Dallas board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. David and Solomon Azouz have expertise in helping women remove breast implants that are no longer wanted. Both plastic surgeons perform en-bloc and total capsulectomy procedures. Both Dallas-based Doctors have extensive experience and training in breast revision surgery.

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery is the removal of breast implants and scar tissue for Women who no longer want their implants. Breast implant removal is also known as “explantation” or “breast explant surgery”.

What is the difference between breast implant revision and breast implant removal?

Breast implant revision surgery typically refers to the removal and/or replacement of breast implants, or the correction of issues with breast implants. Breast implant removal surgery usually means that the breast implants are removed and not replaced.

Why do women want to have their breast implants removed in Dallas?

There are many reasons women seek a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz for breast implant removal. Women usually remove their implants to improve the appearance of the breasts, for lifestyle changes, for health concerns, or for breast implant-related complications.
Most manufacturers recommend the removal and replacement of breast implants every 10-15 years.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Women can usually have breast implant removal surgery regardless of their health or smoking status.

What are the Benefits of Breast Implant Removal

The benefits of breast implant removal depend on the reasons the patient decided to undergo breast implant removal surgery. The benefits can include better aesthetic appearance and improved health for those who were experiencing breast implant illness or other complications with their implants.

Breast Implant Removal Consultation

Breast implant removal surgery is performed for patients who have breast implants from previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery. The breast implant removal process will begin with Dallas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Azouz evaluating the patient and creating an individualized plan. Dr. Azouz will review any symptoms of breast implant illness and discuss the patient’s goals for the size and shape of their breasts after surgery. A Mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, may be recommended in combination with implant removal surgery.

In comparison to the initial breast implant surgery, breast implant removals can necessitate additional procedures. These procedures include breast lifts, capsulectomy, and removal of masses in the breast.

A breast lift can restore tighter, younger-looking breasts; however, breasts can also naturally be augmented with liposuction or fat grafting. This technique suctions fat from other areas of the patient’s body, the fat is then purified and then injected into the breasts. This makes it vital for a patient to select a highly experienced and well-trained plastic surgeon for this surgery.

Request your consultation with Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz to evaluate your case by calling (972) 702-8888 and taking the first step to achieving your aesthetic goals.

Anesthesia for Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Azouz generally performs breast implant removal with local anesthetic and sedation. This usually involves a much quicker and enhanced recovery compared to general anesthesia. Dr. Azouz utilizes specialized local anesthetic blocks during surgery to minimize pain.

Is Breast Implant Removal Surgery an Outpatient Procedure?

Breast implant removal is almost always performed as outpatient surgery. Dr. Azouz will access the implant by either revising the previous scar (scar revision) or creating a new hidden incision.

Saline Breast Implant Removal

Before surgery, Dr. Azouz will carefully examine the original implant and surrounding tissue for inflammation, rupture, leakage, or infection. To make the procedure less invasive, Dr. Azouz may deflate the implant before the removal. An implant replacement or a breast lift can be performed after removing the implant and any scar tissue.

Silicone Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Azouz will evaluate the implant for signs of damage or rupture before removing it for silicone implant removal. At times, Dr. Azouz will often need to remove the capsule and tissue in addition to the implant.

Dr. Azouz removes silicone material from implant leaks and breast capsule scar tissue that forms from previous surgery, also known as capsular contracture. He often performs a breast lift (mastopexy) to provide patients with a natural and cosmetic-appearing breast.

What is a total capsulectomy?

Breast implant removal can be performed with or without the removal of the scar tissue that covers the implant known as the breast implant capsule. A “total capsulectomy” refers to the capsule being completely removed with the implant.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Recovery

Breast implant removal (with or without a breast lift) is an outpatient surgical procedure where you can go home the same day to relax and recover. Most patients can resume light activity and be off prescription pain medication after a few days. Heavy exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

After breast implant removal surgery, patients will have some swelling for a few weeks. Many patients wear compression garments to help reduce swelling. Dr. Azouz does not routinely use drains when performing breast surgery. A no-drain-breast surgery can allow patients a more comfortable and convenient recovery. Dr. Azouz will also provide specific instructions regarding your surgery.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Results

Interestingly, many women can still have full and natural-appearing breasts after breast implant removal. Dr. Azouz can perform various breast lift procedures after or in a combination of breast implant removal that can still provide a woman with a full-appearing breast. Dr. Azouz performs various breast lifts, including the mini breast lift, breast lift with liposuction, full breast lift with a wise pattern incision, and the lollipop breast lift.

Before and after breast Implant removal with mini Lift

Disclaimer: All Patients Are Unique and Individual Results May Vary

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Cost

Breast implant removal costs in Dallas can widely vary. Dr. Azouz will determine the cost of surgery through a medical history and physical examination. Many insurance companies consider breast implant removal surgery medically necessary for patients who have had breast reconstruction for cancer. Unfortunately, some insurance companies do not cover implant removal in those who have had breast implants placed for cosmetic purposes. Also, Dr. Azouz provides different financing options to make breast implant removal affordable for his patients.

Combination of a Breast Implant Removal with Other Procedures

Dr. Azouz is able to combine breast implant removal with a multitude of different procedures. Some of the common combination surgeries are mini lift, mastopexy, liposuction of the lateral chest wall/bra fat, liposuction of the abdomen and/or thighs, blepharoplasty (eyelids), and facelifts.
Although Dr. Azouz is able to combine many cosmetic procedures with breast implant removal and/or replacement, there are a few procedures that he suggests be staged. Dr. Azouz usually recommends staging posterior body lift, Brazilian butt lift, and Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Azouz

If you are interested in having a breast implant removal consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz in Dallas, contact us online to schedule a virtual or face-to-face consultation or by calling (972) 702-8888.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

Many years ago silicone breast implants were investigated in regard to autoimmune disorders. However, studies had been with mixed results and are still ongoing to see if breast implants are a causative factor. ALCL is a serious condition related to textured silicone implants. These implants have been removed from the market.

