A Plastic Surgery Guide for Breast Implant Removal in

Introduction

Breast augmentation is among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. However, many women decide to undergo breast implant removal surgery for a variety of reasons, be it personal preferences or medical complications. If you're considering having your breast implants removed in Albany's hospitals, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information.

A Plastic Surgery Guide for Breast Implant Removal in Albany's Hospitals!

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Reasons

Capsular Contracture: This is one of the most common medical reasons for breast implant removal. The body treats the implant as a foreign object and creates scar tissue around it. Over time, this scar tissue can harden and tighten, causing the breasts to feel firm, look distorted, and can even be painful. It may occur shortly after the first breast augmentation surgery or many years later (Capek Plastic Surgery).
Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture due to daily wear and tear. With saline implants, rupture is usually obvious as the breast deflates when the saline leaks out and is absorbed. For silicone implants, there may be no symptoms, or you might notice a shape change, lump, or new discomfort. Rupture may not be detected on a mammogram and is often confirmed with high - definition ultrasound or a breast MRI (Capek Plastic Surgery).
Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some patients with breast implants report symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or joint pain. While there is no scientific consensus on whether breast implants cause these symptoms, patients who are worried that their implants are the source of the problem often feel better after removal (K Plastic Surgery).
Breast Implant - Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA - ALCL): This is a rare type of cancer associated with certain types of textured implants. The risk is very low, with less than ten cases per year in the United States. Many of the implicated textured implants have been removed from the market (Yarinsky Plastic Surgery).

Personal Reasons

Desire for a Different Breast Size: Women's bodies change over time, especially after pregnancy, menopause, or significant weight changes. Some may want larger - sized implants, while others prefer smaller breasts to better suit their lifestyle or new aesthetic goals (Capek Plastic Surgery).
Changed Aesthetic Preferences: As women age, their aesthetic preferences may evolve. They may no longer be satisfied with the look and feel of their breast implants and wish to return to a more natural appearance (DeLuca Plastic Surgery).

Evaluating Your Candidacy for Breast Implant Removal

If you're experiencing any of the following situations, you may be a candidate for breast implant removal:

You're dissatisfied with the size or shape of your implants.
You've experienced a leak, rupture, or capsular contracture.
You simply don't want to have implants anymore, perhaps due to weight and hormonal changes during menopause that have led to natural breast tissue enlargement.
You're concerned about rare conditions such as BII or BIA - ALCL.

It's crucial to consult with a board - certified plastic surgeon in Albany to determine if breast implant removal is the right option for you. The surgeon will evaluate your overall health, aesthetic goals, and the current condition of your implants to make an informed recommendation.

Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon in Albany

Selecting a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is of utmost importance for a successful breast implant removal procedure. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a surgeon in Albany:

Board Certification

Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met the rigorous standards of education, training, and ethical practice in plastic surgery. For example, Dr. Kayastha of K Plastic Surgery is board - certified, which gives patients confidence in his expertise (K Plastic Surgery).

Experience

Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in breast implant removal. Surgeons like Dr. Yarinsky, who has over 30 years of experience, are well - versed in the latest techniques and can handle various complications that may arise during the procedure (Yarinsky Plastic Surgery).

Reputation

Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and before - and - after photos to get an idea of the surgeon's reputation. A surgeon with a high patient satisfaction rate and positive feedback is more likely to provide a good outcome.

Communication Skills

The surgeon should be able to communicate effectively with you, listen to your concerns, and answer all your questions. A good surgeon will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan.

The Breast Implant Removal Process

Pre - operative Consultation

Before the surgery, you'll have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will:

Conduct a physical examination of your breasts, including assessing the size, shape, position of the implants, and the condition of your breast tissue.
Review your medical history, including any previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications.
Discuss your reasons for wanting the implants removed and your aesthetic goals. For example, if you want to downsize, the surgeon can recommend the best approach.
Explain the different surgical techniques available, such as simple implant removal, capsulectomy, or en bloc capsulectomy, and help you decide which one is most suitable for you.
Answer any questions you may have about the procedure, risks, recovery, and expected results.

You'll also be given pre - operative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, quitting smoking, and fasting before the surgery.

Anesthesia

The choice of anesthesia depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and your overall health. Options typically include:

General Anesthesia: This is the most common choice for breast implant removal. It renders you unconscious during the surgery, ensuring you don't feel any pain or discomfort. It's usually used when a more extensive procedure, such as capsulectomy, is required (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Local Anesthesia with Sedation: In some cases, especially for simple implant removal without the need to remove the capsule, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the breast, and sedation helps you relax.

The Surgical Procedure

The following steps are generally involved in breast implant removal:

Incision: The surgeon will make an incision along the lower fold of your breast (the inframammary fold) or around or below the areola. In many cases, the surgeon will use the same incision site as the original breast augmentation surgery to minimize scarring (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Implant Removal: The surgeon will carefully separate the implant from the surrounding tissue and remove it through the incision. If there is a capsular contracture, the scar tissue (capsule) may also be removed. There are different techniques for capsule removal:
- Simple Capsulectomy: The capsule is removed in pieces. This is often done when the capsule is thin and not tightly adhered to the surrounding tissue.
- En Bloc Capsulectomy: The implant and the entire capsule are removed as a single unit. This technique is preferred when there are concerns about possible contamination or when the capsule is thick and hard. However, it may not be technically feasible in all cases, such as when the capsule is very thin or adherent to the ribs in submuscular implants (Capek Plastic Surgery).
Closure: After the implant and capsule (if removed) are taken out, the surgeon will cleanse the pocket with an antibiotic solution to prevent infection. Then, the incision will be closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

If you choose to replace the implants with new ones or with your own fat, the surgeon will perform the necessary additional steps during the same procedure.

