ACHIEVE YOUR DESIRED RESULTS WITH
Breast Explant Surgery
Overview
Summary
Types of Breast Explant & Revision Surgery
When breast reconstruction patients have complications from implants or are unhappy with their cosmetic results, it can be an emotionally taxing experience. There are a few different advanced reconstruction options available for those who wish to correct their implants to meet their expectations.
After undergoing breast reconstruction for medical reasons like cancer, there are instances where revision or removal surgery might be necessary. Some patients may experience capsular contracture (when the scar tissue around the implant tightens), implant rupture, or even infection, making it medically necessary to have corrective surgery. Alternatively, some patients may simply want to change the size or shape of their breasts for personal reasons. Reconstructive correction surgery can help alleviate discomfort and improve the aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed breast.
Breast explant surgery completely removes the existing breast implant from the breast area. This is an option for those who wish to completely remove their implants rather than correcting their placement.
En bloc capsulectomy is an advanced procedure that removes the scar tissue surrounding the implant with the implant enclosed inside of it. Removing the implant and scar tissue together in one piece prevents the implant material from interfering with the normal tissue left behind. This helps minimize the risk of implant contamination or implant-related issues, creating a fresh surgical site for the new implants. It also allows for potentially improved aesthetic outcomes.
Breast removal surgery can be performed with or without additional procedures, depending on the condition of the breast tissue. Breast replacement surgery aims to achieve the aesthetic outcome desired by the patient by lifting, reconstructing, or reshaping the breast. At the Plastic Surgery Center, we offer the most advanced breast reconstruction procedures to help restore comfort and confidence, including:
- DIEP flaps use your own tissue and blood vessels from the abdomen to reshape your breasts after removal surgery.
- Breast Lifts remove excess skin to lift and reshape the breasts.
- Nipple Reconstruction helps restore the look of your nipples and areolas if they were compromised during breast removal surgery.
Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Our highly-skilled team of plastic surgeons are world-renowned and trained to perform the most advanced cosmetic procedures available. Transformation awaits. Contact us to begin your breast restoration journey.
Consultation
Our highly-skilled team of plastic surgeons are world-renowned and trained to perform the most advanced cosmetic procedures available. Transformation awaits. Contact us to begin your breast restoration journey.
Questions
about this procedure?
What to Expect
Breast explant surgery involves making an incision, usually around the lower half of the breast crease or around the nipple. Inframammary incisions cut along the bottom of the breast below the mammary glands, transaxillary incisions cut under the arm near your armpit, and periareolar incisions cut around the nipple. After making the incision, your surgeon will then access the implant pocket through the incision and carefully detach any surrounding scar tissue to remove the implant completely.
After removing the implants, your surgeon will thoroughly irrigate the pockets to eliminate any bacteria or debris. If you have capsular contracture, that excess scar tissue will also be removed at this time.
The surgeon will then close the incisions with absorbable sutures in the breast crease folds so visibility of the resulting scar is minimized. Inserting a drain for a short period may also help reduce fluid build-up as you heal.
The surgery takes 1-2 hours depending on if it is an en bloc removal or a total capsulectomy. You can expect some post-operative pain and swelling that is manageable with medication. Most patients feel ready to return to their daily activities within a few days. However, you should avoid strenuous activity for 2-4 weeks to allow your incisions time to fully close. Over several months, any residual pain or strange sensations from your implants should gradually subside.
Recovery &
Results
Recovery for breast explant surgery is usually quicker than the original augmentation or implant placement. Patients can generally return to desk work and light activity within 3-5 days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 2-4 weeks post-op.
Swelling and soreness around the breasts is common and usually resolves within a few weeks.
Once healed, the patient’s breasts should resemble their natural appearance without implants. Breasts will likely be smaller and fall to a lower, natural position on the chest. Visible scarring should be minimal, hidden inside the breast crease.
Our Gallery
New Jersey Surgeons
Our team of surgeons have more than 100 years of combined experience performing plastic reconstructive surgery. We pride ourselves on being one of the few facilities in the world with the training and experience to offer cutting-edge cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. We are dedicated to elevating our care so we can do what matters most – changing patients’ lives.
Get to know our team of specialized surgeons:
Hamid Abdollahi
MD, FACSRussell Ashinoff
MD, FACSEric I. Chang
MD, FACSKari L. Colen
MD, FACSStephen Dudick
MDRitwik Grover
MDSean Herman
MD, FACSZuhaib Ibrahim
MD, FACSMatthew Kaufman
MD, FACSChris Lakhiani
MDMatthew Lynch
MDAhmed Nasser
MDRobert T. Nevitt III
MDTushar Patel
MD, FACSSidney Rabinowitz
MD, FACSDavid Rayfield
MDMichael Rose
MD, FACSAdam Saad
MD, FACSTzvi Small
MD, FACSHakan Usal
MDEric Wimmers
MD, FACSFinancing & Insurance
Depending on the medical necessity of breast explant surgery, the procedure might not be covered by insurance. There are some cases where it may be covered by insurance – for example, if your implants are causing significant pain or discomfort or are putting you at risk of infection. Our team will work with you and your health insurer to obtain the approvals for your covered surgical procedures. If you want to learn more about our cosmetic and reconstructive surgery options, please contact us today at 833-615-2621.
Our Process
During your consultation, our expert surgeons will work with you to fully understand the look you wish to achieve and help you prepare for your breast explant surgery procedure.
Your Options
We will review and explain the different procedure options and identify which is right for you.
Our friendly and compassionate staff and physicians will guide you through the entire process, answer all of your questions and alleviate any concerns.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Near NJ
Financing & Insurance
Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.
Discover Your Ideal Body
Confident women know how they want to be seen. We can help make your vision a reality.