Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver & Lone Tree, Colorado
Your breast augmentation results don’t have to be permanent. In fact, it’s completely natural for your preferences to change over time, and you may find that you no longer want breast implants. Breast implant removal surgery — also known as breast explant — is an option.
At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons are always here to meet your evolving breast surgery needs. In the end, we want to help you feel comfortable and beautiful.
Call us today at 303-706-1100 to learn more about cosmetic breast implant removal or to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients from Denver, Lone Tree, and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
Reasons to Remove Breast Implants Without Replacing Them
Breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices. At some point, old implants may need to be removed.
Many women remove their implants and replace them with new ones, in a process called implant exchange. This procedure allows women to maintain the results of their initial augmentation for a long time. However, there are several reasons why women may consider removing their breast implants without replacing them.
What Are The Main Reasons For Removing Breast Implants?
You may be interested in cosmetic implant removal if you want to change the appearance of your breasts. While your implants likely helped you achieve your aesthetic goals in the past, you may now want a more natural look.
It’s possible that you got your implants when you were in your 20s or 30s, and now you want a subtler breast profile. The decision to remove implants is incredibly personal, much like the decision to undergo breast augmentation.
Our surgeons can skillfully remove your implants to create the result that you desire. In some cases, women may benefit from combining their breast implant removal with a breast lift to address any potential sagging.
You may choose to remove your implants if you:
- Are no longer happy with the size, shape, or projection of your breasts due to implants
- Feel that your breast implants no longer align with your personal preferences or lifestyle
- Want your breasts to resemble their pre-augmentation appearance
- Have realistic goals and expectations for the procedure
BIA-ALCL
Some studies have suggested that women with certain types of breast implants may have a slightly increased risk of developing anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALCL is not breast cancer; it is a rare and often treatable form of T-cell lymphoma. When ALCL develops around a breast implant, it is sometimes referred to as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Research is being conducted on BIA-ALCL, but few definitive conclusions have been made about the relationship between breast implants and this disease. While we discuss ALCL with our breast augmentation patients, many people feel that the minimal potential risk does not outweigh the tremendous aesthetic and emotional benefits of breast augmentation.
Hundreds of thousands of breast augmentation procedures are performed in the United States every year. What’s more, breast implants are one of the most extensively studied medical devices.
However, some women may choose to remove their implants for peace of mind after learning about BIA-ALCL. Our surgeons will gladly discuss this subject with you, and they will move forward with implant removal if that is what you decide to do.
What Do I Need To Know About Removing Breast Implants?
If you are considering removing your breast implants, there are a few important things to know. Most importantly, the decision to remove breast implants is yours, and you get to call the shots. Do not let anyone try to dissuade you from doing what you feel is right for your unique situation.
Be aware that women have their breast implants removed for many different reasons. These reasons include correcting complications, meeting new aesthetic goals, and other motivations.
Finally, understand that breast implant removal may leave you with some sagging skin. It is up to you if you want to have a breast lift at the same time to improve your cosmetic results.
How Common Breast Implant Removals Can Be
Breast implant removal is more common than you might think. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 36,367 breast augmentation patients had their implants removed in 2020 in the U.S. That number represents an eight percent increase from the previous year.
Some breast reconstruction patients also chose to remove their implants. These patients were not accounted for in the data above. So, the actual number of implant removals is likely much higher.
Can I Have New Implants Placed After the Old Implants Are Removed?
Yes. You can choose to have new breast implants placed when you get your old ones removed. The procedure is a bit different than cosmetic breast implant removal or breast explant surgery. It is called breast implant exchange. If you want to remove and replace your breast implants, then breast implant exchange is going to be a better option for you than breast explant surgery.
Breast implant technology has improved a lot over the past few years. A growing number of women are choosing to replace their old implants with new ones in order to upgrade to innovative features, such as more durable shells or more cohesive and natural-feeling silicone.
Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?
You should not feel any pain during your breast implant removal surgery because the procedure is performed using general anesthesia. Our nurses will prepare you for postoperative care, including managing pain. This is generally not a procedure that is associated with a lot of postoperative pain.
How To Prepare For Breast Implant Removal
The first step in getting breast implant removal is to schedule a consultation. If a plastic surgeon tries to talk you out of the procedure — either by saying your implants look great or minimizing your concerns about potential health issues — then you should seek out a second opinion.
