Breast Implant Removal in Atlanta, GA

Why Would Breast Implant Removal Surgery Be Performed?

Breast implants sometimes warrant removal due to complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant that causes pain and inflammation) or patients who would like a change in their implant size. Medically necessary breast explant surgery is performed in cases of breast cancer or if an implant rupture occurs.

Also, breast implants are not life-long devices and should be replaced approximately every 10 years. So when contemplating implants, patients should consider the financial outlay that will be necessary to safely maintain their implants. Three years after patients receive their implants, they will need MRI tests every two years to inspect the integrity of the implants and ensure they are free from leaks.

What To Expect After Breast Implant Removal – Side Effects

After removal of the breast implants, side effects can be medical, cosmetic, or emotional. Some of the side effects of implant removal may include:

• Infection;
• Adverse reaction to general anesthesia used during explant surgery;
• Additional scarring;
• Loss of breast tissue;
• Reduced nipple sensitivity;
• Loss of volume;
• Saggy or droopy breasts;
• Reduced self-esteem.

Patients will experience various results from their breasts after implant removal. Depending on the nature and reason for their explantation surgery, breast implant removal complications may include saggy or deflated breasts, asymmetry, or a significant loss of breast tissue which can appear similar to the results of a full or partial mastectomy. Many of the side effects after implant removal create emotional trauma and self-esteem issues.

Patients who have experienced a silicone leak often have excess breast tissue removed during the removal of migrating silicone. These patients may desire to have some type of breast reconstruction surgery to restore the look of their breasts. They may choose new implants or breast reconstruction with fat transfer may be an option for these patients.

If implants have been removed because the patient desires a smaller size, they may wish to combine their breast implant removal with a breast lift. Removing large implants may result in excess loose skin that will cause the natural breasts to sag or droop down causing the patient to be self-conscious. A breast lift can restore breasts to a natural-looking position and make them appear perkier.

What Are The Benefits Of Breast Implant Removal?

According to statistics provided by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, about 10% of the 300,000+ women who have breast implants each year decide to have them removed. Some of the benefits patients experience after breast implant removal may include:

• Mammogram results will be more accurate;
• Elimination of expensive MRI tests every two years;
• Elimination of any pain experienced due to the implants (back or neck pain due to heavy breasts, pain from implant complications);
• Elimination of anxiety related to potential implant rupture;
• No future replacements needed.

What Happens During Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery can take between one to two hours depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the explanation. Typically the procedure will include the following steps:

1. Before the breast explant procedure, the surgeon will determine the type of sedation necessary to make the patient most comfortable. Most often, general anesthesia will be used.
2. An incision will be made around the areola or along the lower fold of the breast (the inframammary fold).
3. Breast implants and associated scarring will be removed using a combination of techniques.
4. New implants may be placed if desired. If combining implant removal and breast lift procedures, the surgeon will eliminate excess skin and pull the remainder of the skin taut to eliminate saggy breasts.
5. The surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesive.

Breast Explant Recovery

Following breast implant removal surgery, the surgeon will provide aftercare instructions that are relevant to the type of surgery the patient had. Gauze dressings, bandages, or drains may be needed to promote proper healing and most patients need to wear a special support bra or a compression garment to minimize swelling and bruising.

Initial healing typically takes about two weeks and most of the swelling should subside during this time. Following all postoperative restrictions and advice, including a timeline for returning to work, or lifting objects heavier than 10 lbs., etc will help minimize recovery time and any post-surgical complications.

How Much Does Breast Implant Removal Cost In Atlanta, GA?

The cost of breast implant removal varies by patient based on several factors including the extent of the surgery, geographic location, the overall health of the patient, and whether procedures are being combined and/or installing new implants.

Implants removal with a breast lift will cost less overall when combined because there will be costs such as anesthesia and fees for the operating facility that you will not need to pay twice.

In some cases, breast implant removal insurance coverage or the use of FSA or HSA accounts will help to offset patient responsibility.

During your initial consultation, our team will discuss the cost of your procedure and share information about the flexible financing options we offer to qualified patients.