Breast Implant Removal

When you had breast augmentation or breast implant surgery, you probably didn’t think about breast implant removal. However, lifestyles and aesthetic ideals can change over time, making larger breasts less desirable. While a rarity, medical issues can also make it necessary to remove implants. 

Dr. Anthony Wilson understands the changes that can drive your decision to have breast implants removed. He has the medical expertise to handle breast implant removal surgery safely and the aesthetic skill to help you reshape your feminine figure.

What is Breast Implant Removal? 

Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. Depending on the reason for the removal, tissue around the implant may also be removed.

It’s normal for tissue surrounding an implant — whether a breast implant, a pacemaker, or a hip replacement — to form a thin layer called a capsule. This is the body’s healthy response to a foreign object and is not a concern in itself. In a simple breast implant removal, only the implants are removed, without any of the surrounding tissue. This option might be chosen when the capsule is thin, and the implant is intact.

In some cases, the capsule can thicken and put pressure on the implant, a condition called capsular contracture. When this happens, the procedure will include the removal of the thickened capsule and scar tissue, called en bloc breast implant removal. Removing the capsule leaves a clean pocket that closes and heals more quickly.

With enough pressure from capsular contracture, the implant can rupture, and the leakage of the implant contents into the surrounding tissue can trigger an inflammatory response. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, the procedure will extract the leaked implant contents and remove damaged or inflamed tissue.

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Maria D.

I highly recommend Dr. Wilson. He is professional, kind, and always very welcoming. He took the time to explain the process of my surgery and was happy to answer any & all questions I had. I am beyond happy with the outcome of my surgery and would 100% recommend him to other people wanting to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

Leah T.

I went to Dr. Wilson after being told by so many of my clients how amazing he is at what he does. I got a breast Aug in January and the process was smooth, enjoyable and overall incredible. His office staff are so friendly, knowledgeable and sweet! I love them all. I am beyond thrilled with my results!

Brandi A.

They never make you feel like an inconvenience for reaching out and encourage questions. I’ve received a lot of great advice and tips at each post op appointment. The office is calm, inviting and clean. I would recommend this practice over and over again.

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Breast Implant Removal

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Who is a Good Candidate For Breast Implant Removal? 

You may want to have your breast implants removed for personal reasons (to make it easier to exercise, for example), or whatever reason you desire. You may also be a good candidate for breast implant removal if you experience any of the following:

• Discomfort from the size of augmented breasts
• A shift in position of the implants, causing an asymmetrical look
• Capsular contracture — the thickening and hardening of tissue around the implant
• Deflation of a saline implant
• Implant leaks or implant rupture of a silicone implant
• Other unhealthy reactions to the implants, such as infection or bleeding
• Concern about interference with mammography, especially when you are at a higher risk for breast cancer as indicated by family history or genetic testing

Two rare but concerning reactions to breast implants may also cause you to consider removal:

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)

Certain textured implants have been found to be associated with a slightly increased risk of a form of cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert about this in 2019, singling out BioCell textured implants made by Allergan. In response, the manufacturer recalled those products from the market.

To put this risk in perspective, more than 90 percent of breast implants are smooth, not textured, and smooth implants have not been found to be associated with ALCL. Further, the incidence of ALCL in women with textured implants is extremely low, an estimated 1 in 30,000. The FDA does not recommend removing breast implants as a precaution against ALCL but does advise their removal if you have symptoms of the condition. Symptoms include persistent swelling or pain near the implant. En-bloc breast implant removal eliminates ALCL in most cases.

Breast Implant Illness

Some women with breast implants have linked them to a cluster of symptoms, including chronic pain, depression, unexplained fatigue, hair loss, hormonal changes, memory loss, and rashes. This patient-reported syndrome has been given the name “breast implant illness.” While medical studies have not confirmed it as a distinct condition or found a link between the symptoms and breast implants, the symptoms are certainly real. If you think you have symptoms caused by breast implants, you may want to consider implant removal.

BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

DR. ANTHONY WILSON

When you are seeking a qualified and talented plastic surgeon, look no further than board-certified Dr. Anthony Wilson with AW Plastic Surgery. Dr. Wilson has a passion for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and the body. He takes deep satisfaction in giving his patients the tools they need to feel confident, whole, and beautiful, no matter where they are in their aesthetic journey.

MEET DR. WILSON

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

The Breast implant removal procedure usually takes between two and three hours. Most patients can go home the same day. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Wilson will typically make incisions where the original implant incisions were made to minimize scarring. He will then remove the implants and, if needed, any damaged or inflamed capsular breast tissue. A temporary drain may be placed to reduce swelling during recovery.

If a breast lift is done at the same time to remove stretched skin and reduce sagging, Dr. Wilson will remove a strip of skin and tighten the remaining tissue. He may also reduce the size of your areolas to be in better proportion with your new breast shape.

Recovery

For the first one to two weeks after surgery, you will need to avoid some of your usual activities, like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. You may also have some tenderness and soreness, and those symptoms can last for up to six weeks as your breasts heal.

Your breasts should gradually return to the size they were before the implants were placed, but it can take time for them to resume a natural shape.

