Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a significant decision that many women in Miami consider for various reasons. Whether it’s due to health concerns, aesthetic preferences, or the natural lifespan of the implants, the process involves making informed choices. Knowing what to expect in terms of procedure, recovery, and costs can help women feel empowered and prepared for their journey.
While implants can last many years, some women choose to remove them due to complications, changes in preference, or health concerns. Saline and silicone implants typically have a lifespan of 10–15 years, with newer ‘gummy bear’ implants lasting up to 20 years. Whether opting to stay without implants or replace them, the procedure offers women a chance to address their evolving needs.
Dr. Kachniarz, known professionally as Dr. K Miami, is a Harvard and Johns Hopkins-trained surgeon specializing in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. You can bet, you are in safe hands with him.
Reasons for Choosing Implant Removal
There are a number of reasons why someone you might be looking to get your breast implants removed.
- In some cases, individuals experience pain or discomfort due to their implants.
- Complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture often necessitate explant surgery.
- Aesthetic concerns can also play a role. Some may be dissatisfied with the appearance of their implants over time (e.g., if they sag or shift) or prefer a more natural look.
- Others might want to remove their implants due to lifestyle changes or significant weight loss, feeling a smaller breast size is more appropriate for their current physique.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) and BIA-ALCL
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by some patients to describe a range of symptoms that they believe are linked to their implants. While BII is not yet fully understood or officially recognized as a medical condition, ongoing studies are exploring possible links between breast implants and various symptoms. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, breathing difficulties, skin issues, skin problems and other symptoms. Also, many women report relief from symptoms after explant surgery, with one study finding that 96% of women experiencing BII symptoms felt better after implant removal.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a very rare type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. It is more commonly associated with textured implants. Factors that may contribute to its development include bacterial contamination during surgery, implant age, or genetic predisposition. Diagnosis typically involves swelling, lumps, or pain near the implant site. If you experience any of these early, unusual changes in your breast, it might be a sign of BIA-ALCL, where you’ll need to consult with your surgeon immediately.
En bloc capsulectomy is often the preferred method for addressing BIA-ALCL, as it removes the implant and surrounding tissue comprehensively.
Differentiating Explantation and Replacement
Explantation refers to the removal of breast implants without replacing them. This process might involve simply taking out the implants or performing additional procedures like a capsulectomy—removal of the scar tissue capsule around the implant.
Breast implant replacement involves removing the old implants and inserting new ones. This is often chosen by women who still desire the benefits of implants but wish to address complications with their current implants or change the size and style of their implants.
Initial Consultation
Choosing a surgeon is critical for breast implant removal. In Miami, there are many experienced professionals. Dr. Kachniarz is a leading surgeon in Miami known for his gentle touch and skillful eye.
Patients should feel comfortable and Dr. Kachniarz does everything he can to help his patients feel at ease.
Potential patients should consider surgeons with board certifications and positive reviews. Scheduling a consultation allows patients to discuss their specific needs and concerns. Contact us today for easy appointment scheduling.
During the consultation, expect a thorough breast examination and discussion of your goals. The surgeon may show before-and-after photos of similar cases to help set realistic expectations and explain potential procedures like breast lifts (mastopexy) or fat transfer.
Assessment and Candidacy
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kachniarz will perform a thorough physical examination to evaluate the current state of your implants, checking for any complications such as capsular contracture or rupture.
He will also review your medical history to determine your overall health status, helping him understand any potential risks or complications that might arise during surgery.
He will explain that not everyone is a good candidate for breast implant removal. Your overall health, reasons for removal, and expectations will be carefully assessed. Additionally, he may discuss the possibility of additional procedures, like a breast lift, that might be beneficial for you.
Discussing Expectations and Outcomes
Clear communication about your expectations and desired results is crucial. Have an honest discussion with Dr. Kachniarz about what you hope to achieve.
He will explain the potential outcomes, including any changes in body image or appearance, helping you understand the recovery process and any possible scarring or changes in breast shape.
This transparency will make you feel more confident and prepared for the surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Dr. Kachniarz will provide you with specific instructions and everything you need to know prior to your surgery. Patients might need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding.
Patients are advised to fast for 8–12 hours before surgery. This usually means not eating or drinking anything (including water) past midnight if surgery is scheduled in the morning.
For those who are smokers, quitting smoking for at least several weeks before and after surgery is strongly recommended, as smoking can interfere with healing.
Patients should avoid strenuous activity the day before surgery. It’s also important to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours of recovery.
The Procedure
Breast implant removal typically involves:
- Making an incision, often using the original augmentation site
- Removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue
- Repairing and tightening the breast pocket if needed
- Closing the incisions
For some cases, particularly with ruptured silicone implants, an en bloc capsulectomy may be recommended. This technique removes the implant and surrounding capsule as one unit, minimizing the risk of silicone escaping into the body.
Anesthesia Options
During the procedure, the patient typically undergoes local anesthesia with an anesthesiologist who will be there monitoring the patient’s vital signs throughout the surgery. Some patients may discuss general anesthesia, but it’s not usually necessary for this procedure.
The choice of anesthesia should be discussed in detail with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, taking into account the patient’s medical history and personal preferences. Proper anesthesia ensures the procedure is pain-free and allows the surgeon to focus on achieving the best results.
Incision Techniques
The type of incision used can greatly affect the outcome of breast implant removal. Commonly, incisions are made in the crease under the breast. This allows surgeons to remove the implant with minimal visible scarring.
Capsulectomy
For patients undergoing a capsulectomy, this is where the surrounding scar tissue or “capsule” is also removed, which is tissue that might have around the implant. During capsulectomy, incisions are typically made in the same location as the original implant surgery. The procedure may involve removing only the capsule tissue or both the implant and capsule together.
