BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL IN BRYN MAWR & PHILADELPHIA, PA | EXPLANT
Our plastic surgery practice in Bryn Mawr offers breast implant removal to help women improve their appearance and feel more comfortable. When considering breast augmentation, patients are usually focused on the excitement about new attractive contours. However, breast implants are not intended to last forever. They may need to be removed or replaced after 10 to 20 years, or sometimes before that. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Raymond Jean, has decades of experience performing breast procedures, including implant removal. He always achieves beautiful results due to his advanced surgical skills and artistic approach.
WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL?
Breast implant removal is a surgical procedure that takes out implants that have been previously placed inside the breasts. The main reasons for removing breast implants include complications, dissatisfaction with how they look or feel, or the implants reaching the end of their lifespan. This breast revision surgery is usually done under general anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. An incision is made around the areola or under the breast. The implant and any scar tissue are removed, and the incision is closed with stitches or surgical tape.
REASONS FOR BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
Patients may choose to have breast implant removal due to their aesthetic concerns, such as the desire to return to more natural breasts. However, in many cases, this surgery is performed due to complications after breast augmentation. Such problems can occur at any time after breast implants are placed. Some of the most common reasons patients want a breast implant revision surgery include:
Capsular contracture
This occurs when the scar tissue that envelops the breast implant becomes thick and rigid. The scar tissue can compress or distort the implant, causing pain and deformity. In this case, the implant and the capsule need to be removed.
Deflation or rupture
Both silicone and saline implants are slightly at risk of deflation or rupture. With the latter, a leak is always obvious because the breast quickly loses its volume. When silicone implants rupture, it can be detected only during routine imaging.
Breast implant illness
This term is used to describe a wide range of symptoms that may develop after getting breast implants. These issues include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, insomnia, and other health problems that some women attribute to their implants. The exact cause of breast implant illness is unknown, but some theories suggest that the symptoms may be related to autoimmune issues or low-grade infection from the implants.
Change in personal choice
Patients can choose to have their implants removed for personal reasons, such as the desire to change the implant size or style. For example, women may want to shift from round to textured breast implants. By achieving the desired changes, patients feel confident and satisfied with their appearance.
Of course, there are additional reasons why women may want to have their breast implants removed. Dr. Jean listens to each patient’s concerns and preferences and plans an ideal procedure specifically for them.
CONSULTATION AND PREPARATION FOR BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
Before explant surgery, we schedule a consultation with Dr. Jean to discuss the reasons for breast implant removal and the details of the procedure. The surgeon will analyze the patient’s full medical history, perform an examination of the breasts, and recommend any lab tests or imaging needed to evaluate the person’s eligibility for surgery. Dr. Jean will also discuss the anticipated procedure, including where the incisions will be made, whether the capsular tissue around the implant will be removed, and what type of new devices may be considered for replacement if desired.
The patient will be advised to stop smoking and certain medications or supplements beforehand that could interfere with anesthesia, bleeding, or healing. Arrangements should be made for an adult to drive the patient home after surgery and help with daily activities during initial recovery. Clearance from the primary care physician is often required as well. Understanding everything involved allows the patient to prepare mentally and physically for surgery.
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL PROCEDURE
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
This type of breast surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Before the procedure, the patient receives specific medications to achieve sedation and put them into a sleep-like state where they do not experience any pain or discomfort.
INCISIONS
The surgical team prepares the patient’s skin with antibacterial soap, and Dr. Jean begins the surgery by creating incisions. They are usually made at the same location as the previous surgical scars. The common incision is inframammary – along the breast crease.
REMOVAL OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Existing breast implants are carefully taken out through the incisions. If necessary, the doctor may also remove the capsule that surrounds them. In this case, additional incisions can be made.
IMPLANT EXCHANGE (OPTIONAL)
If the patient wants to replace their existing breast implant, Dr. Jean inserts a new device that better satisfies the person’s aesthetic or functional goals. Many women aim to shift from textured implants to round ones or change their size.
