Breast Implant Removal
Conveniently Located to Serve Houston, Katy, and The Woodlands.
Las imágenes de la cara y el cuerpo que no sean del personal y los pacientes de la Dra, Rodríguez son modelos estándar
Some women request a breast implant removal because of changes in their lifestyle, changes in their personal aesthetic, or due to a rupture (deflation) of one or both implants. Once they are taken out, new implants do not need to be placed but they certainly can be if you desire. If you are located in the Houston area, breast implant removal decisions like these can be made in partnership with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Abigail Rodriguez.Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Removal?
You may be a good candidate for breast implant removal by Dr. Rodriguez if you:
- RHave realistic expectations for this procedure
- RAre a non-smoker and do not use any nicotine
- RHave good control over all health conditions
How is a Breast Implant Removal Performed?
The removal of breast implants is sometimes combined with a breast lift (mastopexy). When the implant is removed, the breast instantly loses the volume and perkiness that was added by the implant. For some patients, this can leave the breasts looking more deflated and droopy. This is more likely if you have large breast implants or if the breast skin is already loose. In this situation, a breast lift can be done at the same time to help bring the breast and nipple into a lifted and more youthful position.
For certain patients with smaller implants, removing the implants may not cause a deflated or droopy look. If your breast skin is healthy (no stretch marks or sagging), then the breast skin may tighten up naturally after the implant is removed. Typically, Dr. Rodriguez removes breast implants through an incision at the crease under the breast. If you already have a scar in this location, typically the same scar will be reopened. After meeting with you, Dr. Rodriguez will guide you on the appropriate plan for your anatomy and goals.
Breast implant removal can occasionally be done under local anesthesia, using a numbing medication injection to prevent pain during the procedure. This is a great option for patients who have breast implants that are intact (not ruptured), patients who do not require any capsule treatment, and patients who do not desire a breast lift or other procedures at the same time.
For patients who have hardened capsules around their breast implants or for patients who desire a breast lift (mastopexy) at the time of breast implant removal, Dr. Rodriguez will use general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the surgery. This is an outpatient surgery that can take 1-3 hours. You can return home the same day.
Pain after breast implant removal is usually minimal. Dr. Rodriguez uses a rapid recovery regimen of medications after surgery to help control pain and keep you comfortable.
Breast Implant Removal Recovery
You will have a soft sports bra placed on your chest during surgery. You should not wear an underwire bra until cleared by Dr. Rodriguez, typically around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
For patients who have implant removal only, most can return to work within a couple days after surgery. For patients undergoing implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy), most patients can return to work 1 week after surgery and start exercising again 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Breast Implant Removal FAQ's
How much does breast implant removal cost?
The cost of breast implant removal surgery is heavily patient-specific. In general, the price of your treatment plan will depend on whether one or both implants have ruptured, if your procedure is being combined with a breast lift or capsule removal, and other factors, such as the type of anesthesia (local vs. general). We offer financing through PatientFi® for qualifying patients.
How do I know if my implant is ruptured?
For saline implants, a rupture is often quickly noticeable as the breast may deflate, losing shape and size due to the body’s absorption of the saline. The body will absorb the saline and remove it from the body via urination. However, the saline implant shell will remain inside the breast. Dr. Rodriguez recommends you remove the saline implant shell if the implant has ruptured.
With silicone implants, the signs/symptoms of implant rupture may be nonexistent or subtle. In some cases, signs of implant rupture can include pain, swelling, changes in shape or size, or firmness of the breast. If needed, Dr. Rodriguez will order a high resolution ultrasound (sonogram): an inexpensive, reliable way to determine whether or not your silicone breast implants are ruptured. Rarely, an MRI is needed to assess silicone breast implants.
How should I prepare for breast implant removal surgery?
If you want or think you need breast implant removal surgery, the first step will be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez. She will listen to your concerns, perform an exam, and possibly utilize additional imaging to understand if your implants are ruptured.
If approved for surgery, Dr. Rodriguez will provide you with critical pre-operative instructions, including:
● Quit all nicotine use at least 4-6 weeks before the procedure.
● Avoid alcohol in the week leading up to your operation.
● Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after surgery, if required.
Will I lose weight after breast implant removal?
Typically, you will not lose weight after breast implant removal. Any weight loss after breast implant removal would be very minimal. The most common breast implant size weighs less than a pound.
How long are breast implants supposed to last?
Quality breast implants are typically designed to last 10, 15, 20 years or longer. It is not “required” to change breast implants every 10 years. Instead, Dr. Rodriguez adheres to the current FDA guidelines for implant monitoring and advises you to get a high resolution ultrasound every 2-3 years starting 5 years after they are placed.
Contact Us Today
Related Procedures
Breast Lift
Scar Revision
