Implant Removal or Revision

More than 300,000 women undergo breast augmentation every year in the United States. For many of these patients, the procedure is incredibly rewarding and leads to an improved body image and higher self-confidence. Not every woman is happy with the outcome of their augmentation, though. Some patients decide to have breast implant removal or revision.

About 30,000 American women have their implants removed every year. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa A. Burgess wants her patients to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. For the women who are unsatisfied with their breast implants, Dr. Burgess is proud to offer breast implant removal surgery. She serves Lake Oswego, Portland, and surrounding areas of Oregon. Call 503-699-6464 today to schedule a consultation.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, removes implants from breast augmentation or reconstruction patients. Breast implants do not last forever, so even women who are happy with their enhancement must have their implants removed and replaced multiple times throughout their lives.

The surgery can involve removing implants and replacing them with new ones, removing and repositioning implants, or removing them without replacement.

Why Get Breast Implant Removal?

Women get their implants taken out for several reasons, including:

  • Dissatisfaction with the appearance of their augmented breasts
  • Desire to return to their natural breasts
  • Change in breast proportion after weight loss or weight gain
  • Implant rupture
  • Capsular contracture

Breast Implant Removal Procedure

Breast implant removal is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia. Our team will help make you comfortable in Dr. Burgess’ surgery suite. Once you’re sedated, Dr. Burgess will make incisions in the same places they were made for your augmentation. Dr. Burgess will remove your implants, then close your incisions. The procedure should take between one and three hours. You should plan to have someone drive you home after the surgery.

Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift

Depending on how long you had your breast implants, they may have caused your breast skin to become stretched or sagged. If this is the case, you may want to consider getting a breast lift at the same time you have your implants removed. Breast lifts involve removing small amounts of breast tissue, skin, and fat to lift your breasts higher on your body and create a proportional, perky, voluminous look. Getting a breast lift in conjunction with your implant removal can help ensure that your breasts retain a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Breast surgery revision

Breast surgery revision may be required as your breasts age, your skin changes, or if an implant has issues.  There are many options for revision including a breast lift, breast reduction, and revision of your breast augmentation. Any of these options for revision surgery can be discussed at the Portland area plastic surgery office of Dr. Burgess. Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure. Unfortunately, breast implants are not designed to last forever, and at some point, you may need a revision of your initial surgery. This is a patient-specific issue, as no one knows exactly how long a breast implant will last.

Recovery After Breast Implant Removal

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Every woman’s body and surgery are unique, so every woman will recover differently. However, you can generally expect to return to work about five days after your breast implant removal or revision. You should experience minimal discomfort and swelling. For about six weeks after surgery, avoid lifting heavy objects or exercising strenuously. Your scars will take about three months to heal fully, but they should be inconspicuous. It’s also critical to wear any surgical garments and take pain medication precisely as Dr. Burgess instructs. You will come in for a handful of post-op appointments, so we will be able to monitor your recovery.

How will i know i need implant replacement?

If you think you may have a ruptured or deflated implant, understand that this is not a medical emergency. It is recommended that you have the implant removed sooner than later, and most women have the implant replaced. Some women opt to have their implants removed and not replaced, while others may do a staged breast augmentation and a breast lift, if necessary. Because there are a variety of surgical options available, Dr. Burgess must evaluate you and review your surgical goals before a plan can be made.

At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we recommend that you come in for a consultation if you think you may be having an issue with your implants. Common concerns are:

  • Deflation of a saline implant
  • Capsular contracture: a hardening of one or both breasts due to a build-up of scar tissue
  • A change in the look of the breasts
  • Questionable silicone gel implant leak issues

After talking with Dr. Burgess, we will review all your options for breast implant removal or revision surgery and guide you in the direction we feel would be best. For patients that are in need of a reconstructive matrix to help reposition and hold their breast implant, Dr. Burgess will review this with you. In our office we offer the Stratticeâ„¢ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix which is extracted from porcine dermis. Please visit www.RenewingYou.com to learn more about this product.

Will you need my old implant information?

If you are able to bring in your medical records from your previous breast augmentation surgery, it is extremely helpful to the doctor. Records stating your current implant size, type, location (above or below your chest muscle), route of implantation (or incision), and current breast studies (mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) may be helpful in determining the best option for you. Keep in mind that currently, the FDA recommends that a woman be at least 22 years of age to have silicone gel implants placed, and understand that other studies (like an MRI) may be recommended following an augmentation with silicone gel implants.

Contact yOur Portland Breast Surgeon Today

Dr. Burgess is a Portland native who is committed to helping her patients’ aesthetic dreams come true. During your consultation, she will listen to your goals and desires, then craft a treatment plan to help you achieve the body you want. If you are interested in breast implant removal or revision, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burgess.

Dr. Burgess serves Lake Oswego, Portland, and surrounding areas of Oregon. Call 503-699-6464 today to schedule a consultation.

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OFFICE DETAILS

16865 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 101
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday hours available by appointment

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