We are seeing many more inquiries these days for breast implant removal. Patients seem to fall into a few distinct categories

  • Breast size gain with menopause (or just weight gain). Most women in this category want the implants removed and a lift performed. Some choose fat grafting for more upper pole fullness or mild size improvement after the implant is removed.  Some women do well with simple implant removal and no lift or fat grafting
  • Breast Implant Illness (BII). A small group of women want their implants and breast capsule removed (en bloc) because they feel the implants or bodies reaction to the implants are causing systemic issues.
  • Recurrent capsular contracture

Treatment depends upon the patients desires.

Most women in the first category who want implants out and a lift with normal soft capsules will benefit from implant removal and a mastopexy (breast lift) with or without fat grafting.

The capsule is generally left in place in this scenario but could be removed if the patient desires. Capsule removal (capsulectomy) adds 45 min to 1.5 hours of surgical time

Women with breast implant illness (BII) will have explantation of the implants with en bloc resection of the capsule. This means the capsule will be removed in total and any extravasated (leaky) silicone will be removed as part of the dissection. Options to be discussed at the time of consultation include need for mastopexy or fat grafting (or both) or staged reconstruction/revision

Women  with recurrent capsular contracture or other devastating problems may choose to have implant removal, capsulectomy and reconstruction with fat grafting and/or mastopexy. The above scenarios really vary from patient to patient and will be discussed in detail at the time of consultation. As always, out of town patients may submit medical and surgical histories and photos for review prior to initial consultation.

Sanctuary Plastic Surgery

The Road to Recovery

Breast implant removal surgery is done on an outpatient basis and you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you overnight. . There will be some pain and swelling for a couple of days after surgery, and you will have prescription pain medication to help you stay comfortable in the early stages of healing. Soreness and swelling may last up to several weeks. You may have a drain depending upon what procedure is performed. Drain instructions will be given upon discharge from the recovery room if used.

You will be seen the next day in the office and the surgical wrap removed. You will be placed in a soft bra (we provide). After you return you may shower and replace the bra provided. You will be seen a few days later for followup to assess healing Wear the bra provided until our staff says otherwise. Don’t buy new bras until the swelling subsides, which may be a few weeks after surgery.

Here is a general timeline of breast lift recovery:

  • 1 week before you can return to work (depending on your job)
  • 4 days or so to resume driving
  • You may resume brisk walking 48 hours after surgery and more intense cardio 1-2 weeks after surgery. Limited weight lifting may be started 1 week after surgery. No crossfit, push-ups or major chest work for 6 weeks after surgery
  • Golf and tennis may be resumed about 2-4 weeks after surgery
  • you can wear underwire bras after being cleared by our staff

Schedule Your Consultation

We would love to talk more with you about your own personalized treatment at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery. With your own private consultation, our team of extraordinarily skilled and dedicated plastic surgeons will be able to recommend the right treatment plans for your unique goals and concerns. With offices in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, men and women in Florida can achieve the most natural and elegant results. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Sanctuary Plastic Surgery

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