Breast Implant Removal

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 woman's personal decision regarding implant removal and provide supportive, judgment-free consultations to discuss your options and expectations for the procedure.

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. You'll wear a supportive surgical bra to reduce swelling and support your healing tissues. While stiffness and soreness are common initially, these symptoms generallyrnimprove 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.

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 you've 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.

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, we'll 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.

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 Women's 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 doesn't cover their desired explant procedure, making this important surgery accessible regardless of insurance status.

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.

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.

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.