Plastic Surgery Guide for Removing Breast Implants in New York City 2025

Introduction

Getting breast implants is a major decision, and having them removed is equally significant. In New York City, breast implant removal, also known as a breast explant, has become a procedure that many individuals consider for various reasons. Whether it's to enhance confidence in one's body, address complications, or simply due to a change in personal preference, it's crucial to have comprehensive information before making this choice. This guide aims to provide you with in - depth knowledge about breast implant removal in NYC, covering everything from the reasons for the procedure to recovery and more.

What is a Breast Explant?

A breast explant is a cosmetic procedure performed to remove breast implants and some or all of the surrounding scar capsules. It is often considered by patients who wish to return to a natural, implant - free state or those experiencing complications with their existing breast implants. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will also remove silicone from the implant shell and clean the breast pocket. For example, if a patient has a ruptured silicone implant, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any leaked silicone gel.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

1. Leaking or Ruptured Implants: Over time, breast implants can develop leaks or rupture. Silicone gel implants may not show obvious signs of leakage, while saline implants will deflate if they rupture. This can cause discomfort and aesthetic issues, leading patients to seek removal. For instance, a patient with a ruptured saline implant may notice a sudden change in breast size and shape.
2. Pain and Complications: Some patients experience pain, tenderness, or other complications associated with their breast implants. Capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, can cause pain and distortion of the breast shape. Other complications may include infection, calcification, or migration of the implant.
3. Replacement of Damaged Implants: If an implant is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear, patients may choose to have it removed and replaced with a new one. This can be a proactive step to avoid future problems.
4. Aesthetic Improvements: Changes in personal taste or body image may lead patients to desire a different breast appearance. Some may want to reduce the size of their breasts or achieve a more natural look after having implants for a long time.
5. Removal of Capsular Contracture: As mentioned earlier, capsular contracture can be a painful and cosmetically unappealing condition. Removing the implant along with the contracted capsule can relieve symptoms and improve the appearance of the breasts.
6. Systemic Symptoms Associated with Breast Implants (SSBI): Some patients report experiencing a range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other issues, which they believe are related to their breast implants. This condition is sometimes referred to as breast implant illness (BII), although it is not yet an official medical diagnosis.

Preparing for Breast Implant Removal

Medication Management

Certain medications can interfere with the breast implant removal procedure. Patients should avoid taking medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti - inflammatory medications for one week prior to the procedure. Blood - thinning medications, such as coumadin and heparin, should be stopped for up to six weeks before the surgery. It is essential to inform the prescribing physician about the upcoming breast implant removal so that they can provide appropriate guidance on when to stop taking these medications.

Arranging Transportation and Support

Since the patient will be under the influence of anesthesia during the procedure, it is necessary to arrange for someone to drive them home after the surgery. Additionally, having a caregiver stay with the patient for at least 24 hours post - procedure is recommended. This support person can assist with daily activities and ensure the patient's well - being during the initial recovery phase.

Medical Examination

Before undergoing breast implant removal, patients must undergo a thorough examination to determine if their breasts are healthy enough for the procedure. This examination may include mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs to assess the condition of the implants and the surrounding breast tissue. The surgeon will also evaluate the patient's overall health and medical history to identify any potential risks or complications.

Types of Breast Implant Removal Procedures

En Bloc Removal

En bloc removal involves removing the entire implant, including the capsule that forms around it, in one piece. This technique is recommended for patients who have developed capsular contracture or those who want to remove their implants due to health concerns. By removing the implant and capsule as a single unit, the risk of rupturing or spilling silicone gel into the body during surgery is reduced. A skilled surgeon is required for this procedure, as it involves making an incision around the perimeter of the capsule and carefully dissecting it away from the surrounding tissues.

Capsulectomy

Capsulectomy is the removal of only the capsule that forms around an implant while leaving the implant itself in place. This method is typically recommended for patients who want to remove their implants due to cosmetic reasons or discomfort caused by capsular contracture but do not wish to undergo a more invasive surgery like en bloc removal. During the procedure, an incision is made around the perimeter of the capsule, which is then carefully dissected and removed.

Explantation with Mastopexy

Explantation with mastopexy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the breast implant, excess skin, and lifting the breast tissue to create a more youthful appearance. This technique is suitable for patients who have experienced sagging or drooping of their breasts after having implants. The surgeon makes an incision around the perimeter of the areola or underneath the breast fold, removes the implant and surrounding scar tissue, and then lifts the remaining breast tissue before closing the incisions.

Explantation with Fat Transfer

Explantation with fat transfer is another option for breast implant removal. This procedure involves removing the implant and using the patient's own fat from another area of their body, such as the thighs, hips, or abdomen, to reshape and enhance the breasts. It is recommended for patients who want to remove their implants but still desire some degree of breast augmentation. The fat is harvested through liposuction, purified, and then injected into the breast tissue.

What to Expect During the Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Anesthesia

The surgeon may administer either local or general anesthesia, depending on factors such as the patient's overall health, personal desires, and the location and size of the breast implants to be removed. Local anesthesia with sedation involves numbing only a specific area of the body while the patient remains conscious but relaxed. General anesthesia, on the other hand, puts the patient into a deep sleep so that they do not feel anything during the surgery. The surgical team will continuously monitor the patient's vital signs to ensure their safety throughout the procedure.

Skin Preparation

Once the patient is under the effects of anesthesia, the surgeon will prepare the surgical area. The area around the breasts will be cleaned with antibacterial soap to prevent infection. All necessary equipment will be checked and prepared to ensure a smooth procedure.

