Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Revision or Removal

Breast augmentation has satisfied many patients over the years and the procedure continues to grow in popularity.

However, about 10-15 percent of patients end up seeking revisionary surgery at some point. These patients may experience a problem with one or both of their implants, or they may become dissatisfied with them for a particular reason. Here are some of the most common indications for choosing to undergo revisionary breast surgery.

  • Mastopexy (breast lift)
  • Capsular contracture
  • Breast Ptosis
  • Implant malposition
  • Nipple malposition or nipple ptosis
  • Dissatisfaction with size
  • Change of preference
  • Scar revision
  • Switch from saline to silicone

Breast Implant Removal: What's Involved?

In some revision procedures, women choose to have their implants removed. Implant removal might be done for medical reasons or due to patient preference. The complexity of the removal procedure can vary significantly depending on whether the implant is intact, or whether it is surrounded by hardened scar tissue. The removal procedure may take 30 minutes or a few hours.

After Breast Implant Removal

In some cases, implant removal brings about some adverse effects; patients may experience scarring, wrinkling, and even psychological depression due to the loss of the augmented look. By no means is this the outcome in all cases. Many patients find that their skin settles back fairly well, and their breasts appear very similar to their pre-implant condition.

Furthermore, there is even better news for those who choose to remove their implants: Mastopexy – the breast lift – can be safely performed after breast implant removal, and the aesthetic results are very beneficial.

If you’re considering a revision breast surgery or breast implant removal, contact our San Francisco plastic surgery office for more information.