At first, they may appear deflated, with a hollowed look where the implants had been. After a few weeks, these hollows will fill in as your breasts regain volume. Fat grafting can be used to replace some of the lost volume and restore an attractive breast shape.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do women choose to have their breast implants removed in Portsmouth, NH?

Women in Portsmouth and across New Hampshire seek breast implant removal (explant surgery) for various reasons. Some experience complications like capsular contracture, where scar tissue hardens around the implant, causing discomfort or distortion. Others may have concerns about implant rupture or leakage, particularly with older implants. Many Portsmouth patients simply decide they prefer a more natural appearance as their aesthetic preferences change over time. Some women report symptoms they associate with their implants, sometimes referred to as breast implant illness, including fatigue, joint pain, or autoimmune-like symptoms. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or lifestyle changes may also prompt reconsideration of breast implants. At AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, we respect each womans personal decision regarding implant removal and provide supportive, judgment-free consultations to discuss your options and expectations for the procedure.

What is the recovery process like after breast implant removal surgery in New Hampshire?

Recovery after breast implant removal at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth is typically straightforward for most patients. The immediate post-operative period involves some discomfort, swelling, and possibly bruising, which tends to peak in the first few days. Most Portsmouth patients can return to light activities and desk work within one to two weeks. Youll wear a supportive surgical bra to reduce swelling and support your healing tissues. While stiffness and soreness are common initially, these symptoms generally improve rapidly. More strenuous activities should be avoided for about three to four weeks. Final results, including the resolution of all swelling and the settling of breast tissue into its new position, may take several months. Our Portsmouth surgical team provides comprehensive after-care instructions and regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress throughout your New Hampshire breast implant removal recovery.

Will my breasts sag after implant removal, and can this be corrected at your Portsmouth practice?

Many women in Portsmouth are concerned about potential sagging (ptosis) after breast implant removal, which is a valid consideration. How your breasts will look post-removal depends on several factors, including the size of your implants, how long youve had them, your skin elasticity, and your natural breast tissue. Some degree of skin stretching and volume loss is common after implant removal, particularly with larger implants or those in place for many years. Fortunately, at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, we offer solutions like breast lift (mastopexy) that can be performed simultaneously with implant removal to address sagging and restore a more youthful contour. During your consultation, our New Hampshire plastic surgeons will evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether combining a lift with your explant procedure would be beneficial for achieving your desired aesthetic outcome.

Can I have new implants placed immediately after removing old ones at your New Hampshire clinic?

Yes, at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth, we can perform immediate breast implant replacement during the same procedure as implant removal for appropriate candidates. This approach, often called direct exchange, minimizes recovery time and surgical expenses by combining two procedures into one. During your Portsmouth consultation, well evaluate factors like the condition of your breast tissue, the state of your implant capsule (scar tissue), and your aesthetic goals to determine if immediate replacement is suitable for you. We may recommend changing implant type, size, or placement to address previous concerns or meet your evolving preferences. For some New Hampshire patients with capsular contracture or other complications, we might suggest a staged approach, removing the implants and allowing tissues to heal before placing new ones. Our goal is to provide a personalized recommendation that optimizes both your health and aesthetic outcomes.

Is breast implant removal covered by insurance in Portsmouth, NH?

Insurance coverage for breast implant removal at AW Plastic Surgery in Portsmouth varies depending on the reason for removal and your specific insurance policy. For Portsmouth patients who had breast reconstruction following mastectomy, the Womens Health and Cancer Rights Act ensures coverage for implant removal and replacement if needed. However, removal for purely cosmetic reasons or personal preference is typically not covered by insurance. Our experienced Portsmouth office staff can help verify your specific coverage and, if appropriate, assist with obtaining prior authorization from your insurance company. We also offer financing options for New Hampshire patients whose insurance doesnt cover their desired explant procedure, making this important surgery accessible regardless of insurance status.

What Can I Expect in Recovery?

You will need to plan for some downtime after implant removal surgery, just as you did when the implants were placed. That will include a few days of rest and then a gradual resumption of light activity. Dr. Wilson will give you specific recovery instructions in his consultation with you. For most patients, that includes two weeks without strenuous activity or exercise and ten days without driving. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra until your breasts have fully healed, which can take several weeks. Most women can return to office-type work within a week.

Can breast implant removal be combined with breast lift surgery?

Yes. Combining the two procedures is often recommended. In addition to the stretching of the skin caused by the implants, your breasts may have sagged since the time the implants were placed, whether from aging, pregnancy, or weight changes. A breast lift can remove excess skin from implant-related stretching, reshape breast contours, and restore a younger look.

Why should I choose Dr. Wilson?

With any plastic surgery procedure, it is important to select a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Wilson is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic surgery, including breast enhancement procedures and implant removal.

Schedule A Consultation 

Whether you’re having your breast implants removed for medical, cosmetic, or reconstructive reasons or because you simply don’t want your breast implants anymore, at AW Plastic Surgery, Dr. Wilson can ensure the safe removal of your breast implants and that you achieve the results you’re looking for. Schedule a consultation today by calling our Portsmouth, NH office, or using our online contact form.

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