Placement of Incisions

The incisions for breast implant removal can be made in one of three locations: the crease under the breast, around the areola, or vertically placed in the armpit. The surgeon will choose the most appropriate location based on the patient's specific situation and aesthetic goals. The incisions allow the surgeon to access the breast implants and drain any accumulated fluid in the area.

Removal of Implants

The surgeon will use various methods to remove the implants from each breast. These methods may include prying out the implants from beneath the breast tissue, cutting through the implant shell if it is stuck to nearby tissues, or using instruments attached to the breast implant for slow removal by pulling. In cases where the implant has ruptured, the surgeon will take extra care to remove any leaked silicone or saline.

Scar Tissue Removal

After removing the implants, the surgeon will also remove any excess skin or scar tissue around the nipples. The area will then be cauterized to stop bleeding. Removing the scar tissue helps to reconstruct the area and create a more natural appearance.

Sealing of Incisions

Finally, the surgeon will re - attach the skin, stitch the incisions, and apply dressings to prevent infection during the healing process. The duration of the explant surgery in NYC usually ranges from one to three hours, depending on the extent of the work, including the removal of scar tissue and area reconstruction.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - Surgery

After the procedure is complete, the patient will be awakened from anesthesia and taken to a recovery room. As sensation returns to the area, they may experience some discomfort. Pain relief medication will be provided in the recovery area. The patient will typically spend about an hour in the recovery room before being allowed to return home.

Post - Procedure Instructions

Patients will be given detailed post - procedure instructions on how to care for themselves and the incision sites. These instructions may include:

• Wearing a Compression Bra: A compression bra helps reduce swelling and provides support to the breasts during the healing process. It should be worn as directed by the surgeon.
• Taking Prescribed Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. Patients should take them exactly as prescribed.
• Applying Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to the surgical site can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Patients should follow the recommended frequency and duration for cold compress application.

Recovery Timeline

The recovery from breast implant removal is generally similar to that of the initial breast augmentation surgery. Most patients can expect three days of significant downtime, which is the most challenging part. During the first few weeks, there may be swelling, bruising, soreness, and sensitivity. By the first few days after the procedure, these post - operative effects should fade enough to allow patients to return to most routine activities without severe discomfort. Within one week, most patients can resume light activities, and more vigorous activity is possible in about six weeks.

Breast Implant Removal FAQ

Will I feel better after breast implant removal?

Many patients find that their symptoms are reduced after breast implant removal. However, it is a very individual matter. The surgeon can provide more information about what to expect after the procedure during the consultation.

How painful is breast explant surgery?

There is no pain during the surgery as the surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the chest area. The type of anesthesia (local or general) depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, personal desires, and the location and size of the breast implants. Local anesthesia is often used for removing smaller implants above the chest muscle, while general anesthesia may be used for larger implants or those beneath the chest muscle.

Will the original incision sites from my breast implant procedure be reused for my explant procedure?

The surgeon will try to reuse the old incisions from the previous procedure to conceal any new incisions. However, in some cases, new incisions may be necessary. The surgeon will discuss the planned incision locations with the patient before the procedure.

How long will I need to wait before undergoing a breast explant procedure?

It can take time for patients to become dissatisfied with the results of their breast implant procedure due to the settling of breast tissue, swelling, and bruising. Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months before considering a revision procedure for cosmetic reasons.

What happens to your breasts when you remove implants?

This depends on various factors such as the size of the original implants, changes to the body, and how long the implants have been in place. Since implants add volume to the breasts, their removal will likely result in reduced breast volume, and the area may appear somewhat deflated. However, there are cosmetic procedures available to address these post - procedure issues.

What is the average cost to have breast implants removed?

The cost of breast implant removal in NYC varies widely. Factors that influence the cost include the operating facility fees, post - care essentials, tests, and prescription medication costs. In most cases, breast implant removal for cosmetic reasons is not covered by health insurance. However, if there are medical reasons for the surgery, such as a mastectomy, insurance may cover the costs.

Choosing a Surgeon for Breast Implant Removal

Medical Qualifications

When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast implant removal, it is essential to check their qualifications. A board - certified plastic surgeon has undergone rigorous training and passed stringent exams, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the procedure safely and effectively. Look for credentials such as American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification or membership in professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Experience

Experience is a crucial factor. Choose a surgeon who has performed many successful breast implant removal surgeries. Experienced surgeons can provide realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and minimize the risks associated with surgery. They are also better equipped to handle any complications that may arise during the operation.

Patient Reviews

Online review platforms like RealSelf.com can be a valuable resource. Reading patient reviews can give you an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall satisfaction of their patients with the results of the breast implant removal procedure.

Risks and Complications Associated with Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Breast Implant Illness and Implant Illness

Some patients may experience breast implant illness or implant illness after having breast implants. Symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other issues. Although it is not yet an official medical diagnosis, many women report relief from these symptoms after implant removal.

Capsular Contracture

As mentioned earlier, capsular contracture is a potential complication. It occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, causing discomfort and possible deformity.

Cancer Concerns

While there is no conclusive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, there have been reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in association with textured surface implants. However, this type of cancer is extremely rare.

Other Risks

Other common risks of breast implant removal surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, damage to the surrounding tissue, and nerve damage. It is important to discuss these risks with the surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

Conclusion

Breast implant removal in New York City is a complex procedure that requires careful consideration and the expertise of a specialized surgeon. Whether you are considering removal due to complications, a change in aesthetic preferences, or other reasons, it is essential to be well - informed about the process. This guide has covered the various aspects of breast implant removal, including reasons for the procedure, preparation, types of procedures, recovery, and potential risks.

If you are considering breast implant removal in NYC, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations, and the surgeon can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Take the time to research your options and choose a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and confident in the decision - making process. Remember, your health and well - being are of utmost importance.