Can breast implants cause cellulitis?

Breast cellulitis is a risk of breast surgeries. Dr. Azouz can help you make an informed decision during your consultation.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

Some women experience chronic pain and soreness after breast implant surgeries. There can be many reasons for this, and its best to check with Dr. Azouz through a consultation to determine if the implants are the cause.

Can breast implants get infected years later?

Breast implants can get infected years after placement. Breast implant infection is low and the chance of infection decreases after the implants have been in place for months to years.

Do breast implants cause health problems?

Breast implants themselves do not cause health problems and are very safe medical devices. Health problems can arise because of the surgery or placement of implants, however.

Do breast implants sag over time?

Breast implant surgery does not stop the effects of gravity, and breast implants can sag over time just like breast tissue. In this case, another procedure may be needed to restore them to a more upright position.

How common is capsular contracture in breast implants?

It's estimated that capsular contracture occurs in about 10% of cases. Keep in mind that its normal for the body to form some scar tissue around the implant as a natural response.

How do I prepare for breast implant removal?

Dr. Azouz will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery date. Make sure to stop taking blood-thinning medications ahead of your surgery and stop smoking.

How often does breast implant illness occur?

Breast implant illness is extremely rare - in fact, the FDA estimates it occurs extremely rarely.

How often should breast implants be checked?

The FDA recommends regular MRI screenings 3 years after your implant procedure and then every 2 years subsequently. This helps check for tears or weaknesses that can lead to rupture.

Is breast implant illness covered by insurance?

Breast implant illness is not typically covered by most insurance providers.

Is removal of breast implants dangerous?

There are risks that come with any surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz can help make sure your procedure is as safe and effective as possible, however.

What breast implants have been recalled?

BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders have been recalled.PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse) breast implants were made by a company that no longer exists and it is recommended for PIP implants to be removed.

What does capsular contracture look like?

Capsular contracture can occur in different severities, graded I-IV. Grades I and II are usually not noticeable, while Grades III-IV can cause visible distortion of the implants like hardness and displacement.

What happens if a breast implant pops?

This depends on the type of implant - if your implants are filled with saline, they will simply deflate and the filling will be safely absorbed by the body. If your implants are filled with silicone, they may not be noticeable since the gel will remain in place within the breast pocket.

What happens if breast implants are not replaced?

Breast implants do not necessarily need to be replaced every 10 years. If they remain in good shape and do not cause problems, you can typically keep them in place.

Will capsular contracture go away?

If capsular contracture is not severe, you can go about your daily life uninterrupted. If its severe, however, youll need to consult Dr. Azouz for a replacement procedure.

Can breast implants last a lifetime?

Breast implants are not meant to be lifelong medical devices. Dr. Azouz has many patients who have had their implants for many years.

Can saline implants cause autoimmune problems?

Saline implants are thought to be associated with a lower risk of complications than silicone implants. Dr. Azouz can discuss the best option for you during your consultation.

Can you die from breast implants?

There is a very low risk of life-threatening complications from breast implants. The risk of death during breast implant surgery is extremely low.

Can you get your breast implants removed?

Breast implant removal is a good option if you want to return to your natural breasts. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz can perform breast implant removal.

How do you know if my implants are leaking?

This can depend on the type of implant - saline implants will typically deflate which is very noticeable. Silicone implants may need medical screening to check for a leak.

How is BIA ALCL diagnosed?

BIA-ALCL can typically be diagnosed with a fluid biopsy but can also be diagnosed at the time of surgery.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant illness?

This can vary for each patient. Make sure to consult Dr. Azouz and give yourself plenty of time to rest.

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant removal costs vary significantly. This can be different based on factors like location, anesthesia, surgeons fees, recovery materials, and more. Dr. Azouz will discuss the fees at the time of consultation.

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture usually begins with symptoms like tightness, firmness, soreness, or visible asymmetry.

What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?

Breast implant illness comes with many different symptoms like fatigue, joint and muscle pain, low mood, headaches, and hair loss (to name a few). Make sure to consult your plastic surgeon if you begin experiencing unexplained symptoms.

What are the symptoms of silicone toxicity?

Silicone-reactive disorder can come with symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and swelling, dry eyes and mouth, rash, hair loss, and achiness.

What breast implants are linked to lymphoma?

BIA-ALCL seems to be linked to textured implants only.

What is implant bottoming?

Implant bottoming is when breast implants hang too low on the chest, usually below the natural breast crease.

What percentage of breast implants rupture?

Breast implant rupture is extremely rare - it occurs in about 1% of cases of breast augmentation patients. The risk can be higher for revisional augmentations.

When should you have breast implants replaced?

Breast implants do not necessarily need to be replaced every 10 years - they should be replaced if you experience rupture or detect any weaknesses that could lead to rupture.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant removal surgery?

Recovery from breast implant removal is generally very quick. Most patients can return to work a few days after surgery.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Breast implants can last for many years. Dr. Azouz has many patients who have had the same implants in place without problems for over thirty years.

Is breast implant removal an outpatient surgery?

Breast implant removal surgery is routinely an outpatient surgery with Dr. Azouz.

Breast Implant Removal Surgery Patient Review for Dr. Azouz

“I have my breast implants removed with Dr. David Azouz. I am so glad I had this surgery! I have seen an improvement in my overall health since the implants have been removed! So thankful that I found Dr. Azouz!!”

Read more patient reviews for Dr. Azouz