Recovery after Breast Implant Removal

Immediate Post - operative Period

After the surgery, you'll be taken to a recovery area where you'll be monitored closely until the anesthesia wears off. You can expect to experience the following:

Pain and Discomfort: There will be some pain and discomfort in the breast area, which can be managed with prescription pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are normal after breast implant removal. The swelling may take several weeks to subside completely, while the bruising usually fades within a few weeks.
Surgical Bra: You'll be given a surgical bra to wear. This helps to support the breasts, reduce swelling, and aid in the healing process. You may need to wear it continuously for the first 2 - 3 weeks (Capek Plastic Surgery).

Short - term Recovery

Most patients can expect to take at least a few days off work to recover at home. Here are some general guidelines for short - term recovery:

Rest quietly for 24 - 48 hours after the surgery. Avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
You can shower after 48 hours, but follow your surgeon's instructions regarding wound care. Usually, the incisions will be covered with dressings, and you may need to keep them dry for a certain period.
If you've had a capsulectomy, you may have drains in place for a few days to collect excess fluid. The surgeon will remove the drains when the fluid output decreases to an appropriate level.
Patients with sedentary jobs may typically return to work within a week. However, strenuous or high - impact activities like running should be avoided for 6 - 8 weeks to allow proper healing.

Long - term Recovery

Over the long term, your breasts will continue to heal and change in appearance. Here are some important aspects of long - term recovery:

Follow - up Appointments: You'll need to schedule follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery. The surgeon will check the incisions, assess the healing progress, and make sure there are no complications.
Breast Shape and Appearance: It may take several months for your breasts to settle into their new shape. After implant removal, the breasts may sag to some extent, especially if the implants were large. However, the amount of sagging varies from patient to patient. You may consider additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to improve the shape and firmness of your breasts.
Regular Breast Exams: You should continue with your regular mammograms and breast exams with your primary care physician or gynecologist. If you have silicone implants, periodic high - definition ultrasounds or MRIs may be recommended to screen for silent implant rupture (Capek Plastic Surgery).

Expected Results and Their Variability

The results of breast implant removal can vary significantly from one patient to another. Several factors influence the final outcome:

Original Breast Size

Women with smaller natural breasts before augmentation may notice less of a change in breast shape after implant removal compared to those with larger original breasts. However, they may still experience some sagging due to the stretching of the skin caused by the implants.

Formation of Scar Tissue

The presence and amount of scar tissue around the implants can affect the appearance of the breasts after removal. If the scar tissue is thick and hard, it may cause the breasts to look distorted. In some cases, the scar tissue may need to be removed during the implant removal procedure to achieve a better result.

Body Changes Since Implant Placement

Changes such as pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations can have an impact on the breasts after implant removal. For example, pregnancy can cause the breasts to enlarge and then shrink, leading to more significant sagging after implant removal.

Implant Size

Larger implants generally cause more stretching of the skin. As a result, when they are removed, the breasts are more likely to sag compared to when smaller implants are removed.

Ways to Achieve Optimal Results

Breast Lift

A breast lift, either performed during or after breast implant removal, is a common and effective way to improve the appearance of the breasts. This procedure involves tightening the breast skin and re - shaping the tissues to create fuller and more youthful - looking breasts. It can counteract the tendency of the breasts to sag after implant removal. The cost of a breast lift typically ranges from $9,000 to $10,000, and the recovery time is about 1 - 2 weeks (Rockmore Plastic Surgery).

Other Body Procedures

Some patients may consider other body procedures in conjunction with breast implant removal to achieve a more balanced and harmonious look. For example:

Tummy Tuck: To keep the torso proportions consistent after removing breast implants, a tummy tuck can be performed to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the abdominal muscles.
Liposuction: Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to enhance the overall body contour.
Facelift: For aging patients, a facelift can be combined with breast implant removal to recapture a youthful, natural beauty. Combining multiple procedures can consolidate downtime and reduce the cost of multiple operations.

Replacement with New Implants or Fat

If you're not satisfied with the appearance of your breasts after implant removal, you may choose to replace the implants with new ones or with your own fat.

New Implants: The surgeon can recommend the appropriate size and type of implants based on your aesthetic goals. The procedure may involve adjusting the size of the implant pocket to accommodate the new implants.
Fat Transfer: This procedure uses your own fat to add volume to the breasts. It provides a more natural look and feel, and it also has the added benefit of body contouring in the areas where the fat is harvested. Fat transfer is a popular option, especially for those who want a more natural result and have some excess fat in other parts of their body (Capek Plastic Surgery).

Cost Considerations

The cost of breast implant removal in Albany can vary depending on several factors:

Complexity of the Procedure: Simple implant removal without capsule removal is generally less expensive than a procedure that involves capsulectomy or en bloc capsulectomy. The more complex the surgery, the higher the cost is likely to be.
Surgeon's Fee: The experience and reputation of the surgeon can also affect the cost. Surgeons with more experience and a higher demand may charge more for their services.
Anesthesia Costs: The type of anesthesia used and the duration of the surgery influence the anesthesia costs. General anesthesia is typically more expensive than local anesthesia with sedation.
Hospital or Surgical Facility Fees: The fees charged by the hospital or surgical facility for the use of the operating room, equipment, and nursing care are also part of the overall cost.
Additional Procedures: If you choose to have additional procedures, such as a breast lift, fat transfer, or tummy tuck, the cost will increase accordingly.

The average cost of breast implant removal ranges from $6,000 to $18,000. At your consultation, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved in your specific case. Some patients may also be eligible for financing options to help cover the cost of the procedure.