Understanding What It’s Like to Have Breast Implant Removal

People of all ages and body types have had breast augmentation with implants for an enhanced silhouette and improved self-confidence. Some women choose to have a breast augmentation after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss, or mastectomy. However, these empowering implants are not meant to be permanent; at some point, they will need removal due to capsular contraction or changing physiques. Many of the companies that manufacture breast implants recommend their exchange every ten years. If you’re concerned about what it will be like when the time comes for your implants to be removed or replaced, we’re here to set your mind at ease.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal

The main reason to seek out breast implant removal is because there’s a problem with the implant. This can occur with any breast implant, regardless of size, shape, texture, or age, but often occurs between 10-20 years after initial implantation for many patients. Symptoms that might indicate your breast implants need replacing or removal include:

• Unusual firmness or changes in breast sensation
• Sudden deflation of the breast
• Breast pain
• Changes in shape or appearance
• Chronic illness or disease

People also often choose to remove implants due to their changing bodies. With age, exercise routines, fashion trends, or even vacation habits, people may not want their breasts to look the way they did after getting implants.

Breast Implant Removal Options

Like breast augmentation surgery, people undergoing breast removal procedures have many options when it comes to their surgical plan. First, you can decide to remove or replace your implants. This will bring up another conversation about how large and what style of implant you want should you want to replace them. After that, your removal surgery will likely include total capsulectomy, or full removal of both the implant and the natural surrounding scar tissue. Many patients like to change implant types with an exchange. For example, patients who have had silicone implants often want to exchange their implants for saline because of problems associated with the silicone fill.

Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?

Surprisingly for many people looking into breast implant removal, the process should not be painful. Dr. Azouz uses a combination of local anesthesia and sedation during the surgery itself, and the amount of pain experienced following your recovery is minimized. Typically the worst symptoms are soreness and general discomfort throughout your chest, however, with over-the-counter medication, most people are improved after a few days up to a week. In fact, for people suffering from discomfort and pain due to complications like capsular contraction, there’s often immediate relief following implant removal surgery.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Most patients only need a few days to a week before they feel mostly back to normal and ready to go back to office work. As with any surgery, strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided until you fully recover, which can be at least 6 weeks after your procedure. Recovery time is heavily dependent on the individual patient’s previous implants, age and amount of surgery needing to be performed.

Breast Implant Removal in Dallas, TX

No matter why you want your implants removed or where you had them put in, Dr. David and Dr. Solomon Azouz are here to help you attain the figure that you feel most confident and natural in. Learn more about implant removal and schedule your consultation by calling our office at (972) 702-8888 or contacting us online today.