IRRIGATION AND CLOSURE OF INCISIONS
After removing the implants, Dr. Jean irrigates the pockets to remove debris. He then carefully closes the incisions with sutures. Steri-Strips or bandages are applied to promote external healing. The location and length of incisions impact how noticeable any scarring will be after recovery.
ADD-ON PROCEDURE: BREAST LIFT
One of the most common concerns is that patients will have sagging after the surgery. Removing breast implants, especially if they are more than 400 cc, can significantly reduce the volume beneath the breast skin. The remaining tissue, if not addressed, may look saggy and deflated. The skin can become wrinkled. The nipples and areolas may lose their forward projection and instead point downward.
The best remedy is to have breast implant removal and lift at the same time. Tightening the skin around the natural breast mound helps the breasts look fuller, firmer, and perkier. Breast lift is a crucial addition to the removal surgery.
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL RECOVERY
WEEK 1
In the first week after breast implant removal surgery, patients can expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the incision site and chest. Activities are restricted to allow healing, with no lifting over 5 pounds or strenuous exercise. Pain medication helps manage discomfort. Patients should wear a supportive bra and may have drainage tubes to remove fluid and prevent infection.
WEEK 2
During the second week, swelling and bruising reduce significantly. Discomfort subsides, allowing for increased mobility and light activity. Drainage tubes (if they were placed) are typically removed during this period. Patients can usually return to desk work, but physical activity is still restricted.
WEEK 3
Three weeks after surgery, most of the swelling resolves, and incision sites heal. Discomfort is minimal, allowing patients to resume light household chores, driving, and short walks. We recommend attending follow-up appointments to assess the progress of recovery. By this week, scars start blending with natural skin.
WEEKS 4+
After a month of recovery, patients continue healing with minimal swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Many women feel ready to return to strenuous work. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, yoga, and light weights, can be slowly re-introduced. The final results are visible after 6 months of recovery.
CANDIDATES FOR EXPLANT SURGERY
According to a recent study conducted by the FDA, between 7% and 32% of women have their breast implants removed after 8-10 years. Subjective and objective reasons are equally used. Before the removal surgery, Dr. Jean has to screen patients to analyze their goals, rule out all risks, and ensure maximum safety. Good candidates for this procedure have the following characteristics:
Generally healthy without serious medical conditions that could impair healing
Realistic expectations about the procedure and potential results
Not actively smoking or can stop nicotine consumption 4 weeks before surgery
The absence of
current infection or open wounds in the
breast area
No underlying tissue or skin damage on the breasts
BENEFITS OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL SURGERY
Breast implant removal is a crucial procedure because it helps women avoid discomfort and health complications. Patients also receive aesthetic benefits from this surgery. Here are the
main advantages:
Resolves implant-related health issues, such as capsular contracture, implant leakage, and infection
Reduces inflammation or autoimmune symptoms potentially linked to breast implants
Improves body image and self-confidence for women who are unhappy with the look or feel of implants
Enables more accurate mammograms and breast cancer screening
Allows breasts to return to natural shape and feel
Reduces the financial burden and medical expenses from implant maintenance
Provides peace of mind for women concerned about potential long-term implant risks
COST OF BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL IN BRYN MAWR & PHILADELPHIA
Breast implant removal cost in Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. The price of this surgery depends on its complexity. Removing ruptured or leaked breast implants tends to cost more, for example. Replacing the old breast implants with new ones during the same surgery also adds to the total price.
During the initial consultation, Dr. Jean provides an itemized list of the specific fees for the surgery center, anesthesia, and the surgeon’s fee, helping patients budget and prepare for this treatment. We also offer financing options to make our procedures more accessible.
WHAT MAKES OUR EXPLANT SURGERY DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
Patients seeking breast implant removal would be in excellent hands with Dr. Jean at Main Line Plastic Surgery. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Dr. Jean combines artistic talent with surgical skills to help patients achieve transformative results. His commitment to continuous learning and research keeps him current on the latest techniques.
Dr. Jean is known for his attentive listening and collaboration with each patient. In addition to his work with people, our doctor advances the field of plastic surgery through widely published studies and presentations at national conferences. With his superb credentials, individualized approach, and dedication to patients, Dr. Jean is a premier choice for breast implant removal and other procedures.