Once you find the right surgeon and decide to move forward, you will receive a detailed list of preoperative instructions. You may be asked to take various steps, including to:
- Stop smoking
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Arrange for transportation to and from surgery
What Is the Recovery Like?
Patients often find that it is much quicker and easier to recover from breast implant removal surgery than the initial implant placement procedure. Pain is typically minimal during recovery.
You will be able to do normal things such as showering and walking around within 24 hours. If your job does not involve heavy lifting or other strenuous activities, then you may also be back to work in a few days. Our surgeons can help determine when to return to your normal routine.
Keep in mind that your recovery experience may vary depending on the details of your surgery. For example, if you chose to undergo a breast lift at the same time, it may take longer to heal.
What Are the Signs That I Need Implant Removal?
Several signs may suggest the need for breast implant removal. These include:
- Persistent or increasing pain in the breast area.
- Noticeable asymmetry, distortion, or changes in the shape or position of the implants.
- Hardening of the breast.
- Deflation in saline implants or changes in firmness for silicone implants.
- Persistent redness, swelling, or tenderness around the implant.
- Unexplained fluid buildup around the implant.
Will My Breasts Return to Their Original Shape After Implant Removal?
Your breasts are unlikely to return to their original shape after implant removal. The implants may affect natural tissue and skin over time. Several factors influence the post-removal appearance of your breasts, including:
- Duration of Implants: The longer you've had implants, the more likely your breast tissue and skin will have stretched.
- Size of Implants: Larger implants may cause more significant stretching.
- Skin Elasticity: Younger individuals or those with better skin elasticity may experience less sagging or flattening.
- Age and Natural Aging: Age-related changes, such as skin tone and elasticity loss, may affect how your breasts look after implant removal.
- Weight Fluctuations: Considerable weight gain or loss can influence breast shape and firmness.
Is a Breast Lift Necessary After Removing Implants?
A breast lift is not always necessary after removing implants. Factors that determine whether you need a breast lift include:
- Skin Elasticity: More elastic skin means your breasts may regain a more youthful shape without a lift.
- Size and Weight of the Implants: Larger or heavier implants are more likely to stretch the skin and breast tissue over time.
- Duration of Implants: The longer you've had implants, the more likely the skin and tissues have stretched.
- Your Aesthetic Goals: If you desire a firmer, more lifted breast appearance, a breast lift can help.
- Natural Breast Size and Volume: If you have enough natural breast tissue, your breasts may look balanced and natural without a lift. For smaller breasts with less volume, sagging may be more noticeable post-removal.
Are There Visible Scars After Implant Removal?
Yes, there are generally visible scars after breast implant removal. However, their appearance is usually minimal and depends on the surgical technique. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Incision Location:
- Periareolar (around the nipple): An incision along the edge of the areola helps the scar blend with the natural border.
- Inframammary Fold (under the breast): Scars in this area hide in the natural crease beneath the breast.
- Axillary (underarm): Less common but avoids scars on the breast itself.
- Extent of Surgery: Simple implant removal may leave smaller, less noticeable scars. If a capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue around the implant) or additional procedures like a breast lift are performed, scarring may be more extensive.
- Healing and Scar Appearance: Scars generally fade and become less noticeable within 6–12 months. Genetics, skin type, and adherence to post-operative care impact scar healing.
Why Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery?
Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery for unparalleled care and expertise. Certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Christopher G. Williams and Dr. Jeremy Z. Williams bring experience and skill to every procedure.
Since 2000, our "first of its kind" surgical facility, Park Meadows Outpatient Surgery (PMOS), has set the standard in Colorado. As the first state-licensed, The Joint Commission-accredited surgery center in Douglas County, PMOS provides patients with a private, safe, and elegant outpatient experience.
Contact Our Denver Breast Implant Removal Surgeons
Some plastic surgeons may try to dissuade women from removing their breast implants without replacing them. At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, we will always respect the decisions that you make about your body, and we will work with you to achieve the outcome that you desire.
Schedule your consultation today by calling 303-706-1100. We welcome patients from Denver, Lone Tree, and nearby areas of Colorado.
