, which prevents more scarring.
Over time, with proper care, these scars usually fade a great deal, though they may never fully disappear. Several factors can affect your scars’ final appearance, including:
- Your skin type
- The individual healing process
- Adherence to post-operative care instructions
How Do I Prepare for Breast Implant Removal Surgery?
Preparing for breast implant removal surgery involves several steps:
- Schedule a consultation with Dr. Doyle to discuss your goals, the surgical plan, and any necessary pre-operative tests.
- Follow Dr. Doyle’s instructions. These may include stopping medications or supplements that can increase bleeding.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery. They should also assist you during the initial recovery period.
- Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your surgery.
- Ensure you have all necessary post-operative supplies ready at home. This may include prescribed medications and compression garments.
Will Breast Implant Removal Affect My Ability to Breastfeed in the Future?
Breast implant removal generally does not affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. This is especially true if the original implant surgery and the removal procedure did not involve significant disruption to the breast tissue or milk ducts.
Most implant surgeries place the implant either under the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. This typically preserves the ability to breastfeed.
If you had complications with your implants, such as capsular contracture, or if your original surgery involved cutting through breast tissue, there may be a slight chance of the procedure affecting your breastfeeding capabilities. Discuss your specific situation with Dr. Doyle to understand any potential risks.
Why Choose the Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery?
Choosing the Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery for breast implant removal means receiving care from Dr. Andrea M. Doyle. She is a reputable and experienced surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
As one of the region’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Doyle attracts patients from Providence, Rhode Island, as well as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Her expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery ensures you receive meticulous, personalized care. She will help you achieve the best possible results while feeling confident and supported throughout your journey.
Contact the Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery
If you are interested in breast implant removal, please contact Dr. Doyle in East Greenwich today at 401.336.3770 to schedule your private consultation. The Centre for Aesthetic + Reconstructive Surgery serves patients in surrounding Rhode Island areas, including Providence.
