Breast Implant Removalin Portland, Oregon

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

A breast implant removal procedure simply removes or replaces a person’s breast implants due to a number of concerns, whether medical or aesthetic. Patients choose to or are recommended to undergo breast implant removal if complications arise or if they want their body contour to look different than it currently does.

Breast implant removal is not required on a regular basis – only when a patient needs or wants their implants removed or replaced by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hetal Fichadia.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON REASONS FOR BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL?

Patients decide to have their implants removed for several reasons. Sometimes, as the body changes with time, the implants no longer fit their lifestyle or their body. Some women have issues with their implants like malposition, encapsulation, or rupture, and decide to have them removed with or without replacement. With ruptured implants, silicone or saline material that has leaked out of the implant and the scar tissue capsule also needs to be removed along with the in-tact shell.

You may also choose to remove your implants as a result of changing lifestyles or personal preferences about your appearance. A change in weight may make your implants look out of proportion, and larger implants may become uncomfortable if you have taken up a new physical activity such as running. Dr. Fichadia offers ancillary procedures such as breast fat grafting, and breast lift to reshape the breast more permanently after implant removal for those who want to see that kind of enhancement.

Breast Implant Removal for Breast Implant Illness

Dr. Fichadia also sees patients who feel that their implants are making them sick (breast implant illness), and desire implant removal and capsulectomy (explant surgery) for symptoms such as joint pain, hair loss, or fatigue. At the moment, there is no large-scale scientific evidence that clearly connects breast implants with these symptoms. Some women feel immediately better after the surgery and see sustained symptom relief, some women don’t and some women have temporary relief in their symptoms.

Usually, the patients who want their implants removed for breast implant illness have seen several doctors, and have had multiple tests done for their symptoms. Implant removal and capsulectomy is one further step to try to help with some of these symptoms. If desired, the lost volume can be restored with fat grafting in the right patient. Sometimes a breast lift is recommended to reshape the breasts.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE For Breast Implant Removal?

Anyone who has had breast augmentation performed and is physically healthy, and understands the changes in size and shape that happen after implant removal is a good candidate for the surgery. In addition, it is important to be able to rest and recover for the first 2 weeks.

Before & After

Breast Implant Removal Case 1

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What to Expect During A Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Fichadia will ask about your medical history and the reasons behind wanting your breast implants removed. She’ll also perform an examination and, from that information, build a customized treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.

This is also the time to ask any questions you have, discuss your concerns, and talk about the potential risks of the surgery. Dr. Fichadia wants all her patients to be completely informed about the procedure they’re having, so she’s happy to answer your questions and discuss concerns.

Preparing For Breast Implant Removal

To prepare for your breast implant removal, you’ll want to stop taking any medications that could interfere with the surgical or healing process (like blood thinners), quit smoking (if you’re a smoker), and limit your alcohol intake. You’ll also want to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you to and from surgery and look after you for the first 24 hours.

Preparing for your recovery is also important before surgery. Pick up any medications you need, pre-make meals, and prepare your recovery space with blankets and pillows.

DO ALL IMPLANTS NEED TO BE REMOVED EVENTUALLY?

The FDA reports that about one in five people who have breast implants will need to have their implants removed after a decade, however, that means that the majority of patients do not need their implants removed within the first 10 years. Most implants will not leak or rupture, however, it is common for the results of breast augmentation to change due to breastfeeding or the normal effects of aging. In general, the longer the implants have been in place, the higher the likelihood that they can rupture or cause other complications.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

Recovery from breast implant removal depends on the extent of surgery. With a capsulectomy, Dr. Fichadia recommends minimizing strenuous activities for the first 2-3 weeks. Prescribed pain medications may be needed for the first 3-4 days. Dr. Fichadia will give you instructions on pain management and aftercare for your incisions. Some patients have drains in place for 2-3 days. Avoid heavy exercise as you heal. Most patients can expect to take about a week away from work to rest.

Final Results of Breast Implant Removal

When you see the final results of your breast implant removal will depend on a number of factors, including how long you had your implants, the size of your implants, and whether other procedures were performed along with the breast implant removal. You will notice some initial results immediately after surgery, as your implants will be gone, but you will have some swelling and bruising. The most noticeable results will be visible within a few months, but residual swelling can take six months to a year to finally subside.

Learn More About Breast Implant Removal

For most patients who formerly sought to augment their natural breast tissue with a well-sized implant, Dr. Fichadia can remove breast implants no matter your reason for seeking the procedure. Contact our Portland office to schedule a consultation about breast implant removal today.