The Steps of Breast Implant Removal Surgery

What is Involved in Breast Implant Removal Surgery

While breast implant surgery removal is uncommon, there are certain circumstances when a woman wants or needs to remove previous breast implants. In some cases, this may be simply an aesthetic or a lifestyle choice. In other cases there may be medical reason necessitating implant removal.

Whatever, the reason, it is important to have the procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast implant removal, to avoid complications and achieve the most beautiful and natural looking reconstruction of the breast.

Why Patients Have Breast Implants Removed

In a rare number of cases, a woman may no longer wish to have the larger breasts that she desired when she was younger for strictly personal aesthetic reasons. We have seen women who find that they “went too big” when they were younger and that the breast implants are now in the way or a little too ostentatious.

More common are women who desire breast implant removal because a less-than-skilled surgeon previously did not do a good job with their breast augmentation surgery. At AMAE Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, MI we have seen breast implants by other (unskilled) doctors that were uneven, placed too high, asymmetrical, oddly shaped, dropped or otherwise malformed.

New generations of implants are very unlikely to “pop” or “leak.” But some women may need to have older breast implants removed due to leaking or deflation. Other women may be experiencing pain, discomfort or breast hardening due to breast capsule (capsular contraction), which is the scar tissue that forms after the placement of a breast implant.

Breast implant removal surgery may involve replacement with more attractive implants – but can also involve natural reconstruction of the breasts without implants. In either case, the key to successful results is going to a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali in Birmingham, MI.

Breast Implant Removal Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia (putting the patient to sleep) are all administered for patient comfort during breast implant removal surgery. The selection of anesthetic will be discussed with you by Dr. Ali during your initial arm lift consultation.

Breast Implant Removal Step 2 – Incision

Typically a breast implant removal involves an incision to be placed along the lower fold of the breast (“inframammary fold”) or an incision around or below the areola.

Dr. Ali will select the best incision placement for optimal results with the least visible scar.

Breast Implant Removal Step 3 – Removal

The removal technique will depend on each patient’s unique needs. In cases of capsular contracture, scar tissue will need to be carefully removed and adhesions that hold tissue together released.

Breast Implant Removal Step 4 – Reconstruction

If the patient has chosen new implants, the breast augmentation procedure will begin. In other patients, Dr. Ali may be able to use their own tissue for breast reconstruction or reshaping of the area – to ensure a nature texture and appearance.

Breast Implant Removal Step 5 – Closing the Incisions

Sutures (stitches), skin adhesives, tapes and/or clips may be used to close the skin incisions. Gauze dressings or bandages will be applied – and thin drains may temporarily be inserted to remove excess blood and fluid in some cases. A support bra, surgical garment, or compression garment may be used to minimize swelling following breast implant removal surgery.

Dr. Ali will provide you with detailed instructions on caring for the incision, removal of the stitches (and drain if applicable), and medications to take for post-operative discomfort and to avoid infection.

It is extremely important that the incisions are not subjected to force, swelling, abrasion or excessive motion during the recovery – and Dr. Ali will explain what you can and can’t do and when you can return to your normal activities.

Most patients can resume work, school and less strenuous normal activities within two weeks. And by six weeks, the majority of patients are able to return to a completely normal activity level.

Remember: the fastest recovery, least pain and least visible scars all depend on following your plastic surgeon’s instructions after your arm lift surgery! Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases – and it may take several months to see full results when all swelling has subsided. And, of course, continue to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery | Birmingham, MI

Top Birmingham board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for hundreds of women across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast implant removal and breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery | Birmingham, MI:  248-335-7200