Are you considering the removal of your breast implants but unsure of where to start? As one of the top reconstructive surgeons in New York City, Dr. Darren Smith has helped hundreds of women safely and successfully remove their implants.
With over 20 years of specialized surgical experience in breast augmentation and reconstruction, Dr. Smith brings a level of skill that few can match. His individualized approach will give you a natural-looking result and peace of mind.
Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Breast implants are primarily used for two purposes – breast augmentation to increase the size and projection of the breasts, or breast reconstruction after cancer surgery or injury. There are two main types of implants – saline and silicone gel-filled. Both have a silicone outer shell but differ in their inner contents and feel.
- Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and are typically empty when inserted, getting filled after placement. They have a firmer feel due to the fluid inside.
- Silicone gel-filled implants contain silicone gel that gives them a softer and more natural appearance and feel.
Saline implants are approved for all women over 18 for augmentation, while silicone approval is for ages 22+ for augmentation and any age for reconstruction.
Reasons for Breast Implant Removal
Common reasons for seeking breast implant removal include changes in aesthetic preferences, health concerns like capsular contracture, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, risk of implant deflation, or other signs and symptoms that may arise.
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is important to understand the removal procedure options based on individual factors like implant type and placement, prior surgeries, and medical history. This will help create a customized surgical plan for a safe and successful outcome.
The Surgical Procedure
Initial Consultation
The first step is an individual consultation with Dr. Smith to discuss the surgical plan in detail. He will review the type of implants currently in place as well as the patient’s aesthetic goals and medical history. This allows for crafting a customized strategy based on personal preferences.
The Process of Explant Surgery
During the procedure, incisions will be made either around the darker skin of the areola or in the inframammary fold below the breast. This will depend on where the intial incision was made to place the implants – we almost always like to use existing scars for access to the implant pocket. With gentle movements, the capsule, or scar, that had formed around the breast implant is separated from aurrounding tissues and removed along with the implant contained within. This is called a complete, or “en bloc” capsulectomy..For some patients, partial excision of the capsule may be approproate and in these cases only the portions of the breast capsule are excised. Dr. Smith will discuss the most appropriate options for you during your consultation.
. The surgical incisions are then carefully closed in layers to achieve a fine scar.. Anesthesia, usually general anaesthesia, is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
Additional Procedures
Common adjunct procedures we perform with breast implant removal include breast lift (mastopexy) and / or fat transfer.
- Mastopexy involves removing excess skin and tightening surrounding the breast tissue to create a more youthful contour.
- In fat transfer, we take fat from other areas and transfer it to the breasts to naturally improve shape and volume.
These options help achieve aesthetic goals like ideal nipple height and upper pole fulness following explant surgery.
Addressing Complications
Breast implants may be removed inan effort to address complications from a previous breast augmentation.
- Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue tightens excessively, squeezing the hardened and painful implant.
- Ruptured implants risk pain, swelling, and deformity due to trauma or wear over time.
- Breast implant illness describes a range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and rashes that some women experience.
Breast Implant Post-Surgery Experience
Immediately after the surgery, fluid collections and edema may be monitored. Sedation or pain medication will be administered as per medical prescription to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Patients can expect soreness, tenderness, and sensitivity for around six weeks as part of the typical recovery process.
The first two critical weeks involve resting the breasts by avoiding pressure. Light exercises without chest impact may start after two weeks while daily routines and moderate exercise can generally resume by six weeks. However, full healing is a two-step process that may take up to a year with fluctuating size and soft swelling.
Comprehensive post-operative care instructions guide proper wound care, dressing changes, showering, activity restrictions, and lifting avoidance. Following the surgeon’s guidance on incision care, bandage changes, and activity levels is important for optimal recovery. Jobs requiring vigorous movement may need to be postponed longer than six weeks as well. Throughout recovery, Dr. Smith remains available to promptly address any concerns.
Ideal Candidate for Breast Implant
The ideal explant patient experiences unhappiness with their breast appearance, size, or shape. Others may report discomfort or pain. Good health, without severe medical issues, is important for surgery.
Breast implants generally require replacement or removal after around 10 years due to factors like rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in size or shape. Candidates may have experienced changes from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or breastfeeding that necessitate reshaping.
In some cases, medical need drives the decision. Those who suffer from conditions like the ones below are perfect candidates for implant removal:
- Scar tissue hardening around implants (capsular contracture) that causes pain and abnormal appearance
- Other surgical drivers include calcium buildup, implant leakage or breakage, shifting, or rare linked cancers
It is important to note that prior procedures, lifestyle factors, and aesthetic goals influence each case and are reviewed thoroughly. A private consultation customizes the evaluation based on individual circumstances like asymmetry, weight changes, or skin laxity which may require additional discussion.
Any prior complications should also be disclosed to determine the best resolution strategy. Addressing all questions directly with Dr. Smith leads to clear expectations and minimizes risks. With his expert guidance, nearly any woman considering removal can be safely guided through the process.
Why Choose Dr. Darren Smith for Breast Implant Removal?
As one of New York’s most highly-trained plastic surgeons, Dr. Darren Smith has over 20 years of experience safely guiding implant removals. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons exemplify his credentials.
Personalized Approach and Techniques
Dr. Smith takes a personalized approach, thoroughly understanding each woman’s unique goals and medical history. His impeccable techniques produce natural-looking results praised online. State-of-the-art facilities in Manhattan ensure privacy, comfort, and safety throughout the process.
Positive Reviews
Patients consistently rave about their amazing experiences under Dr. Smith’s care. Whether rebuilding shape or reversing augmentation, hundreds have trusted him to skillfully remove their implants. His dedication to individualized care helps smooth the journey of reshaping after implants.
Expertise
Dr. Smith’s extensive qualifications, including numerous specialty training, ensure explant patients receive the highest level of reconstructive expertise. With a caring manner and excellent long-term outcomes, he is a top choice for navigating the explant procedure with confidence.
Are You Ready for Your Consultation?
Making the decision to remove breast implants is deeply personal. It deserves careful consideration based on your individual goals and health needs. As one of the top surgeons in New York, Dr. Darren Smith is here to help guide you toward the right path.
His private consultations provide a safe space to discuss the options thoroughly, address any concerns, and develop a customized plan.
Book your personalized consultation with Dr. Smith today. Discover how his compassionate care, expertise, and state-of-the-art facility can support your decision process and surgical outcome.
Contact our friendly staff anytime via phone at (212) 633-0627 or book an appointment online. Dr. Smith looks forward to listening without judgment and answering all of your questions. Your well-being and satisfaction are his top priority.
