Breast Implant Removal in Austin

Some patients may want to have their breast implants removed altogether, rather than replacing them with new implants in a revision breast augmentation surgery.

Patients can become dissatisfied with the outcome of their breast augmentation for various reasons. They might want to remove the implants due to health concerns or simply because they no longer prefer the enhanced appearance and wish to return to their natural breast size. Breast implant removal can also be a preliminary step before opting for breast implant replacement or an implant exchange procedure.

Reasons for breast implant removal

• The desire to upgrade to a new breast implant size, type, shape, or feel
• The desire to go back to the original breast size (before breast implants were placed)

To address capsular contracture (scar tissue surrounding the implant that gives the breast a hardened feeling), implant rupture, or other complication that has arisen

To address an asymmetrical or irregular breast appearance

Health Concerns: Some individuals may experience health issues related to their breast implants, such as implant rupture, leakage, or complications like capsular contracture (the tightening of scar tissue around the implant). In such cases, removal may be necessary to address these health concerns.

Desire to Return to Natural Appearance: Over time, some patients may decide that they no longer wish to have breast implants and want to return to their original breast size and appearance. This could be due to changes in personal preferences, lifestyle, or simply wanting to embrace their natural look.

Implant Exchange: Some individuals opt for breast implant removal as part of a planned implant exchange procedure. This involves removing the existing implants and replacing them with new ones. This can be done for various reasons, such as changing the size or type of implants or addressing implant-related issues.

Life Changes: Changes in a person's life circumstances, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or aging, can impact how they feel about their breast implants. Some individuals may decide to remove their implants to better align with their current life stage and body shape.

Concerns about Long-Term Maintenance: Breast implants are not permanent, and they may need to be replaced or removed at some point. Some patients may choose to remove their implants before they experience any complications or issues as a proactive measure.

It's essential for individuals considering breast implant removal to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or a qualified healthcare professional. Dr. Chow will assess the patient's unique situation, discuss their goals, and recommend the most appropriate course of action.

"En bloc capsulectomy" is a surgical technique that removes both the breast implant and its surrounding capsule in one piece. It has gained popularity due to discussions about "Breast Implant Illness." Capsular contracture can make the implant feel firm, and ruptured silicone implants may still have an intact capsule. While en bloc capsulectomy can be beneficial in some cases, it may not always be practical and typically requires a larger incision. Dr. Chow emphasizes removing diseased capsule tissue, whether the implant is replaced or removed, but in many cases, leaving the posterior capsule in place is necessary for safety to prevent complications like lung dissection, which is more common with en bloc capsulectomy.

How Noticeable are the scars from implant removal?

For breast implant removal, incisions can often be made in the same locations as the initial implant placement, minimizing additional scarring. However, the specific incision placement will vary depending on the initial augmentation technique and individual factors. Dr. Chow will discuss precise expectations during a consultation after examining you.