Breast Explantation

Breast explantation is a surgical cosmetic procedure that safely removes a patient’s breast implants to change or improve their shape and contour. After an unsatisfactory breast augmentation, sometimes it is necessary to remove breast implants to improve a patient’s quality of life. Explantation can both remove implants and the scar tissue around them that may be causing health problems or discomfort. This procedure is often incredibly beneficial for a patient looking to change their breast shape or embrace their natural chest contour after having implants.

At Aeris Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Marcelo Ghersi performs comprehensive breast surgeries for his South Florida patients. With encouraging expertise, he focuses on providing quality care and results with safety at the forefront. He understands that secondary surgery to remove breast implants can be distressing, especially if your first experience was unpleasant in some way. During your breast explantation, Dr. Ghersi takes into consideration your comfort while achieving your ideal chest contour.

If you are ready to take the next step, please call our Miami office at (305) 446-7700 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation.

About Breast Explantation

There are typically three different reasons to remove implants. Patients may:

Some patients requiring a breast explantation are simply looking to change their breast contour after having implants for a period of time. Others seek explantations to correct capsular contracture or rupture. ⁽¹⁾

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur following breast augmentation. This condition involves the formation of a dense scar tissue capsule around the breast implant, which can cause the breasts to feel firm or hard and may lead to pain or changes in the appearance of the breasts. Explantation requires the addition of a capsulectomy in cases of capsular contracture, wherein the capsule of excess scar tissue that surrounds the implant is removed simultaneously. This procedure can be partial or total, depending on the patient. ⁽¹⁾ If the present scar tissue is causing discomfort or leading to a shift in appearance, Dr. Ghersi can remove the capsule to improve your results and prevent further complications.

Implant Rippling

This phenomenon refers to the visible wrinkling of the breast implants, which can occur on the surface of the skin. When breast implants are placed, they interact with the existing breast tissue and overlying skin. In some cases, the natural breast tissue and skin may not provide enough coverage and support for the implants, resulting in visible rippling.

Implant Rupture

While breast implants are generally safe and durable, there is a small risk of rupture or leakage over time. Breast implant rupture refers to a situation where the outer shell of the implant becomes compromised, leading to the release of either silicone gel or saline solution into the surrounding tissue.

Older Implants

When an implant reaches a certain age, around 10 or 15 years, the risk of complications increases. ⁽²⁾ This commonly leads to an explantation to improve a patient’s peace of mind. The procedure typically uses the same point of incision used to place the implant, leaving the exact same scar. Removing breast implants is often simple and quick, allowing you to get back to your life, reassured and happier with your breast contour.

Benefits of Implant Removal

Benefits of removing breast implants include:

Many patients experience an easier time receiving accurate mammograms after breast explantation. This surgery can restore a natural feel to the chest and positively impact a patient’s self-esteem and body image.

Personal Consultation at Aeris Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine

During your private consultation, Dr. Ghersi will ask you about your medical history and previous surgery to determine your candidacy. He will inquire about your cosmetic goals and related symptoms. If you are experiencing complications, this will greatly inform his surgical approach. He will then examine the treatment area closely and perform blood tests. If you are a good candidate, he will then explain the procedure at length.

This appointment will act as your first point of contact with Dr. Ghersi. Please be sure to inform him clearly about your aesthetic wants and medical needs to ensure your results are the best they can be. At the end of this consultation, we will assist you in scheduling your breast explantation surgery and follow-up appointments.

Preparation

To prepare yourself for breast explantation surgery, you must refrain from smoking tobacco and nicotine products for at least one month leading up to your appointment. Please avoid using anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and do not drink alcohol. These substances greatly increase your risk of excessive bleeding before, during, and after surgery. You must also avoid certain herbal supplements like vitamin E and ginger. The explantation process is similar to breast augmentation, so you may prepare for a similar procedure plan.

Dr. Ghersi may require you to alter or discontinue your current daily medications. Aeris also requires you to assign someone to drive you to and from your breast explantation. You should create a comfortable place in your home suitable for recovery. You may also prepare easy-to-heat meals and acquire entertainment to keep you occupied during downtime. Lastly, pick up all prescriptions before your scheduled surgery date.

Breast Explantation Procedure Steps

We start the surgery by administering general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Then, Dr. Ghersi makes his incisions, typically along the scars from your breast augmentation. This allows him to create minimal new scarring and easily navigate to the breast pocket. He then opens the pocket and gently removes the implant and the capsule surrounding it, where indicated. After repairing the breast pocket, he sutures the breasts in layers to restore structure and restore their natural shape. He places bandages on the incisions and a compression garment on your chest to curb swelling. The entire procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Recovery & Results

Many patients experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising for 6 to 8 weeks after their breast explantation surgery. The initial healing period typically mirrors that of a breast augmentation. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks or until the incisions are healed. Patients typically take 1 to 2 weeks off work and daily activities to rest after their procedure. Make sure to take frequent short and gentle walks to regulate proper blood flow and keep the body active throughout recovery. Please take prescriptions from Dr. Ghersi exactly as instructed and do not drive until the medications are finished.

Breast explantation typically results in a dramatic reduction in breast volume. After your swelling subsides, your chest will appear smaller and have a more natural shape. After 4 to 6 weeks, your breasts will settle into their new contour.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Breast Lift

After Dr. Ghersi removes an implant, some patients are left with depleted volume in the upper pole of the breast. This can happen when the previous implant was too large for the breast or the skin expanded to accommodate it. A breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the breasts and lifts the nipple-areola complex to restore the chest.

Rather than impacting the size of the breasts, this surgery simply repositions the soft tissue to create a more youthful-looking shape and projection. Using one of three popular incision patterns, Dr. Ghersi removes skin from the lower pole and lifts the nipple. He can then restructure the areola to a more natural shape if necessary, then suture the breast in layers starting in the deep fascia.

Breast Revision

Patients who are unsatisfied with the results of a previous breast surgery may opt for a breast revision to restructure the chest. If the breasts are asymmetrical, rippling, or uncomfortable, Dr. Ghersi can remove old implants and replace them. This surgery may remove breast tissue to correct scar tissue build-up or allow patients to choose a different size of implant. There are many variations of breast revision to choose from, and each patient receives a customized treatment plan.

Cost of Breast Explantation Surgery in Miami

Each breast explantation procedure is specific to the individual, greatly affecting each patient’s total cost. Whether you are removing implants placed many years ago or you no longer want implants because of aesthetic reasons, Dr. Ghersi safely removes them with precision. We will provide you with an estimated cost total after your private consultation.

To schedule yours today, please call our Miami office at (305) 446-7700 or fill out our online contact form.

FAQ

References

1. Zhang Z, Qi J, Zhang X, Wang J, Li Z, Xin M. What Can We Learn from Breast Implant Explantation: a 28-Year, Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1004 Explantation Cases. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(5):1743-1750. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03365-4
2. Wee CE, Younis J, Isbester K, et al. Understanding Breast Implant Illness, before and after Explantation. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2020;85(S1):S82-S86. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000002446