Capsulectomy is typically performed for the following reasons:
- Capsular Contracture: This is a common complication where the capsule tightens and hardens around the implant, causing pain, discomfort, and distortion of the breast shape. Capsular contracture is classified into four grades, ranging from normal breast appearance and feel (Grade 1) to visible distortion and pain (Grade 4).
- Implant Removal or Replacement: When breast implants are being removed or replaced, the surgeon may also remove the capsule to address any existing complications or to prevent future issues.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: In cases where an implant has ruptured or is leaking, removing the capsule can help prevent further complications and inflammation.
By removing everything as one unit, this procedure aims to prevent contamination or spread of any potential silicone or bacterial leakage.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
A En Bloc Capsulectomy is the removal of the breast implant along with the scar tissue capsule together without opening the capsule. En bloc capsulectomy is particularly beneficial for cases involving silicone implant rupture, significant fluid accumulation, extensive calcification, or a diagnosis of breast implant illness.
Reconstruction or Lifting After Implant Removal
Many patients will be looking for other procedures after their implant removal. This is often done in order to correct any asymmetry, or in order to lift the breast through a breast lift procedure.
Fat transfer (or fat grafting) is another option some patients consider after implant removal. This procedure uses excess fat from other areas of the body to augment the breasts naturally, providing more subtle, natural feeling enhancement.
Immediate reconstruction or lifting can sometimes extend the surgery time. Patients should discuss their goals with their surgeon to determine if combining procedures is the right choice for them.
Choosing reconstruction or lifting often depends on the elasticity of the skin, the size of the implants, and the overall desired outcome for breast appearance post-surgery.
Post-Operative Recovery
Pain and discomfort are common after surgery with most patients experiencing bruising and swelling. You can be prescribed pain medications to help manage this. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen may also be recommended for mild pain. Ice packs can be applied to reduce swelling and bruising.
Fortunately, many patients find breast implant removal less painful than their original augmentation. Compression garments can also be worn to help minimize swelling, support the healing tissues, and improve blood circulation.
Patients are usually advised to wear these garments for several weeks post-surgery. Proper use of these garments can significantly enhance recovery and reduce discomfort.
Make sure the garment fits snugly but isn’t too tight. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how long and how often to wear it.
Full recovery from surgery can take up to 6 months, with 4 weeks usually being the allocated time needed for bruising and swelling to go down. While most can return to work within days, avoid strenuous activities for 4–6 weeks.
Patients typically wear a surgical bra for 2–3 weeks post-surgery. Depending on the procedure, surgical drains may be necessary for up to 10 days to help reduce swelling. Most swelling subsides within 2 weeks, but patients should wait about a month before resuming strenuous activities or exercise. Dr. K. often recommends wearing a supportive bra for about 3 months post-surgery to maintain optimal breast shape during healing.
How Much Does a Breast Implant Removal Cost in Miami?
The cost of breast implant removal in Miami can vary widely, depending on several factors like complexity of the procedure but typically ranges between $2,000–$8,000.
Insurance and Payment Options
Insurance coverage for breast implant removal may not be available but in some cases, if it is a medical necessity, for example, if implants are causing health issues like capsular contracture, insurance might cover some or all of the costs. However, this is something that should be talked with directly with your insurance provider beforehand.
For those without insurance coverage, many clinics offer financing options. Payment plans through healthcare credit companies like CareCredit can help spread out costs over time.
Your Body Image After Surgery
After removing breast implants, many experience a shift in body image. People might feel more comfortable in their natural shape or need time to adjust. Some find an increase in self-confidence, appreciating their natural appearance more.
Others may initially struggle with how they look without implants. Support from friends, family, or a counselor can be helpful. Self-esteem can slowly build as they become more comfortable with their bodies.
It’s important to remember each journey is personal and unique.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Routine self-exams are important to monitor any changes in breast tissue. Proper support, like well-fitted bras, helps maintain comfort and appearance.
A healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition and regular exercise, supports overall well-being. Removing implants doesn’t end the need for ongoing care, but it simplifies some aspects, eliminating the need for checks related to implant integrity.
Establishing new habits for self-care can lead to long-term satisfaction and maintenance of natural breast health.
Note that recent FDA statements acknowledge that implanted medical devices, including breast implants, may cause inflammatory reactions and tissue changes in some patients. Ongoing monitoring, open communication, and annual follow-ups with Dr. K are recommended to monitor long-term results and ensure timely breast imaging as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can breast implants be removed without leaving scars?
Most breast implant removal surgeries are performed using the original incision sites to minimize additional scarring. While some scarring is inevitable, skilled surgeons aim to place incisions in less noticeable areas and use advanced techniques to reduce their appearance over time.
What are the common risks associated with breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal, like any surgical procedure, carries several potential risks and complications such as: Bleeding, Blood clots, Infection, Seroma (fluid accumulation), Slow healing, Loss of sensation, Change in breast appearances
Does Insurance Cover my explant surgery?
Generally, insurance companies may cover the cost of explant surgery if it is deemed medically necessary due to health complications or capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, chronic pain, or breast implant-associated illness
Will my breasts look the same after implant removal?
After implant removal, your breasts may appear deflated, saggy, or asymmetrical, depending on factors like the size of the implants, skin elasticity, and the amount of natural breast tissue. Some patients opt for additional procedures, such as a breast lift, to improve the appearance of their breasts after implant removal.
Will removing implants increase my breast cancer risk?
No, studies have not found a correlation between implant removal and increased breast cancer risk.
Can I remove implants now and replace them later?
Yes, though replacing implants later may involve addressing additional scar tissue.
Will my breasts look flat after implant removal?
Some flattening is normal after implant removal. However, if you have good skin elasticity, your breasts may retain some of their shape. Many women opt for a breast lift if they’re unhappy with sagging after implant removal.