There are numerous reasons why breast augmentation patients decide to have their implants removed. Causes can be a change in life, medical conditions, loss of satisfaction, or breast implant failure. Not something we think about during our excitement of enhancing our figure. Sometimes we are so lost in the dream of receiving the outcome; we ignore the associated risks an invasive procedure can have on our bodies. Focusing more on the “cosmetic” and not the “surgery.” Because of this, having a board-certified plastic surgeon is imperative to give you the optimum results in the safest way possible. As a Keck Hospital at the University of Southern California Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery trained physician, Dr. Barrett is an authority in intricate breast augmentation procedures servicing patients in Beverly Hills, the surrounding counties of Los Angeles, and across the United States.

Minimizing Complications During Your Consultation

The complexities of breast implant removal vary. Your consultation is required and the time to talk about your fears, expectations, and the procedure with Dr. Barrett and Medical Assistant Nadia. As a highly skilled surgeon, he will take the necessary steps to minimize any possible complications during your explant procedure. Before committing to breast removal surgery, Dr. Barrett will listen to how and why you decided surgery is the approach you should take. He will then make an assessment and provide you with detailed instructions customized for you on what to do before and after surgery, also, what additional procedures are available to improve your results.

What Are the Problems Related to Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

  • Sagging Breasts
  • Negative Reaction to Anesthesia
  • Loose Skin
  • Breast Implant Illness (BII) -a variety of symptoms can arise after breast augmentation surgery
  • Bleeding
  • Numbness in The Entire Breast
  • Scarring and Discoloration
  • Uneven Breasts
  • Flat Breasts
  • Loss of Feeling in the Nipples
  • A Change in Mental Health After Surgery

Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery Right for Me?

Explant surgery is very personal. Lifestyle changes like getting older and having children or medical conditions such as a cancer diagnosis or loss of satisfaction because they just don’t fit your life anymore, or sadly, breast implant failure causing severe illness, is reason to consider the procedure. The ideal candidates for breast implant removal are:

  • Healthy Physically and Mentally
  • Don’t Utilize Tobacco (smoke, chew, vape)
  • Experience Regular Breast Discomfort
  • Dissatisfied with Implants
  • Implant Failure (leakage, rupture)
  • Hardening of the Breasts
  • Change in Lifestyle

Preparing for Explant Surgery

Anxiety is normal, and so is second-guessing your decision—listen to your intuition. If you are questioning your judgment, call our office and discuss possibly rescheduling your operation until you feel confident. We are on your side and will support you every step of the way. Most important is to remain calm, keep a healthy mental attitude, and be realistic with your expectations knowing you have a resolute team to hold your hand before, during, and after surgery. Most importantly, discussing all your concerns with Dr. Barrett and trusting his decision can result in a worry-free operation with a phenomenal outcome.

  • Eat Nutritiously
  • Avoid Aspirin and Other Medications That Might Cause Excessive Bleeding
  • Limit Alcohol
  • Pack A Bag in Advance
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing the Day of Surgery
  • Have A Support System
  • Prefill Prescriptions
  • Have A Post-Operative Recovery Home Care Kit

The Explant Procedure

Anesthesia: there are two types of medication. Dr. Barrett, and your anesthesiologist will suggest which is best for you, either general or intravenous sedation.
Incision: During a breast removal surgical procedure, an incision is placed along the lower fold of your breast or around/below the areola.
The Operation: The techniques used will depend on your specific surgery and what Dr. Barrett determines is most suitable for you.
Incision Closure: Sutures, adhesives, tapes, or clips are used to close the incisions.

 Recovering After Surgery

Understand it will take some time for the internal inflammation to go down and soreness to go away to feel like yourself again. You had invasive surgery. It merely depends on how your body chooses to heal. It is crucial to refrain from strenuous activity or lifting excessive weight for several weeks to allow your body to recover correctly. Adhere to the directions given to you by Dr. Barrett during your consultation, moreover, don’t miss your follow-up appointments.

  • Recovery time is different for each person, plus it depends on your procedure and your body’s healing ability.
  • You could have drains for fluid, your chest dressed in bandages, gauze, or you might have a compression bra or surgical garment to minimize swelling.
  • You will be given directions on how to care for your incisions once at home.
  • Barrett will determine if you are ready to be sent home or need to move to another room for an overnight stay, which is rare.
  • You will be given directions on what to look for regarding possible complications like an infection
  • You will be given a timeline of when to schedule your follow-up appointments with our office

End Result Following Breast Implant Removal Surgery

As mentioned before, your results will depend on how your body responds to removing your implants, the size of your former breast implants, and the health of your breast muscle. Scar tissue is another factor. Just like your original augmentation procedure, it will take up to a year to see the outcome. As with any invasive surgery, listen to your body and look out for any irregularities in your breathing, pain tolerance, and heartbeat. If you experience any abnormalities, get medical attention immediately. Call our office and inform your patient coordinator. If your breast implants are no longer positively serving you, it might be time to consider breast implant removal surgery, keeping in mind there are risks involved.

Barrett Plastic Surgery is committed to you throughout your entire journey. Should you have more questions, please call our office to schedule a consultation at (310) 598-2648. If you feel more secure speaking with our team from the comfort of your home, we provide virtual surgical consultations.

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