Breast augmentation is a transformative procedure that provides many women with the balanced and curvy look they desire. While many women receive breast augmentation results they love, some may be dissatisfied with their augmented breasts and wish to go back to their natural breasts. In other cases, sometimes implant complications occur, necessitating the removal of the implants.
For those who are looking to remove their breast implants, explant surgery can be a wonderful option. Dr. Bruce Kadz performs explant surgery in Beverly Hills to relieve patients of implant issues and restore their ideal breast contour.
What Is Explant Surgery?
Commonly known as breast implant removal, explant surgery is a procedure that removes breast implants from a prior breast augmentation. If the implants are being removed due to a leak or rupture, your surgeon may also remove silicone materials from the region. Those who are experiencing capsular contracture due to the scar tissue hardening around the breast implants may also have the scar tissue removed alongside the implants. Additionally, some women may choose to get new implants put in once the old ones are taken out.
Am I a Candidate for Explant Surgery?
Women who have previously undergone breast augmentation and are unhappy with their results, have changed their minds, or are dealing with implant complications may be candidates for explant surgery.
Other factors that might make you eligible for explant surgery include:
- Being in good general health
- Wanting to remove your implants
- Experiencing complications such as implant leak, implant rupture, capsular contracture, etc.
- Feeling pain or discomfort from breast implants
- Wanting to restore the appearance of your natural breasts
- Having realistic expectations for the procedure
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kadz to find out if you’re a candidate for explant surgery.
What Are My Explant Surgery Options?
Each explant procedure is tailored to fit the individual needs of the patient. Different techniques can be used during explant surgery to achieve the patient’s goals, and Dr. Kadz will discuss these options in detail during a consultation.
Removing Breast Implants
For those who are not experiencing implant complications and wish to get explant surgery due to disliking their implants or changing their preference, the breast implants can be removed as a standalone procedure. Dr. Kadz will create incisions around the breasts, and if possible, he will use the same incision locations from breast augmentation to reduce additional scarring. The breast implants will be removed, and the incisions will be closed, leaving the patient with their natural breasts.
Capsulectomy
If you’re seeking explant surgery due to having capsular contracture or other implant-related complications, then a capsulectomy may be necessary. During a capsulectomy, Dr. Kadz will make incisions, allowing him to access the implants and hardened scar tissue. The scar tissue and implants will be removed, relieving pain from capsular contracture.
Replacing Breast Implants
Some patients may be interested in removing and replacing their implants with new ones. This procedure, also known as breast implant revision, can involve replacing the implants with the same size and shape as the patient previously had, or they can choose implants of a different size or shape if that better suits their preferences.
Explant Surgery With a Breast Lift
Once breast implants are inserted, the breast skin stretches to accommodate the new size and shape of the breasts. However, this means once the implants are removed, the patient may be left with excess breast skin that creates a saggy appearance. Women who wish to remove their implants and restore a youthful breast aesthetic may choose to get explant surgery with a breast lift. After Dr. Kadz removes the breast implants, he’ll adjust the underlying breast tissue, reposition the nipple-areola complex, tighten the breast skin, and trim excess skin to eliminate sagging.
How Is Explant Surgery Performed?
Anesthesia will be administered to patients prior to surgery to enhance their comfort during the procedure. Dr. Kadz will make incisions in the locations that were agreed upon during the consultation. After the incisions are made, Dr. Kadz will remove the old breast implants and make other necessary adjustments, such as removing scar tissue or silicone leakage. The specifics of the explant surgery will depend on which option the patient has selected. Once the implants and additional materials have been removed, new implants may be inserted, or a breast lift may be performed.
What Is the Recovery From Explant Surgery Like?
Immediately after explant surgery, the breasts may be wrapped in bandages and a compression bra. Keeping these bandages on for as long as Dr. Kadz instructs is important. Many patients will need to wear their compression bra for the duration of their recovery period, typically around six weeks. You can expect your breasts to feel swollen and tender during recovery. Recovery time will vary depending on how quickly the patient’s body heals and the techniques used during their explant surgery.
What Results Can I Expect After Explant Surgery?
While there may be a noticeable difference in your breasts’ appearance immediately after explant surgery, it may take several months before your final results are visible. The breasts will be swollen after surgery, and some swelling may remain for around six months or longer. Many patients can see their full results six months to one year after their breast explant procedure.
How Much Does Explant Surgery Cost in Beverly Hills?
Your explant surgery cost will depend on the state of your implants, the techniques used during your surgery, and your aesthetic goals. If you’re adding a breast lift or new implants to your procedure, then these will also affect the total cost. Additionally, on top of the surgeon’s fee, you’ll need to factor in costs such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, cost of compression bras, and cost of pain medications for recovery. During your consultation, you can receive a cost breakdown and a price quote for your custom procedure.
What Procedures Can Be Combined With Explant Surgery?
If you would like to enhance your breasts in addition to removing your implants, you may be a good candidate for combining an additional breast procedure with your explant surgery. Additionally, if you wish to improve more than one body area, you may be able to add that to your procedure as well. Some procedures that may be combined with explant surgery include:
Want to Learn More About Explant Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA?
If you’re considering removing your breast implants for whatever reason, explant surgery may be just what you need to get your desired results. To learn more about your explant surgery options in Beverly Hills, CA, call Kadz Plastic Surgery at (980) 372-5239 or fill out our online contact form today.