Breast implants can enhance your appearance and confidence, but over time your goals, preferences, or health considerations may change. Whether you are experiencing a complication, concerned about your implants, or simply feel they no longer align with your lifestyle, breast implant removal can be a highly personal decision. Some women pursue explant surgery for medical reasons such as rupture or capsular contracture, while others choose to return to a more natural look.
At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Neil J. Zemmel takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to breast implant removal, prioritizing both patient safety and aesthetic outcomes. He understands that each patient’s situation is unique and will carefully evaluate your concerns, discuss your options, and develop a customized treatment plan. Whether you are considering implant removal alone or in combination with a breast lift, the sections below will help you understand what to expect throughout the process.
- What Is Breast Explantation?
- Breast Implant Removal Candidates
- Breast Implant Illness & BIA-ALCL
- Breast Implant Removal En Bloc
- Breast Implant Removal Recovery
- Breast Appearance After Implant Removal
- Breast Implant Removal & Breast Lift
- Breast Implant Removal Complications
- Breast Implant Removal Cost
- Breast Implant Removal & Insurance
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Explantation?
Those considering breast explantation should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure. It is important that patients refrain from smoking before and after surgery, as this can hinder proper healing. In general, women who are good candidates for an explant procedure can relate to one or more of the following:
- No longer like the look of your breast implants
- Are experiencing discomfort or pain associated with having implants
- Have developed a complication such as a leak, rupture, or capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant)
- Suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness, such as BIA-ALCL
If you are wondering if breast implant removal is right for you, schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Zemmel can help you determine if the procedure is right for you, or if an alternative option may be more appropriate.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness (BII) is the name for a variety of symptoms women associate with having breast implants. Numerous studies have been performed on the safety of breast implants, and no scientific evidence has shown a direct link between implants and systemic conditions. That said, the symptoms some women experience are very real, which is why Dr. Zemmel does not take the concern of BII lightly.
When patients believe their implants are causing an adverse reaction, Dr. Zemmel works with them to find the best solution for their needs, such as implant revision or complete removal.
While breast implants have not shown to directly cause systemic illness, there has been growing concern over new research about certain types of implants.
In July 2019, the FDA advised Allergan® to recall its textured implants and textured expanders, after these products were found to have a higher rate of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is an extremely rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has a high cure rate when caught early. Although this can be very concerning for patients with recalled implants, the FDA does not recommend removing them unless symptoms are being experienced.
What Can I Expect After Breast Explantation?
Following breast explant surgery, you should be able to resume your normal activities after a few days and return to work after one week. You will be instructed to wear compression garments to help promote healing. While everyone heals at their own rate, you can expect some degree of swelling and bruising, which should fade within the first few weeks. Any pain can typically be well-controlled with pain medication. To allow your body adequate healing time, you should avoid overexerting yourself with strenuous activities for about six weeks.
Your surgeon will provide you with more detailed post-operative care instructions before your surgery, and ensure you know what to expect to help you navigate through your recovery.
Following breast explant surgery, you should be able to resume your normal activities after a few days and return to work after one week. You will be instructed to wear compression garments to help promote healing. While everyone heals at their own rate, you can expect some degree of swelling and bruising, which should fade within the first few weeks. Any pain can typically be well-controlled with pain medication. To allow your body adequate healing time, you should avoid overexerting yourself with strenuous activities for about six weeks.
Your surgeon will provide you with more detailed post-operative care instructions before your surgery, and ensure you know what to expect to help you navigate through your recovery.
How Will My Breasts Look After Implant Removal?
Some patients may experience a similar breast appearance to what they had naturally prior to breast implant removal surgery. Typically, this happens if the breast implants were relatively small or the individual has excellent skin elasticity. There are several factors that can affect the outcome, including the size of the implants being removed, the amount and quality of remaining breast tissue, scar tissue around the implants, and the length of time the implants resided.
Patients may notice breast sagging or flatter breast contours post-procedure, as the surrounding skin and ligaments have been stretched out by the implants. Dr. Zemmel works with each patient to form a complete treatment plan and will individually discuss how your breasts may appear after implant removal.
Will I Need a Lift with My Breast Implant Removal?
Depending on your aesthetic goals and personal needs, you may want to consider a breast lift in addition to, or sometime after, breast implant removal surgery. For patients hoping to restore a more youthful breast appearance, position, and shape, a breast lift may be advisable — especially if the implants are a larger size. During the breast lift procedure, the breast tissue is lifted, excess skin is removed, and nipples/areolas can be repositioned or resized to offer a more rejuvenated look.
During your consultation, Dr. Zemmel will review your cosmetic wish list as well as skin quality, breast implant size, how long you’ve had the implants, and other factors to find the best treatment plan for you.
What Complications Are Associated with Breast Implant Removal?
As with all surgical procedures, breast implant removal carries risks of potential complications. These risks can be reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. It is always recommended to do proper research and find a skilled plastic surgeon who has extensive training and experience, fully explains what the procedure entails, and thoroughly addresses your questions and concerns.
Potential risks and complications associated with breast implant removal surgery include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma
- Loss of sensation or numbness in the breasts, skin, or nipples
- Fluid buildup
- Skin discoloration or scarring
- Breast asymmetry
- Abnormal pain or swelling
Our surgeon is vastly experienced in performing a wide range of plastic surgery procedures. During your consultation, he will thoroughly review the risks of breast implant removal surgery and talk with you about the ways in which he can minimize those risks.
How Much Does a Breast Explant Cost?
The average cost of breast implant removal is $5,000-$7,000, which covers the surgeon’s fee, operating room and facilities charges, anesthesia fees, post operative compression garments, and routine post-operative visits. For en bloc capsulectomy and implant removal the total fees range from $8,000-$10,000 depending on the complexity of the procedure.
The expertise of the surgeon, geographic location of the practice, and complexity of your surgery will all influence your total explant cost. A personalized cost quote will be provided during your consultation to help you understand the fees associated with your procedure. If interested, you can apply for financing options to break your total cost into smaller monthly payments.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Certain circumstances may allow for some insurance plans to cover partial or full breast implant removal surgery; however, this will largely depend on the reason and requirements of the procedure. The team at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery will be able to discuss any possible insurance benefits, as well as finance options available, once you have been evaluated during the consultation.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation
To learn more about breast implant removal or to find out if explant surgery is right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zemmel. Our team is here to guide you through your options and help you feel confident in your decision every step of the way.
